Inspired
by both the Shelby GT and GT-H programs, the new GTE is meant to offer fans
increased performance at an affordable price.
According
to Shelby, the GTE is by no means a "secretary's car", and judging by
what you find under the hood, we kind of get what they mean. Customers can
choose between either Ford's 5.0-liter Coyote engine, good for an estimated 456
HP and 574 Nm of torque, and the smaller 2.3-liter EcoBoost which
delivers an estimated 340 HP and 528 Nm of torque.
The
cars also feature improved handling and aesthetics that make them instantly
recognizable as Shelby-tuned Mustangs - though if you really want to go all out
you can do so by fitting the optional supercharger on the 5.0-liter model,
bringing the total output to around 670 HP.
In
terms of looks, the Shelby GTE comes with iconic Le Mans-style striping as well
as Shelby badges. Further attention should go to the exhaust co-developed by
Ford Performance alongside Borla, said to deliver noise worthy of "true
American muscle".
Inside,
the car features more Shelby badging and additional gauges, but other than that
it remains instantly recognizable as a Mustang, which is something we've grown
accustomed to when it comes to Shelby products.
What
is a bit curious is the Mustang logo on the steering wheel as opposed to the
Shelby logo, but we're guessing that's an optional extra.
