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Ford packs high-tech muscle into all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang (pictures)

The new Shelby GT350, a Ford-modified Mustang model, gains a high-tech 5.2-liter V-8 engine producing 526 horsepower, but also exhibits nimble handling on the track.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
1 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Ford released a new generation of its Mustang model last year, commemorating its 50th year. This year the Ford Performance division modifies it with a new engine and performance gear, as the Shelby GT350.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Shelby GT350 has a long history, going back to 1965 with
Carroll Shelby's original modified Mustang showing the versatility of the platform.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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At a press event held at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, CNET editor Wayne Cunningham got to drive the Shelby GT350 around the track and on public roads.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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This is the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, equipped with the optional Track package.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-8 engine manages 526 horsepower. That's 102 horsepower per liter.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Shelby gains a body kit to enhance aerodynamics.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The optional stripe is called the "Over-the-top Racing Stripe."

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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Vents on the fenders serve to increase air flow across the brakes.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Shelby GT350 is a two-door coupe with four seats.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels come standard. The higher-performance GT350R gets carbon fiber wheels.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Magneride adaptive suspension does an excellent job of keeping the car flat in the turns.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The rear spoiler adds a bit of downforce.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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Ford includes five drive modes -- Normal, Sport, Track, Weather and Drag -- along with launch control.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The exhaust sound is particularly impressive.

2016fordshelbygt350-042.jpg
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The Shelby GT350 proved effortless on Laguna Seca's Corkscrew.

2016fordshelbygt350-041.jpg
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The car showed easy turn-in and balanced handling.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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Flooring it up the main straight showed off its tremendous acceleration.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The grip from the custom Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires kept the Shelby GT350 in line.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Recaro seats have big bolsters to keep you in place.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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There are some nice panels on the interior, but also plenty of hard plastics, even on high-touch surfaces.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The Shelby GT350 uses an electric power steering system with precision response.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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The tachometer shows the 8,250rpm redline.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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This six-speed manual transmission shifter has short throws for quick gear changes.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
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With a base price just under 50 grand, the Shelby GT350 is a bargain performance car.

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