2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R: Small updates yield big grip

The chief upgrade to the GT350R is a redesigned front suspension and high-trail steering knuckle, both of which are borrowed from the upcoming GT500.  

In addition, a new steering rack and electric power steering tuning allow for sharper and easier track driving.   

GT350R's existing list of performance goodies, like two-mode adaptive dampers, and monstrous six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes. 

Meaty 19-inch 305/30 front and 315/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrapped around carbon-fiber wheels remain.

The wheels account for roughly 60 of the 88 pounds of weight savings the R boasts over the standard GT350.  

The remaining 22 pounds comes from the removal of the Mustang's rear seats and the exhaust resonators.   

A big part of the R's personality can be credited to the 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated, flat-plane-crank V8 thumping away under the hood, with 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.  

Even with its track-focused nature, the GT350R's ride on road is firm but tolerable.

Sadly, less-than-great fuel economy is part of the GT350R package. The EPA estimates it to return 14 miles per gallon in the city and 21 mpg highway.  

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R is in dealers now with a base price of $73,435, not including $1,095 for destination or $1,300 for the gas-guzzler tax.