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The Ford Mustang has evolved from a “secretary’s car,” as Ken Miles billed it, to a capable modern muscle car. However, even in a library of naturally aspirated (N/A) and supercharged pony cars, one Mustang shook up the mold. Enter the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, a high-revving departure from the sixth-generation Mustang lineup.

Sure, the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 produces 760 horsepower from its “Predator” 5.2L V8. That makes it the unquestioned nuclear option in Ford’s horsepower wars arsenal. However, its sibling S550 model, the GT350, has its own claims to fame. 

  • The Voodoo V8 is unlike any other Ford Mustang engine
  • Ford’s S550-generation Shelby GT350 is the most powerful factory N/A Mustang ever
  • The special-edition Mustang is the latest factory Shelby model with a manual transmission

What engine is in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350?

A Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 takes a corner at speed.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 | Ford

The S550 Shelby GT350, which ran from 2017 to 2020, packed a 5.2L “Voodoo” V8. However, instead of utilizing a more commonplace cross-plane crankshaft in its construction, the Voodoo features a flat-plane crankshaft. As a result, the Voodoo, uninhibited by weight and connecting rod placement compared to the Coyote V8, will rev to an astounding 8,250 rpm.

As a result, the Voodoo is the highest-revving factory V8 ever offered in a Ford Mustang. As you might imagine, the higher redline makes for a more musical Mustang. It’s a unique proposition for the nameplate. 

How much HP does a Mustang GT350 have?

The S550 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful factory N/A Mustang ever. That’s only 26 extra ponies over the new S650 Mustang Dark Horse, but the GT350 makes its power with more theatre. See, the GT350 produces peak power at around 7,500 rpm, 250 revs higher than the new Dark Horse. 

The GT350 is the latest, most track-ready manual Shelby Mustang ever

Fortunately for Mustang fans with driver engagement in mind, the new Dark Horse gets the same TREMEC TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission as the Shelby GT350 and the now-discontinued Mach 1. However, the transmission’s presence in the Shelby Mustang establishes it as the most recent Shelby model with a rowable gearbox.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).