2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H

50 years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz decided to give their customers a special experience of driving unique edition Shelby Mustangs.  They partnered with Ford which supplied the V-8 engines.

Shelby, on the other hand, added extra performance and style while Hertz offered the public access to the high-performance vehicles via their program dubbed “Rent-A-Racer”. The first vehicle was known as the Ford Shelby GT350-H. The model became an instant hit the moment it hit the roads.  In 2006, the three companies partnered again to produce the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H which earned the same “rock star’ reputation as its 1966 ancestor.

Flash forward to 2016; the three companies are at it again. Joe Conway, the CEO of Carroll Shelby International said that the new model christened the “2016 Ford Mustang GT-H” is the most exciting Mustang ever to sport the Hertz black and gold livery. The model was launched on March 21, 2016 at the New York Auto Show.

The partners have repeated history again giving the new GT-H a classic and muscular look not forgetting more “juice” under its hood.  I bet the model will join its ancestors as one of the most coveted cars by classic car collectors.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H Exterior

The 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H has been hooked up with numerous bespoke features to make it stand out from the standard Mustang GT. However, it is not as aggressive as the GT350.

The first thing that catches the eye is its black exterior with twin gold racing stripes paint job. The design mimics the original Hertz “Rent-A-Racer”. Other features include gold stripes on the rocker panels along with the “Shelby GT-H” lettering. There are also several logos and emblems spread throughout its body. On the front fenders, you will find a Hertz Edition emblem. “GT-H” logos are featured on the grille, rear faux gas cap and on the trunk lid.

Further, to make it stand out from the standard GT, Shelby replaced its front splitter and rear spoiler with elements made with carbon-fiber. The engine hood is also specially crafted with vents and a big bulge at the center. To wrap up the exterior upgrades is a set of 19-inch aluminum wheels which are wrapped in high-performing Michelin rubber (255/40s at the front and 275/40s at the rear.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H Interior

The interior of the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H is based on the standard Mustang GT. Only a few features sets the two models interior styling apart. They include “GT-H” logos on the headrests, customized sill plates featuring “Hertz Shelby GT-H” lettering and a numbered plaque on the dash.

The floor mats also feature “GT-H’ logos. These are the same features that differentiated the 2006 Shelby Hertz from the standard Ford Mustang GT. We understand that there is a “GT-H” logo on the engine, a rarity in rental cars. I bet this has been done to tell the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H apart in case it is taken to a show probably by collectors in future.

Engine Specs and Performance

Under the hood, the GT-H is motivated by a 5.0 L V-8 engine which also powers the Mustang GT. Shelby did not reveal details of its output during the launch. However, we can safely assume that the naturally aspirated engine will produce 435 hp and 400 lb- ft of torque just like the Mustang GT.

If this is the case, the vehicle will then hit 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and run a quarter mile in only 13 seconds. The partners didn’t announce the vehicle’s transmission options during the launch; nonetheless, a 6-speed automatic transmission is probable to attract many people to get behind the wheels.

The engine also features a cat-black exhaust system from the Ford Performance. This specifically gives the model a throatier sound. A “Shelby-GT-H” engine plaque is also added as well as an engine cap kit. The chassis has also been updated via the Ford Racing Handling Pack which helps deliver a race-like driving experience. The package adds lowered springs, special-tuned dampers and revised sway bars.

Rental prices and release date

The 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H will be available for rent starting on the Memorial Day Weekend. These cars are only available for rent. Only 140 units will be produced and availed exclusively via the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at only select airports in the US.

Whoever rents this limited edition FORD Shelby GT-H will surely have a special experience behind the wheels.