Thanks to a brilliant-sounding, high-revving flat-plane-crank V8, plus a bevy of other novel equipment like magnetorheological shocks and lightweight carbon-fiber wheels, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang can never quite be called “old hat.” Even today, more than a year after its North American launch, it’s being compared to some much-more-expensive track toys from the world over, including Germany.
In the video above from CNET’s Roadshow, the outlet tries the lauded Shelby GT350R against the Dodge Viper ACR and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, each of which costs several times more. On-hand to evaluate the three track-oriented machines are Roadshow Editor-In-Chief Tim Stevens, Editor Alex Goy, and Reviews Editor Emme Hall.
The Shelby GT350R, though substantially slower than the other two cars present, was praised by the Roadshow staff for its swiftness nonetheless. Its cornering ability, satisfying exhaust note, comfortable seating, and overall fun-to-drive all received compliments, as well, with Alex Goy even saying the engine “sounds like something out of Italy.” About the only attribute deemed sub-par was the steering, which the editors found a bit too vague.
Was all that enough to put the Shelby GT350R on top in this fierce competition between track-focused thoroughbreds? Watch the latest from Roadshow above to find out.
Comments
Where are the track times?? Why have these cars together if you cant race them around the track to see who is fastest??? Why are we hearing comments on the infotainment system when these are clearly TRACK versions of the respective models. If I want a nice sound system or infotainment I will NOT or GT3RS, or ACR or the Gt350R.!!! 0-60 times or even 1/4 times are NOT indicators as to how good a care can handle!! Why not more comments on how the car handles besides all the irrelevant comments? If I buy a track version of a car why would I care about the engine being too loud or the radio quality???? By the way no other leading publication has complained about the mustangs steering feel. This is all BS. I will never ready or listen any other publications you guys put out. You guys put 3 excellent cars together and didnt even know what to do or say about them. You suck!
Man, the GT350 doesn’t sound like anything out of Italy or anywhere else for that matter. Thanks to the funky even for a flat-plane-crank V8 it is one of the most unique sounding engines on the planet. The GT350 will go down as one of the really special Fords, not because it was the fastest or even the best handling but it’s a car where they got everything right from the way it drives to the sound it makes to the way it looks and how it was priced (a comparable Mach 1 (Mach 1 w/handling pack) was more expensive and the Dark Horse is also proving true in that regard and they are nowhere near as special as the GT350.