Unfortunately 1989 was the last year that Shelby would create a Dodge-based front wheel drive car. The 1989 CSX was based on the Dodge Shadow and used many new technologies.

Shelby based this car's powerplant on the 88 Turbo II that was then converted to Turbo IV specs. Needless to say the intercooler and one-piece tuned intake manifold were used again. However, we now have a completely different design in the turbo. Shelby used a Garrett unit that featured variable nozzles - small blades surrounding the exhaust turbine. At low turbo speeds, the blades would decrease the volume of the turbine housing, causing the turbo to accelerate quickly. Once up to speed, the blades would open to allow higher levels of boost. The nozzles allowed for the wastegate to be removed. The turbo was controlled by the car's computer.

This was the first VNT ever seen on a production car. And while it did not raise the boost level, it did change the torque rating to 205lb-ft at 2100rpm. Acceleration didn't differ much from the 87 CSX, that is until the car was accelerating on a roll. Car and Driver showed acceleration in top gear from 30 to 50 and from 50 to 70 had decreased by about 3 seconds for each.

Monroe Formula GP shocks and struts, larger sway bars, and 195/60VR-15 Goodyear Eagle GT+4s make up most of the suspension changes.

The interior received new cloth with a Shelby pattern on the seats and door panels. Normal instrumentation appeared was augmented with the center console boost gauge labeled Shelby Turbo. And the obligatory signature leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For the exterior, it had the most conspicuous, "boy racer" body panels. A grossly large, very deep front airdam, special lower side moldings, a rear airdam below the rear bumper, and a larger wing on the trunklid. Exotic Red was used for the paint with gold CSX decals. Another first for production cars was the use of gold 5-spoke Fiberide wheels made of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic which is stronger and lighter than aluminum.

There were two options available: Goodyear Gatorbacks size 225/50VR15 and Recaro seats.

Total Production: 500. Two were modified with DOHC for '90 model prototype that was never produced. 231 were equipped with Recaro seats, 15 with large tires and Recaro's, and two with large tires and stock seats.