2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R to add GT500’s chassis upgrades

The 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R will be getting some enhancements from its big brother, the all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford announced today.

To improve handling and steering response on the track-focused Shelby GT350R, it will feature revised front suspension geometry along with the GT500’s high-trail steering knuckle. The middle Shelby in the 2020 Mustang lineup will also get a new steering rack and recalibrated electrical power-assisted steering.

“It’s always been our plan to take the latest innovations from the GT500 program and strategically apply them across the Mustang lineup,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer, in a statement. “These latest updates to the GT350R keep its performance competitive and on the top of its game, whether that’s on the track or on the street.”

Track enthusiasts will appreciate lightweight carbon-fiber wheels that are standard equipment. Weight is further reduced by deleting the rear seat and eliminating the exhaust resonators. Deleting the secondary mufflers gives the GT350R a more aggressive exhaust tone, as well.

While folks outside the new Shelby GT350R will enjoy the new exhaust note, driver and passengers can enjoy the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system that’s part of an available Technology Package that includes a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, Cobra puddle lamps, and voice-activated navigation.

Further differentiating the GT350R from standard GT350 models is a larger front lip splitter and rear wing, along with red brake calipers, red pin striping, red contrast stitching on the interior, and Shelby GT350R badges inside and out.

For 2020, the regular Shelby GT350 will be getting two new colors, Iconic Silver and Red Hot Metallic, and two “heritage” colors, Grabber Lime and Twister Orange, that hearken back to the 1970s. All 2020 Mustangs, Shelbys included, will have FordPass Connect as standard equipment. With that feature, owners can use a smartphone app to locate their parked car, lock and unlock it, check fuel and oil levels, and receive maintenance alerts.

We’ll have pricing and availability information on all the 2020 Shelby Mustangs when Ford releases it later this year.