Tonymustang302
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2019
- Threads
- 25
- Messages
- 1,095
- Reaction score
- 661
- Location
- Chicagoland burbs, IL
- First Name
- Tony
- Vehicle(s)
- 2017 Turbo GT, 2019 GT350 racecar, 2021 GT500
INITIAL THOUGHTS ON THE SHELBY GT350:
This has always been in my mind the Halo car from the S550 generation that made its debut in 2015. I remember going to a local dealership where they had a brand new 2016 (tech pkg) in Avalanche Gray. It was unlike any Mustang I'd ever seen and had such a intimidating presence. I was able to test drive several used models in the past, but I came to the conclusion that it was pretty useless to do so as you really cannot get a feel for this car on a test drive.
My drive back from Indiana in January felt somewhat like a test drive because I was driving on Michelin Cup2 tires in 40 degree weather. The MPSS tires are now installed and I have to say I notice a significant difference in reduced tramlining and overall confidence. The car feels smaller, lighter than my previous GT's with quicker steering response and precise handling. I made the mistake with my first GT of throwing a lot of mechanical and suspension mods on the car relatively quickly without thinking through what I really wanted. The final result was not good and I really struggled with enjoying the driving experience afterwards. Looking back i probably should have kept at it and re-adjusted some things, but by that time I was wanting to try the convertible. Both experiences have given me an appreciation for this car and it's differences.
Interior feels up scaled a bit from the previous model years, although I never complained about the interiors as I think all of the Mustang's interiors with the S550 refresh have been solid. The upgraded B/O stereo system is nice and little touches like the start button matching the shift knob, soft touch materials on door trim/side of center console, as well as the cobra puddle lamps are appreciated. It feels closer to the GT premium interior but without the My Color and ambient lighting which I miss. Visibility is great, probably the best out of all 3 Mustangs i have owned, with the exception of the vert top down. My model does have the BLIS feature which I am so appreciative of; I really like this feature as a secondary warning and I was never a big fan of the small extended view mirrors mounted in the upper corner on previous models. My brain just couldn't process that for some reason on other vehicles i've driven in the past.
Appearance wise it's just hard to describe how good this car looks.... the stance....lines, etc.. attracts a lot of attention, looks, waves, smiles. I appreciate the active exhaust feature as I can shut off the valves and be covert if I choose to be.
Performance wise, the GT350 is probably the perfect car for me as I am not a fan of instant torque which presses you into your seat from stop light to stop light. I will probably never own an electric sports car (I know, never say never) as the on/off switch of instant torque that takes you from 0-60 in 2-3 seconds never appealed to me. I hated driving my wife's Sienna mini van because it had that on/off switch feel. The car feels composed and almost docile when driving on the street. It's just doesn't have an intimidating feel in regards to acceleration when just cruising around town, which is mind boggling when you think of the performance capabilities of this car.
My wife actually was behind the wheel on the first real spirited drive since taking it out of storage. It's a long story, but guys remember to put your wife first, lol. I was very interested in her perception of the vehicle as she had driven both of my GT's extensively. I hate to say it, but she is as proficient or perhaps even more driving a manual sports car. Her first comment was "this feels very different" as she recognized the overall handling capability and nimbleness of the 350.
She was a little confused at first with the lack of immediate torque, but once I explained the expanded rev range of 8250 and the torque curve she very quickly started doing pulls up to 7500+ which put me back in my seat every time. We both chuckled and had grins on our faces for literally an hour as we did pull after pull. Her comment was "that's pretty incredible" I realized during our venture that you can still have a LOT of fun with this car while obeying the law and staying safe. I will say that the torque curve does come on pretty quickly when you have some room to run with this car, I was expecting a "lag" per se, but step on the gas aggressively and the torque curve comes on quick and it will pull you back in your seat. You quickly realize that the 526HP is no joke. This was on fairly straight country roads without aggressive curves, anxious to get it out in the twisties and eventually on the track.
Looking forward to more experiences with the car as I get to know it more. I still feel like i'm driving it home from the dealership for the first time every time I get into it. The car has such a wide range of capabilities that I'm just scratching the surface of.
Northwoods shelby club is doing a track day at elkhart this month
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