Ford Borrows From GT500 for 2020 Shelby GT350R

You might remember the Shelby GT350 just received some updates, but Ford has decided to kick things up a few notches for the 2020 Shelby GT350R. The Blue Oval is leveraging designs from the all-new Shelby GT500, which should help you shave some precious seconds off your lap times.

One of the big shifts is a redesigned front suspension geometry, which uses high-trail steering knuckles lifted from the GT500. Enhancing control for the driver further, Ford is including a new steering rack and recalibrations for the electric power steering.

2020 Ford Shelby GT350R (Credit: Ford)

You’re not imagining things: Ford made the front splitter and rear wing larger.

Just like before, the 2020 Ford Shelby GT350R comes with a rear seat delete and carbon-fiber wheels, all in the name of weight reduction. The racer now doesn’t use exhaust resonators, also to shed poundage, and that alone probably makes it not street-legal in California.

Some people apparently buy the GT350R and want comfort, which is pretty nonsensical. Still, Ford sees a business opportunity and is capitalizing on it by offering an optional Technology Package for 2020. It comes with completely unnecessary items for a track car, like a B&O sound system with 12 speakers, voice-activated navigation, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Cobra puddle lamps that will look great when you get out of your evening hot yoga class.