ROOOOOMpapapapapapa!! The sound says it.  After driving the Shelby GT350, most would agree the car is the epitome of the concept nearly every child dreams of — speed.

The GT350 sets itself apart from its predecessors, and its qualities are something that Carroll Shelby would love to see. The vehicle encapsulates the soul and passion of previous cars and meshes them into an entirely different result.  

Upon banging through the gears and around a corner, it becomes rather apparent. Compared to its predecessor, the 2014 Shelby GT500, the new GT350 handles far better. Yet, it’s just as fast in a straight line.

The exclusive 5.2-litre flat-plane crank V-8 “Voodoo” engine is one of a kind. Its 8250-rpm redline allows a more linear powerband and a higher rev range.

The exhaust note is amazingly unique, something atypical of all previous Shelby Mustangs.

Weighing in at 3,796 pounds and making horsepower figures consistent within the 530 range, it has a great power/weight ratio for its price bracket.

The breaking tests results are 70-0 mph in 150 feet. With a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds to follow. Ford doesn’t mess around with this fact in the way that the GT350 can become an excellent track car.

Equipped with sticky Pilot Super Sport 305/315 tires and an old-fashioned Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the two combinations create a fun and nimble sports coupe. The engine roars to life upon cold-start.

The engine is possibly the main reason to by the car. The flat-plane crank V-8 embodies the car’s soul. Ferrari and other exotics typically have flat-plane crank V-8s. It’s something unique for this car and sets it apart from the rest.

The difference between a normal V-8 and a flat-plane crank version is the change in the piston timing.

Doing a quarter mile in the low 12 seconds is truly an admirable feat, considering how well this car handles. The aerodynamics kit the SVT division of Ford added to the base Mustang platform seem to really benefit the GT350 and set it apart.

Alternatively, some members within the car modding community take a standard 5.0 liter Coyote engine and add a flat-plane crank to it. The 5.0 Coyote is found on the Ford GT significantly cheaper than the GT350.

Additionally, there is an alternative version of the GT350 called the GT350R. The GT350R adds further aerodynamic features, such as an all-carbon-fiber wing and front splitter and carbon-fiber wheels.

The carbon-fiber wheels were the first to the market. The advantage is more steering feel, and the “turn-in” is slightly better than the standard GT350.

It’s quite a marvel for Ford to become among the first automakers to release a car that costs $66,000 and includes carbon-fiber wheels.

The Ford GT350 is the best sports coupe in its class.  If you have $55,000 to spare on a car of this caliber, it is a value proposition and competes with exotics twice its price. The car creates a beautiful dynamic you simply cannot get from any other automaker.