Skip to main content

The 2017 Shelby GTE is the latest tuned Mustang from Shelby American

2017 Shelby GTE
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is an impressive machine, but it’s not the only Shelby Mustang out there.

Tuning legend Carroll Shelby’s original company, Shelby American, still produces its own souped-up Mustangs independent of Ford. Its latest effort is the 2017 Shelby GTE, which the company says is a more affordable, saner option than its existing cars. The GTE is inspired by the GT-H rental car Shelby launched in collaboration with Hertz earlier this year. Of course, you don’t have to settle for just borrowing the GTE.

Shelby’s latest is available with either a 5.0-liter V8 or a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, both derived from powertrains offered in the stock Mustang. The V8 gets a Ford Performance Power Pack, boosting output from the stock 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque to 456 hp and 424 lb-ft. EcoBoost output increases from 310 hp and 320 lb-ft to 335 hp and 390 lb-ft.

Read more: Shelby introduces tributary Terlingua Mustang

Shelby didn’t mention transmission options, but both engines are available with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes in the stock Mustang. Other performance upgrades include a Ford Performance Handling Pack and exhaust system. Shelby also offers a supercharger option for the V8 that increases output to a claimed 650 to 750 hp.

To give the GTE a bit more visual spice, Shelby added a model-specific vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler, and Ford Performance 19-inch wheels. The GTE is also speckled with Shelby badging, including a dashboard plaque displaying the serial number. Unlike the GT-H rental car it’s based on, the GTE is available as either a coupe or convertible.

The 2017 Shelby GTE certainly makes a statement, but with its heavy reliance on Ford Performance parts, it may not be as special as Shelby’s other Mustangs, or as compelling a package as Ford’s own GT350. Granted, that might not matter to potential buyers. They may be more interested in buying into the legend of Carroll Shelby, even if it means passing over objectively better options.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Ford could build its next Mustang-inspired electric car on Volkswagen bones
Ford Mustang Mach E front view

Ford is eager to capitalize on the Mustang Mach-E's popularity by releasing a smaller, more affordable model in the coming years. While development work is on-going, company sources hinted the yet-unnamed car will use Volkswagen parts.

Decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic are already plotting ways to expand the Mustang family beyond the well-known two-door model and the aforementioned Mach-E crossover, according to Murat Gueler, Ford's chief designer. "Yes, we have already talked about expansion, to some sort of family," he confirmed to British magazine Auto Express.

Read more
The Ford Mustang could ditch its V8 and eventually go fully electric
ford mustang lithium electric muscle car concept shown at sema 2019

Previous

Next

Read more
One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out
Ford Mustang Mach E front view

Ford ruffled more than a few feathers when it decided to call its first purpose-designed electric car the Mustang Mach-E. While some argue it's not worthy of wearing the hallowed Mustang nameplate, its target audience doesn't seem to mind one bit, and one of the five Mach-E variants announced during the model's unveiling is already sold out.

The trim-level hierarchy include five models named Select, Premium, California Route 1, First Edition, and GT, respectively. The Blue Oval's official website notes that every First Edition model has already been spoken for. It sounds like a limited-edition model, and it might be, but Ford chose not to disclose how many units of the model it will make. It might cap production after manufacturing a predetermined number of First Edition variants, or it might build the model for a certain amount of time. We've reached out to the company to learn more, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Read more