The recently-debuted 2016 Shelby Mustang GT350R will having a starting MSRP of $69,995, per sources at Ford. That is nearly a $20,000 upgrade over the ‘base’ Shelby GT350, which will be priced “around the $50,000 mark” (our source tells us $52,995), and our bet is that the extra cost for the ‘R’ model will be well worth it.

The $70,000 mark is an important one, because it undercuts the track-bred Camaro Z/28, which has a starting MSRP of $75,000. The GT350 and GT350R were both developed with the Z/28 as the victim target, and we think Ford has developed a worth adversary.

The ‘R’ package adds significant track-focused technology to the base GT350, including MagneRide Suspension and better tires, all while reducing weight. Thanks to Carbon Fiber Wheels and a Rear Seat Delete, the GT350R will tip the scales some 150 lbs lighter than the base GT350. We can’t wait to see some real world numbers, stay tuned.