Photos: Shelby American

Shelby American has finalized engine output options for the 2011 Shelby GT350 and added the option for a 624 hp configuration, called an “R” tune.

Additional information is available at the Shelby’s web site.

“Our goal was to build the ultimate small block muscle car,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “The results show that the Shelby GT350 takes American performance to an entirely new level. In recent tests, the standard supercharged car hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and ran the quarter in 12 seconds flat at 121.4 mph, all while generating 1.05g of lateral acceleration and stopping from 60 mph in only 107 feet. We believe the ‘R’ tuned GT350 will be even faster.”

For SCCA racers, the stock 5.0-liter engine is left untouched. A tuned, normally aspirated version of the 5.0-liter engine is rated at 430 hp, up from 412 hp. In supercharged form, the addition of a Shelby/Ford Racing/Whipple-branded supercharger bumps the output to 525 hp.

The Shelby post-title package addresses more than just engine performance, upgrading suspension, driveline and chassis components to provide increased performance. Some exterior changes that distinguish the GT350 from other Mustangs are more than just decorative. The side rockers panels include functional integrated brake cooling ducts.

Extra cost options for the GT350 include a polished supercharger, Watts link rear suspension, Goodyear street/race tire package, and painted (as opposed to vinyl) body stripes.