Shelby American adds SCCA-ready version to the GT350 Mustang mix

Enthusiasts who want to take the new GT350 Mustang racing in Sports Car Club of America events are getting some help from Shelby American.

The Las Vegas-based company, which upfits the 2011 Ford Mustang GT to create the GT350 Mustang, will add a normally aspirated version to the lineup. When Shelby American first announced the GT350 program in January, it centered on a supercharged version of Ford's new 5.0-liter V8 that would make about 500 hp.

But SCCA rules disallow such post-title modifications as the supercharger. So Shelby American will offer a version of the GT350 without the supercharger. That move also makes it possible for the GT350 to be equipped with the factory six-speed automatic. Supercharged versions of the car come with only a six-speed manual.

Shelby American worked with Ford Racing, Borla, Goodyear and Baer to develop the upgrade package.

With the expansion, there will be three versions of the GT350:

-- A naturally aspirated version for SCCA racers will use the 412-hp version of the 5.0-liter V8 from the factory, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

-- A naturally aspirated version for street use. Shelby American will tune the engine output beyond the factory 412 hp, but final numbers haven't been set. The car will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

-- The supercharged GT350, making about 500 hp and mated to a six-speed manual.

All of the GT350s are white with blue Le Mans stripes.

Interested? In addition to the cost of a Ford Mustang GT, you'll spend $26,995 for a naturally aspirated GT350 Mustang. If you want to step up to the supercharged version, be ready to spend $33,995, plus the cost of the car.

For more info, go to www.shelbyamerican.com.

By Dale Jewett