2019 Shelby GT350 Drops, Gifts You With Faster Lap Times

Ford has given the 2019 Shelby GT350 a once-over for the 2019 model year, and the pony car boasts numerous improvements to amplify track and street performance, the automaker announced on Monday.

Power keeps steady for the Mustang at 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque from the 5.2-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane V8 engine, but it’s the suspension, tires, and aerodynamics that see the engineering love.

Ford tapped Billy Johnson, driver of the FIA World Endurance Ford GT and Mustang GT4, to dial in the 2019 Shelby GT350. With Johnson’s tuning input, engineers made upgrades to the GT350’s MagneRide active suspension with recalibrated springs and damping. At all four corners, new 295/35 front and 305/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires improve stiffness, acceleration, and braking performance and feature a Shelby GT350-specific tread pattern. Ford did not provide updates performance statistics, however.

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On the aerodynamic front, the 2019 Shelby GT350 will be offered with a new rear-spoiler design and an optional Gurney flap. Again, Ford was light on details, but the optional Gurney flap will deliver greater aerodynamic efficiency. Plenty of time in the wind tunnel also led to a new grille closeout to further improve aero.

Aside from the changes and tweaks to the suspension and aero bits, Ford also gave the interior a freshening. Upon plopping down into the driver’s seat, a new standard machined aluminum instrument panel sits front and center. Buyers will also have the option of a carbon-fiber version. Peering around the cabin reveals new door panel inserts in dark slate suede with accent stitching, while Recaro seats remain standard, but gain a power-adjustable option.

New features and technology include a standard 8-inch touchscreen unit with SYNC 3, 12-speaker B&O PLAY audio system, and dual-zone climate control is now also standard equipment.

2019 Shelby GT350 production will begin in early 2019 with availability shortly thereafter.

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