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In 2020, Ford announced it wouldn’t produce the Shelby GT350 anymore. However, is there any possibility that the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is in plan or production?
Considering that its designated power is meant to tackle more challenging, off-road performances, the fact that Shelby Mustang GT350 can provide a comfortable city ride is quite impressive. If you care more about on-track performance and don’t mind your vehicle being slightly less comfy on the road, you can opt for its sibling, GT350R. As it has been a couple of years since the discontinuation of this model is announced, the rumor of the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 comeback has started to float around the online realm. How likely is the return of this iconic vehicle shortly? Discover in the following.
The Discontinuation Story of Mustang GT350
Being one of the most known Ford Mustang variants due to its high performance, Shelby’s GT350 is deemed a revolutionary model for the brand. In 1969-1970, Ford began to reign over the GT350 production because the original owner fell out. The model made its appearance back in 2011. The last generation of this era is a capable and comfortable vehicle available in automatic or manual transmission.
However, it is unfortunate that the cycle production was ceased once again. In 2020, Ford announced that the GT350 would no longer be produced after the 2021 model, right after it was released with GT500. It was also reported that Mach 1 would take the GT350’s place in the following years, with some borrowed elements from the iconic model.
The chance of the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 making a grand comeback is meager. However, it’s not without reasons that the model has successfully cemented itself as one of the most legendary models from the Ford Mustang lineup. It is equipped with a 5.2L V8 engine capable of generating 526 HP, which is nicknamed Voodoo that produces such blaring, shrieking sound that makes the car sounds more like a Ferrari than a Ford. Yet, the model is surprisingly tolerable for everyday usage, with steady steering, excellent brakes, and tenacious grip.
By a glance at its interior, you may find that the Shelby GT350 carries a typical Ford Mustang design, with spacious legroom for the front passenger and a combination between retro and modern styling. However, it does bring some distinctiveness, such as the Shelby badging and the faux-suede trim.
The Shelby GT350 is also equipped with Sync 3 as its standard infotainment feature, with an appealing and user-friendly interface and intelligent device connectivity options, even though it has some flaws, such as the lack of customization and sluggish response time. On the other hand, the audio system comes off as satisfying with a high-quality 12-speaker B&O audio solution.
The Mach 1 as the Shelby GT350 Substitution
The report of Mustang GT350 discontinuation is upsetting for muscle car enthusiasts. As there’s no official announcement yet of the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 production or for any near future, it is best to appreciate the powerful vehicle that has become a legendary name.
As mentioned above, the news of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 end of an era is accompanied by its new replacement: the Mach 1. The Mustang Mach 1 is not a brand-new nameplate either, as it was initially produced in 1968 and lived up until 1978, before making a brief appearance in 2003-2004, and finally makes its way back to the market in 2021.
After 17 years of hiatus, the comeback marks the 5th installment of this Shelby GT350 predecessor. It features a 5.0-liter V8 Coyote engine that promises 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque – roughly similar to the Mustang Bullit. Several components are rented from the Mustang GT350, such as the engine oil cooler, oil-filter adapter, intake manifold, and identical subframe for the rear and front sections. As of now, it is safe to say that Mach 1 is as close as the public can get with the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.
Is It Over and Has No Chance of Coming Back?
So, is the 2023 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 impossible, and the nameplate is gone forever? Considering it is Ford being talked about, it is tough to say that the model is gone for good – as the manufacturer is famous for releasing a discontinued vehicle back. Some experts say that the GT350 will make a revival at some point, as the heritage of this car is too integral to the Mustang lineup.