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The pony car horsepower wars are over. Domestic muscle cars dropped all their supercharged V8-powered ordnance, and the smoke is clearing. Now, the Ford Mustang remains to head into a gas-powered seventh-generation, while the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro head for the great drag strip in the sky. However, the last decade gave us a standout with some seriously unique claims to fame among muscle cars: the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.  

The 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 boasts revisions that previous models didn’t get

Sure, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon are likely what pops into your mind when you picture the most manic of muscle cars. After all, the former’s 760 horsepower established it as the most powerful factory Mustang ever. As for the latter, well, wheel stands in a production muscle car, anyone? 

However, the high-revving Mustang GT350 of 2019 is unique not just among Shelby Mustangs, but in the muscle car segment as a whole. For starters, the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 received a touch of aero magic. Most notably, the 2019 iteration offered a Gurney flap, a diminutive added angle to better assist the larger wing in its downforce duties. It’s a small but meaningful touch.

What’s more, reviewers at Hagerty were pleasantly surprised by the GT350’s updated chassis, improved suspension, and updated ABS tuning. However, much of the 2019 Mustang GT350’s magic resides in its Ford Performance-specific, clings-like-a-cat Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires.  

A blue 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 takes a corner on a track.
2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 | Ford

In terms of street-worthy updates, Ford revisited the Shelby GT350’s steering and stability control systems. In the cabin, Ford’s eight-inch touchscreen with the brand’s SYNC system became standard equipment– no more paltry 4.2-inch option. 

Even without the revisions, the Voodoo V8 in the Mustang GT350 is one of the finest muscle car innovations ever

The 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 didn’t get an engine or transmission update. Frankly, it didn’t need one. The 5.2L Voodoo V8 in the GT350 develops 526 horsepower– the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford Mustang to date. 

However, it’s how the Voodoo V8 produces its power that is more of a noteworthy point. See, the Voodoo is the Mustang’s only road-going factory flat-plane crank mill. As such, the squat package revs up to a dizzying 8,250 rpm. It’s as if a Mustang copied its homework from world-class wine and cheese crowds. 

Of course, then there’s the GT350R– one of the oddest, most spectacular American muscle coupes ever made.