After being revealed at Barrett Jackson in 2010 as a celebration of the original 1965 Shelby GT350’s 45th anniversary, the 2012 GT350 made its world debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
The GT350 model is based on the most current Ford Mustang GT and is priced at $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged). The price, however, doesn’t include the base car which will tack on another $22,000 - $40,000 depending on your preferences.
A convertible version is a welcomed change for 2012 considering the last convertible to be offered was back in 1970. Red and blue will also get added to the list of exterior colors which will make the limited run of 350 models sell out as fast as water in the desert.
"Last year, we brought back the GT350 45 years after it was launched," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "They look and sound just like the ones we built in 1965. We’re repeating history by offering two additional colors and building a few convertibles for the second year of production."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Shelby GT350 Mustang.
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT was only offered in a white exterior color with Guardsman Blue Le Mans racing stripes running the length of the vehicle, but 2012 will see two new colors in Race Red with white LeMans stripes and Kona Blue with white LeMans stripes. The convertible will offer a new optional light bar with other options including a once piece drive shaft and color coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.
The extensive body kit includes a revised front fascia, side rockers with brake ducts, rear bumper, and decklid. New taillights and custom GT350 badges further distinguish this special model and bring back memories of past models. The serialized dash plate with individual numbering for each GT350 produced will undoubtedly become important in the future as these cars find their way into collectors’ garages.
"When it comes to performance of the current generation GT350, our team did a great job right out of the gate," quipped Gary Patterson, vice president of operations at Shelby American. "The GT350 leaves its mark on the street that says ‘a Shelby was here’. That’s why we’re packing the ‘12 model with all the same performance as the 2011 Shelby’s."
Performance
The 2012 Shelby GT350 will deliver the same performance numbers as the 2011 model with a 5.0L V8 delivering 430 HP normally aspirated, 525 HP supercharged, or 624 HP supercharged version. The addition of a Whipple supercharger and Borla exhaust system have really allowed this V8 to take on a life of its own. An automatic transmission is optional with the normally aspirated engine, but some will go towards the short throw shifter manual transmission because they actually enjoy to drive.
Keeping the powerful engine under control will be an upgraded suspension system designed by Shelby to give the Mustang reduced body roll and more variability to create custom track setups. Custom ERADISPEED rear rotors in conjunction with Bear 6-piston brakes take care of the car at the corners and bring it to a stop effectively versus the stock items.
Prices
The GT350 package can now be ordered at Shelby dealers and is priced at $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged), not including the base car which gets a price tag of about $22,000 - $40,000 depending on the trim.
Considering that founder Carroll Shelby is one of the most revered race drivers the United States has ever seen and that his shop has been building the most innovative performance oriented Ford models for over 50 years; it is clear to see that the 2012 GT350 will provide the increased performance and nostalgic appeal that consumers are looking for even at the increased price.
Competition
The GT350 Mustang takes on models like the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The SS Camaro is powered by a powerful 6.2L V8 engine that delivers a total of 422 HP and 408 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SRT8 gets a 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 powertrain with 470 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
The past has shown that Shelby cars strike fear into the hearts of Chevrolet and Mopar fans everywhere. With the recent introduction of the ZL1 Camaro it seems as though Ford has gone to its secret weapon once again. Back in the mid-1960’s Ford’s Mustang was far from a proven track performer and was much in need of a performance boost. Shelby and his team were given the task of turning those original Mustangs into track machines and they did just that, helping those early GT350 models crush the competition.
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