6 Things We Know About the 2018 GT350 Mustang
Every modern Mustang has performance Carol Shelby would have killed for in the 1960s, even the EcoBoost. For 2017 Mustang gets a new look, but the Shelby models stick with last years sheet metal, though there are other updates.
1. They're Back!
Are you in love with the Shelby GT350 and GT350R and don't want them to go away? Like your favorite movie star sex symbol, they are back again with only minor changes for next year, but, like all beautiful creatures made of metal, or flesh-and-bone, they won't be around forever—newer models are always nipping at their heels. 2018 should be your last chance to take home a GT350 in the body-style you see here, with the rest of the Mustang line-up getting a facelift, the Shelbys can't be far behind. The other 2018 V-8 Mustang GTs are also getting 10-speed automatics, so if manually changing gears is an essential part of your driving experience, you might not have much time left to choose the 6 speed manual.
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2. Three New Colors
Returning along with the Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox is the 526hp, 429 lb-ft, 5.2 liter V-8 with its flat-plane crankshaft and 8,250 rpm redline. Also making repeat appearances are the MagneRide damping system, the substantial Brembo brakes and the huge 19 inch wheels with their sticky 295/front 305/rear ZR rated tires. But about those new colors, say hello to Kona Blue (pictured above), Orange Fury, and Lead Foot Gray.
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3. What Price Power?
Ford hasn't announced official pricing, but expect it to be somewhat north of this year's levels. For the 2017 GT350 that means a starting price of around $56,145, which includes standard Recaro seats with Miko sueded sport inserts. This year the GT350R with its carbon fiber wheels, carbon fiber rear wing and deleted rear seats begins at $63,645—if you can get one for list.
>>Join the conversation about the 2018 GT350 Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
4. New GT500 for 2018
So this one isn't really about the GT350, but we can all look forward to a new GT500 (seen testing, above) in 2018, probably. It will be based around the new 2018 Mustang body style and we're all holding our breath to see how it stacks up against the 707hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and the new Chevy Camaro ZL1 with its 650hp (not to mention the 840hp SRT Challenger Demon). The last Shelby GT500 made 662hp from a supercharged 5.8 liter V-8 and had a retail price starting at $55,110, so expect the new one to start somewhere over $65,000 and be available with the new 10-speed Tremec automatic transmission.
>>Join the conversation about the 2018 GT350 Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
5. Line Lock on all 2018 Mustangs
One thing we know for sure: Ford has announced that Line Lock will be available on all 2018 Mustangs, from the EcoBoost turbo four all the way on up, manual and automatic transmissions alike. Line Lock engages the front brakes for up to 15 seconds while you plant your foot and smoke the rear tires; of course this is strictly for getting heat into the tires for drag racing and is never ever used just for fun... like this.
>>Join the conversation about the 2018 GT350 Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
6. Something Else to Hold You Over
Ford knows a year is a long time between model introductions, even when the new model is largely unchanged from the previous year's. So what else have they been doing besides burnouts? They've brought out their microphones and taken them on the road... literally. Again this isn't strictly Shelby but it sure is a lot of fun— Ford has given a free 2018 Mustang 5.0 liter V-8 ringtone to the world. According to the automaker: "Ford engineers mounted microphones on a Mustang GT equipped with the new Active Valve Performance Exhaust. They recorded the sound of the valves opening and closing as the car revved in Track mode." Go here for instructions on how to download it. If you want to skip the download and listen to that Coyote V-8 wherever you are right this minute, click here. No word on if they are giving the 2018 Shelbys the microphone treatment, but if they are you'll be the first ones to know.
>>Join the conversation about the 2018 GT350 Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
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