It was December 2013 when Ford->ke31 unveiled the highly-anticipated 2015 Mustang. The redesigned pony arrived with massive improvements over its predecessor, including an independent rear suspension, a revised interior, retuned engines and a brand-new 2.3-liter, EcoBoost four-banger. Less than a year has passed since then, and the sixth-generation Mustang->ke428 received a much-needed high-performance version to replace last year's Shelby-badged model. With the ink still wet on our 2016 Shelby GT350 review, the Blue Oval has yet another muscle car in the pipeline under the GT350R nameplate.

As you might have already guessed, the "R" at the end of the iconic name makes this Shelby->ke81 the lightest, quickest and meanest Mustang yet, with a host of track-honed talents on top. If you missed the Mustang 302 Boss over the past couple of years, the GT350R is here not just to replace it, but take over from where Ford left it back in 2013 and open a brand-new chapter in this pony's rich heritage. In short, you're about to learn more about the most track-focused Mustang in history and Ford's answer to the bonkers Camaro Z/28.

Updated 01/21/2016: Ford announced that the new GT350R customers can now also opt for a new rear seat kit available through Ford Performance Parts. Continue reading for more details and prices.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang
• Segment: Array
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 500
• Torque: 400
• Transmission: six-speed manual
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

Being based on the GT350, the R-badged Shelby inherits all of the former's exterior characteristics, including the menacing body kit, the reshaped nose, the rear diffuser, the vented wheel wells, and turbulence-reducing fender vents. But Ford didn't stop there, as it increased the GT350's downforce-creating abilities by adding underbody belly panels on the front and rear, a revised front splitter, and a carbon-fiber rear wing. And I mean a rear wing, not just a trunk-mounted lip spoiler for cosmetic purposes. The GT350R is indeed the most track-focused Mustang ever created and the rear wing, which moves the vehicle’s center of pressure rearward while improving downforce and lift balance, is proof of the company's intentions.

Moving on to detailing, the GT350R stands out when compared to the regular (like there's anything regular about it) GT350 by means of red-painted brake calipers, red pinstripes for the optional "over-the-top" racing stripes, as well as "GT350R" badging on the front fenders. Needless to say, the GT350R is the meanest-looking Mustang in history.

Interior

Inside, the Shelby GT350R is instantly recognizable thanks to high-contrast red stitching, special badging, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a red center mark at the top. What's more, drivers will notice that the standard models lacks air conditioning, the sound system, the rear seats, and the backup camera. These features, along with the trunk floorboard and carpet, as well as the emergency tire sealer and inflator, have been removed to decrease the coupe's curb weight even further.

However, should any of you find it hard to live without some of the features mentioned above, Ford will happily provide you with an optional Electronic Package. This bundle includes dual-zone air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, a seven-speaker audio system, turn signal mirrors and more.

Ford Racing also removed the exhaust resonators, and although you won't miss them visually, you'll notice they aren't there as soon as you floor the gas pedal. And so will those around you, no matter the amount of sound-deadening materials they're equipped with.

Rear-seat kit

For 2016, Ford Performance introduced an optional rear-seat kit for the muscle car. The bundle features the same high-quality Alcantara material and high-contrast red accent stitching as the front seats and comes with original GT350 occupant restraint systems. Installation can be performed at Ford authorized dealers or service centers. The rear-seat kit costs $999.

Drivetrain

Motivating the GT350R is the same 5.2-liter, flat-plane crank V-8 that debuted on the GT350 in 2014. I bet you already know it’s the first-ever production V-8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, as well as the most powerful naturally aspirated engine the Blue Oval has ever produced, but I don’t mind repeating it, especially the last part. Output remains unchanged at 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, but thanks to the fact that the GT350R is more than 130 pounds lighter than the GT350 with the Track Pack, it should deliver enhanced performance despite the similar ratings.

The transmission is a lightweight six-speed manual and all the oomph is routed to the rear wheels through a bespoke Torsen limited-slip differential optimized for increased cornering grip and straight-line traction. The 0-to-60 mph sprint takes less than 3.5 seconds.

BMW M4, you have been put on notice!

Drivetrain Specifications

Chassis and Brakes

Most of the chassis is shared with the GT350, meaning the GT350R benefits from the same custom-tuned independent suspension with MagneRide magnetic dampers, a wider front track, increased spring rates, and a lowered ride height. The braking system is equally impressive, consisting for massive 15.5-inch rotors up front and 14.9-inch discs to the rear. The former are clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers, while the latter work with four-piston units.

But what makes the GT350R truly special is what lies wrapped in the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. I'm talking about carbon-fiber wheels, which are standard on the muscle car, making Ford the first major manufacturer to introduce the technology as standard equipment. I bet you didn't see that coming! The rollers shave 52 pounds off the GT350R's total weight, while providing higher levels of stiffness compared to aluminum rims.

Prices

Pricing for the GT350R starts from $63,495, including destination and the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax. That's a hefty $13,500 premium over the GT350, but it also makes the R about ten grand more affordable than its main competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. At the same time, it's slightly cheaper than the BMW M4, its most coveted European rival, priced from $65,700.

Ordering Guide

Competition

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

While the GT350 seems like the perfect competitor for the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, GM's all-motor muscle car will be no match for the GT350R. But that's not to say the Z/28 is a vehicle muscle car enthusiasts shouldn't consider. Developed as a no-nonsense machine with lightness and track capability in mind, the Camaro Z/28 comes with a naturally aspirated, 7.0-liter V-8 engine rated at 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque.

Its stripped interior and race-bred chassis settings enables it to charge from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission does the shifting. Other highlights include 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, adjustable spool-valve dampers, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors and calipers.

The Camaro Z/28 is priced from $75,000, but buying one can be a daunting task with the coupe selling like hotcakes.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 here.

Conclusion

With an independent rear suspension, a more upscale interior, a brand-new EcoBoost engine and a more powerful V-8, the sixth-generation Mustang was already off to a great start when launched in 2014. Fortunately, Ford didn't settle with that and came up with the first high-performance version of the new 'Stang in less than a year. That was the GT350, which already brought numerous firsts for the nameplate, but the GT350R came to add even more to that. Arguably the meanest-looking, most track-focused Mustang in history, the R-badged muscle car also makes Ford the first major manufacturer to introduce carbon-fiber wheels as a standard feature.

All told, the GT350R is more than just a spectacular Mustang and a threat to the finest sports coupe on the market, but also a point from where Ford is likely to start building a huge name for itself as a high-performance brand.

Update History

Updated 08/05/2015: A new report from mustang6g.com reveals that the coolest option for the new GT350R Mustang - the carbon fiber wheels - will be priced at no less than $30k - which is pretty much the price for a base Mustang.

Updated 1/19/2015: The preliminary 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R and GT350 ordering guides leaked online and we have them posted after the jump. Remember that these are subject to editing prior to release, so the exact details may vary in the future.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 01/05/2015: Since the 2015 Detroit Auto Show is only one week away, so we decided to create a rendering of the future Mustang Shelby GT350R that we expect to see at the show. Check it out after the jump.

Updated 01/12/2015: Ford unveiled the all-new Shelby GT350R at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The model will be offered in limited production numbers and will be available later this year.

Rendering

Compared to the 2016 Shelby GT350, we think the future Shelby GT350R will add a new carbon-fiber splitter, a double bubble roof, larger intakes, new racing stripes, and intakes on the sides and behind the B-pillar. We also expect the vent on the hood to become a scoop and we expect the fog lights to be deleted.