mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Ford Adds Track Tech To Camaro 1LE Rival, the 2019 Shelby GT350

Ford swung back at the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE with a new round of updates to the 2019 Shelby GT350. When Ford took the wraps off of the GT350, the Camaro 1LE certainly boasted the right stuff to make it quicker on paper. Since then, Ford has continuously updated the car to stave off the competition; the marque even made an optional track package standard.

So, for 2019, the GT350 comes in with new aerodynamic and suspension updates along with a new set of rubber. Ford said in the Monday announcement that the changes will improve grip, reduce braking distances and aid in acceleration. However, the blue oval did not provide updates performance specifications.

Specifically, a set of GT350-specific tires now sit at all four corners measuring in at 295/35 in the front and 305/35 in the rear. The MagneRide active suspension also receives a new tune to work in concert with updated electronically assisted power steering, aero bits and more.

The largest change is a new rear wing design, which will come with an optional Gurney flap. Ford said the Gurney flap will produce greater aero efficiencies, but didn’t provide any more specifics.

Chevrolet most recently revealed the updated 2019 Camaro lineup with minimal performance changes aside from a new exterior style. Now, with the GT350 striking back, it’s unclear which track-focused pony car will come out on top.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. This Mustang chassis is trash, man. The SS 1LE is right on the heels of the 350R in the way of lap times. The ZL1 1LE is on level all its own, taking down super cars with the 350R as a mid-morning snack.

    Reply
    1. That may be true but the Mustang already outsell the Camaro. With handling that’s even close to the 1LE jus might the gap. Time for Camaro to out do the mustang in things other than speed and handling. After all most buyers don’t even place that as the top priority for purchasing a Camaro or Mustang.

      Reply
      1. And the Challenger/Charger outsells them both by a large margin and it’s a brutally outdated heavy pig on the handling side.

        I just ran on the roadcourse a few days ago and there was an SS 1LE. It was light on it’s feet and very impressive compared to many other cars including all versions of the Mustang. And this is coming from a guy who has 3 Fords in its garage.

        The Camaro has an interior that I can’t fit in but it’s very unfortunate because it has by far the best chassis of the 3.

        Reply
  2. Umm, the GT350 costs 13k more than the SS 1LE. It’s unfortunate for Ford that GM performs about as well with a much cheaper car, but can’t see how Ford is aiming at the SS with this. I’d say that Ford is swinging at the SS 1LE with the GT PP2.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel