The Shelby->ke81 name has been attached to a lot of different kinds of cars from different manufacturers and with different kinds of engines. But so far, Shelby Mustangs->ke1359 have all been powered by V-8s. Displacements and power outputs have varied by a lot, and some have been naturally aspirated while others have used forced induction, but it has always been a V-8. That all changes this year, as Shelby has just announced a Shelby GT package for the EcoBoost Mustang. The package will be available in North America, but it is intended to appeal primarily to customers in other parts of the world. This is why the car will make its first public appearance at the Goodwood Revival in the U.K., also marking the official European debut of Shelby International.

To a lot of Americans, the idea of a four-cylinder Shelby Mustang might seem blasphemous; but for those living in other countries, particularly in Europe, V-8 Mustangs->ke428 may be out of reach due to huge price increases caused by tax and insurance regulations. The GT EcoBoost is therefore a way for Europeans to be able to buy a Shelby Mustang without having to pay near-supercar->ke177 prices for it.

Continue reading to learn more about the Shelby GT EcoBoost Mustang.

Exterior

The GT EcoBoost package is not cheap, and the exterior changes are extensive. Many of the upgrades are the same as the ones found on packages offered on V-8 Mustangs. This includes the extensive use of carbon fiber, notable in the front splitter, hood, rear spoiler and rocker panel. There are bigger wheels, which now completely fill the wheel arches, and the usual stripe package that you would expect from a Shelby. The grille has been changed and has much more of a '60s race car look to it, similar to that of the V-8 GT, but still noticeably different. It's quite an aggressive look, but that's what you want in a Shelby Mustang.

Interior

Shelby makes no mention of any changes to the interior of the car, but it's safe to assume that the same option list as other Mustangs will be offered. The package comes with essentially nothing as standard, but with the kinds of performance-oriented options you'd expect: racing seats, five-point harnesses, gauge pods and a roll cage are all on the list, but can quickly add several thousand to the price. But as sports cars go, the Mustang has a good interior as it is, and the many options for it that are available from Ford->ke31 should keep customers happy.

Drivetrain

This is generally where Shelby cars shine, but this time around the engine hasn't been changed all that much. The GT EcoBoost is putting out just 25 extra horsepower, up to 335, with the upgrade. It's not entirely clear whether this had to do with EU carbon emissions regulations or what, but the press release does at one point say that the bump in performance hasn't altered the car's fuel economy numbers. The car has instead been modified to be lighter, and Shelby says that it now handles considerably better.

There are upgraded brakes, and a Ford Performance handling pack upgraded suspension. The exhaust has also been replaced with a system that Shelby calls “throatier.” It's kind of disappointing that Shelby hasn't turned the EcoBoost Mustang into some kind of screaming 500-horsepower beast, but the truth is that this isn't too far off from the treatment given to the original 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 back in 1965. There was a mild power bump for that one too, but the tuning concentrated more on reducing weight and improving handling.

Prices

The GT EcoBoost will set you back $23,995, plus the cost of the car, which starts at about $30,000. But that's U.S. pricing For countries on the euro, it starts at 37,000 (about $42,000) and its £30,000 price tag in the U.K. is equal to about $46,000. V-8 Mustang prices easily clear the $50,000 equivalent mark for both currencies, and it's easy to see why the tremendous amounts that taxes and insurance add to that would price a V-8 Shelby out of competition for any but the most diehard of fans. The GT EcoBoost is still quite expensive, even in the U.S. it could easily double the price of the car once you start selecting optional equipment, but it does manage to stay in a price range where European sales aren't impossible.

Competition

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

Since the GT EcoBoost is meant primarily for Europe, we should take a look at some of the European competition. One of the big criticisms that the CLA 45 AMG usually faces is that it's a bit too expensive for a four-cylinder performance car, but that isn't such a big deal anymore, when compared to the Shelby. You get 40 more horses with the Mercedes->ke187, but the styling isn't nearly as aggressive and there are two extra doors.

Read our full review here.

2014 BMW M235i

This will likely be the car to beat for the Shelby. While the Shelby is cheaper than a 2015 BMW M4 by enough not to be threatened by it, the M235i is cheaper than the Shelby by at least as much and offers very nearly the same kind of power. Handling is superb as well, and will probably be a close rival to that of the GT EcoBoost. Personal taste will be the reason why anyone chooses the Shelby over the BMW->ke178.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

After its European debut, Shelby plans to open up operations in South Africa, China and Australia. The V-8 models will probably be a bigger hit in Australia, but on the whole, it's hard to argue with the GT EcoBoost as a business decision. Because even if every single person on the planet was completely enamored of the V-8 Shelbys, there are just some markets where it isn't going to work out all that well. The GT EcoBoost produces more power than the first Shelby Mustangs too, as well as quite a few other cars that have worn Shelby badges. It's probably not going to be a big hit in the U.S., true, but that's no reason to make it overly difficult for Europeans to own Shelby Mustangs.