Following a 2018 update that saw the Mustang get refreshed styling and a 10-speed automatic transmission, Ford's "pony" car this year gains a handful more changes aimed at further boosting this legendary car's attitude and refinement.
For GT models powered by the 5.0L V8, the six-speed manual transmission adds a rev-matching function that automatically matches engine speed to road speed for smoother shifting, up and down.
And fans of the available Ecoboost 2.3L turbo four-cylinder engine can now get their cars with the variable active exhaust - introduced on the GT last year - that lets the driver enjoy a louder snarl from the smaller motor.
There are a couple of new trim packages, too, staring with a California Special variant inspired by a 1967 Shelby GT prototype with a black open grille, unique wheels and pinstriping and black suede seats with red stitching.
This year also brings back the Mustang Bullitt to pay homage to the 50th anniversary of the Steve McQueen movie that immortalized this car. Buyers can choose from Highland Green or black paint, while the rest of the appearance cues include chrome grille and window accents, 19-inch wheels and red Brembo brakes.
Under the hood, the GT's 5.0L V8 takes on the manifold from the Shelby GT350 and a larger throttle body for 480 hp, a bonus of 20.
The 10-speed can be optioned with either the Ecoboost or 5.0L V8, in place of a six-speed manual. As before, the 2.3L EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder makes 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the GT's 5.0L V8 is good for 460 hp and 420 lb-ft.
The Shelby GT350 and GT350R models carry over with their high-revving 5.2L V8, which cranks out 526 hp and 529 lb-ft through a six-speed manual only.
We'd argue this is the best-looking version of this coupe and convertible since the original of the mid-1960s. It's a cohesive design that manages to look substantial and lithe all at once.
Chevrolet's Camaro offers a bit more variety under the hood with a V6 engine slotting in between its turbo and V8 motors. Interesting fact: the Camaro shares its 10-speed auto with this car; Ford and GM developed it together.
Chevrolet and Dodge offer more high-performance muscle car options in the Camaro ZL1 and the monstrous Challenger Hellcat and Demon models. Still, the GT350 is a unique beast and an interesting follow-up to the GT500: it was fast in a straight line, but the GT350 can do that and blast through corners, too.
Standard features include air conditioning, passive keyless entry, limited slip differential, selectable-effort electric power steering, SYNC infotainment with 4.2-inch touchscreen and a backup camera.
Options include automatic dual-zone climate control, navigation, six-way power-adjustable front seats and an all-digital gauge cluster.
Fuel consumption estimates are 11.0/7.7 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder and 15.5/9.5 for V8 models. Both cars promise nominally more efficiency with the automatic.
