Lying in wait beneath the hood is an intercooled 2.2-liter four-cylinder powerplant that features an advanced and new (in period) Garrett variable nozzle turbocharger that was recognized by the VNT moniker. The Garrett VNT was stated in period to provide response found in a V-8 engine, virtually eliminating the age-old problem of turbo lag. When this unit was linked to a five-speed Gertag gearbox, it allowed the CSX to “leap off of the line like a rocket.”

With strong performance the Shelby CSX was able to dust off certain performance coupes of the era that in many cases cost two to three times as much to purchase. The CSX is also equipped with standards that included a special Shelby suspension system, four-wheel disc brakes, coil springs, dual anti-sway bars. The gold 15-inch wheels are Shelby composites. Production was limited to 500 vehicles (including two prototypes) and with the completion of these cars; Carroll Shelby's direct involvement with Dodge was complete. It was reported by the owner that this is one of two that came from the factory with the wide tire/quicker steering ratio option, but not with the Recaro seats. The buyer of the vehicle at the time had the dealer install them upon purchase.

Shelby-specific elements are found on both the exterior and in the interior. Among these are non-Recaro seats with the “Shelby” name found extensively on the seat inserts, Shelby steering wheel, front and rear spoilers, Shelby-inspired aero elements on the lower body sides and Shelby manufacturing tags to confirm its origin.