Ford is letting some performance and tech goodies from the Shelby GT500 trickle down to the Shelby Mustang GT350R

In the automotive world, innovations in technology, luxury, and performance tend to trickle down. Automakers launch new enhancements and gadgets as differentiators in their top-of-the-line models and gradually work them down the food chain as time goes on. With their announcement yesterday that they are integrating selected features, including performance from the Shelby GT500 into the Mustang Shelby GT350R, Ford is following just this pattern.

Among the hand-me-down goodies that the Mustang Shelby GT350R is getting from its up-model sibling are front suspension geometry featuring a redesigned high-trail steering knuckle, as well as a new steering rack and recalibrated electric power steering control. The focus, according to Ford, is to make the Mustang Shelby GT350R more fun to drive, both in high-performance situations on the track and more mundane, everyday driving scenarios.

“It’s always been our plan to take the latest innovations from the GT500 program and strategically apply them across the Mustang lineup,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “These latest updates to the GT350R keep its performance competitive and on the top if its game, whether that’s on the track or on the street.”

Not all of the performance-enhancements are coming from added features, however. To make it lighter, the Shelby Mustang GT350R is getting a rear-seat delete. It’s also losing its exhaust resonators to cut weight, with the added benefit, according to Ford, of a sharper exhaust tone. Carbon-fiber wheels are also lightening the load.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some nice electronic goodies with the Shelby Mustang GT350R. A technology package is available that features a 12-speaker B&0 premium sound system. The package also includes a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and voice-activated navigation.

Design details that distinguish the Shelby Mustang GT350R from the GT350 include red painted brake calipers, red pin striping at the edges of the optional over-the-top racing stripes and Shelby GT350R badging. Distinctive interior features include a D-shaped steering wheel along with red stitching accents and Shelby GT350R badging.

Like the GT350, the GT350R is available in some new colors that Ford has added to the menu, including Grabber Lime and Twister Orange for a retro 70s vibe, as well as the more classic hues of Iconic Silver and Red Hot Metallic.