Shelby American Reveals GT350 & Shelby GT350R
Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R are making a comeback for both street and track, with a Trans Am Spec Car under development
Today the motorsports world took notice as Shelby American took the spotlight at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, unveiling the 2025 Shelby GT350. This remarkable machine, boasting a staggering 810 horsepower, claims the title of the most powerful Shelby GT350 ever produced. Its debut comes six decades to the day after Carroll Shelby first introduced the iconic original. Enthusiasts can look forward to the Shelby GT350 as a street car, while the track-ready GT350R, equipped with parts from Shelby's upcoming Trans Am spec race car, promises an exhilarating experience for racing aficionados.
“Sixty years ago, the Shelby GT350 marked a new chapter in performance and motorsports history,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “It was Shelby's first model based on the Ford Mustang, the perfect follow-up to the ground-breaking Shelby Cobra. Shelby American poured its performance expertise into the 1965 Mustang, turning it into an iconic international sports car. We followed the same strategy for 2025 and collaborated with industry leaders to create this very special Shelby car.”
Shelby American has meticulously refined the GT350 street version, enhancing its suspension, exhaust, aesthetics, and various components to elevate the street driving experience. This powerful fastback, equipped with a robust 5.0L V8 engine, comes in two exhilarating variants: one delivering 480 horsepower and the other a staggering 810 supercharged horsepower. Buyers can choose between a manual or automatic transmission to suit their driving style. The Shelby GT350 stands out by offering remarkable performance at a competitive price point, with the supercharged model starting at an MSRP of $109,999, which includes the donor car itself.
“The Shelby GT350 and the Shelby GT350R are back for 2025,” said Gary Patterson, President of Shelby American. “Just as Carroll Shelby envisioned in 1965, this sports car is designed to be exhilarating and competitive on both the street and track. The Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R each have unique personalities that are very different from our halo Shelby Super Snake. The 2025 Shelby GT350 models are pure sports car, while the Shelby Super Snake is the highest performance super car in our lineup.”
“We increased horsepower by almost 70 percent, tuned the suspension, opened up the exhaust, smoothed the aerodynamics and gave it more sex appeal,” said Vince LaViolette, Vice President of Operations and Senior Designer at Shelby American. “The styling is based on functionality, giving the Shelby GT350 a purposeful look. However, the suspension is still supple enough to drive every day without sacrificing comfort.”
The 2025 Shelby GT350R, designed for the streets, boasts an impressive 830+ horsepower and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Staying true to its 1965 roots, only 36 of these stunning vehicles will be produced, all in a striking white finish, with the option of two distinctive painted stripes and graphics packages. Buyers can choose between the historic race package in gold, silver, or black, or the blue and white Shelby heritage package.
This street-legal powerhouse is not just about looks; it features a carbon fiber interior 'tub', optional racing seats and harnesses crafted from carbon fiber, and sleek carbon fiber trim. An integrated roll cage enhances safety, while the Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports Trans AM spec high-speed carbon fiber Aero package ensures aerodynamic excellence. The fully adjustable JRI race struts and shocks with remote reservoirs, along with ProSystems Alcon racing brakes and a host of chassis upgrades, make this car a true track contender. The MSRP will be revealed soon.
“While the Shelby GT350 street car is civilized enough for a daily commute, the Shelby GT350R was built for the serious weekend track warrior,” said La Violette. “Embracing the character of the 1965 competition model Shelby, our focus was on lightening the car, sharpening the performance and keeping it cool on the road course.”
The 36 Shelby GT350R model cars are set to be built in Michigan, thanks to a partnership with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports, a company renowned for its rich legacy in American performance and racing. With extensive knowledge in performance components, racing, and specialized low-volume projects, they offer the skills, parts, services, and support necessary to transform a vision into a tangible masterpiece.
Not only is Turn Key partnering with Shelby American to create the street-legal Shelby GT350R, but they are also working on an exclusive track-only variant of the iconic sports car, designed specifically for competition in Trans Am. As an authorized builder of SGT and GT vehicles for Trans Am, Turn Key boasts an impressive track record.
Nick Cavanaugh | @Car_Sick_Nick | All Roads Lead to The Motor City
