New colors and a standard track package, among other changes, make the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 more potent than ever.
Ponycar battle
Not that the Dodge Challenger isn't in the mix (especially considering the ferocious 707-horsepower Hellcat version), but when discussing the ponycar sales war, it comes down to the two heavyweights in the segment, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
For those of us that grew up in the original muscle car era, to quote Yogi Berra, "It's like déjà vu all over again" watching the two Detroit automakers, once again, battling it out in the segment.
The latest salvo was fired by Ford earlier today, when it announced that the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang would be receiving a number of standard upgrades for the 2017 model year.
2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
"Ford Performance is always listening to customer feedback," said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "At the end of last year we started offering a back seat option for Shelby GT350R due to customer demand. Now, we have adjusted the packages available to continue to provide more of what customers want on the Shelby GT350 Mustang."
Accordingly, the Track Package is now standard on the Shelby GT350 Mustang for the 2017 model year making the model, as Ford describes it, "the most track-capable, race-ready Mustang ever built."
Here is a rundown on all the new features for 2017 Shelby GT350 Mustang:
- Standard Track Package featuring aluminum tower-to-tower brace; high-downforce decklid spoiler; engine oil, transmission and differential coolers; MagneRide damping system
- Three new colors – Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue – replace Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange
- Two new available packages – Electronics Package includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system; Convenience Package includes the same options, and replaces manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sport seats
- Available audio system upgrade from seven to nine speakers with Electronics Package, Convenience Package and R-Electronics Package
