The Shelby GT500 nameplate has been absent from the Ford Mustang model range since the S550 generation of the range-topping muscle car was discontinued in 2022. The current S650 generation of the Mustang was all-new for the 2024 model year, but it has no Shelby iterations. Its top performance model at the moment is the 500-horsepower Dark Horse, but that could be changing soon based on leaked information obtained by our friends at Ford Authority.
A screenshot of what appears to be a communiqué from the UAW Local 600 union to its members was recently posted on the r/Mustang subreddit, but we’re compelled to say at the outset that we cannot confirm the authenticity of the document. The Reddit user who posted it cites the Mustang7G forum as the source. It refers to the Dearborn Engine Plant (DEP), which produces the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 that’s optional in the Bronco Sport and Maverick as well as the supercharged 5.2L Carnivore V8 that powers the F-150 Raptor R. A similar mill will soon produce 815 horsepower in the Mustang GTD, which is derived from the Mustang GT3 racecar.
Think of the Mustang GT and Dark Horse as somewhat comparable to a Corvette Stingray and the Mustang GTD as similar to a Corvette ZR1. The Mustang lineup needs a Z06, so to speak. Something that slots between the Dark Horse and the GTD in terms of price and performance. This memo implies that the Shelby GT500 model will soon return, packing a V8 dubbed “Legend.”
S550 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Although this memo uses the Shelby GT500 name, Ford Authority has reported previously that there will be no Ford-produced Shelby models of the S650. The GT350 and Super Snake variants of the S650 are Mustangs modified by Shelby American, not production models from Ford. Ford has filed trademarks for the names RS500 and Boss, one or both of which could apply to this upcoming high-powered Mustang variant. It sounds like it will be a direct successor to the S550 Shelby GT500, but it might not carry the same name.
The Legend engine will presumably be the successor to the supercharged 5.2L Predator V8 that powered the previous Shelby GT500. Ford’s marketing materials say the Mustang GTD’s supercharged engine is a “Predator-based V8.” Maybe that’s our first look at the Legend, which will reportedly soon be produced in Dearborn.
Ford Mustang GTD
The limited production Mustang GTD is a stripped-down track monster with an aggressive aero package, no back seats, a transaxle (with a transmission cooler where the trunk would normally be), and Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers. It’s possible this upcoming Mustang variant will have a similar powertrain but packaged as a more traditional Mustang with back seats, a trunk, and a unique appearance package. Also, it’s safe to say a new iteration of the Shelby GT500 would be a bit more affordable than the speculated price tag as high as $325k for the Mustang GTD.
The Mustang Shelby GT500 used to rival powerful muscle cars like the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. With its two closest rivals now absent from the marketplace, a GT500 successor would have the two-door, four-seater, 700+ hp muscle car market share all to itself.
Comments
Smart business move.
Jimmy’s absurd BoyRacer obsession of the week.
Jimmy doesn’t have a bad boss babe telling him what can be built.
Yes, but he needs to up his QC (applies for every mfg, but Ford particularly). From what I have been reading, that does not seem to have changed…
Last thing you would want is a 120k-150k car being recalled a few months or couple more give or take from launch….
Rock on!