No Convertible Shelby GT350, but the GT350R Arrives in 2015

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (Credit: © Ford)

When Ford pulled the cover off of the Shelby GT350 Mustang, we were all taken aback by just how much work the Blue Oval put into creating this beast. Sure, it is a ton more powerful and handles better than any Mustang before it, but just the changes to the body alone were dramatic. The entire front fascia was modified to enhance its slipperiness, and so much more; it was simply astounding. So now we just have to sit and wait for the convertible model to come out, right? Unfortunately, that is wrong, as a report from Road and Track claims that a drop-top version of the GT350 never was and never will be in Ford’s plans.

So why is Ford forcing limited headroom on GT350 buyers? Well, for the same reason GM did so with the Z/28; it’s a track-focused car that cannot afford to have a missing roof negatively impact its rigidity or significant increases in cost to compensate for the missing roof. And for those of you pointing toward the Z06 Corvette and its awesomeness with or without a top, remember that the Z06 `vert was built using sorcery, black magic, unicorns, a hobbit, and aluminum frame engineering typically reserved for race cars.  Plus, it is a hell of a lot more expensive than the GT350 will be.

But there is some good news that came from the same Road and Track report, and that is the fact that there is an even hotter version of the GT350 on the way. Dubbed the GT350R, look for this hopped-up Mustang to feature even more aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, better rubber, upgraded brakes, possibly a freer-revving engine, and other things that will make the world a better place to live in.

According to R&T, the GT350R will bow at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January. We’ll bring you all of the details as soon as they start rolling out.