This Secret Mustang Prototype Might Annihilate Every GT500 That Came Before It | Carscoops

      Ford Performance is in the process of creating another high-powered Mustang, reportedly featuring the new "Legend" V8 engine.

      On June 5, 2025, at 12:29, by Thanos Pappas

      Our spy photographers have captured images of what seems to be the successor to the Mustang Shelby GT500.

      The prototypes are heavily camouflaged, concealing the redesigned bumper, hood, and wider fenders.

      Recent reports suggest that production for the GT500’s successor will begin later this year.

      Ford is not yet done refining the Mustang’s performance range. While the current selection ranges from the basic EcoBoost coupe to the track-focused GTD, a new model appears to be making its way into the lineup. It seems that the next Shelby GT500 is on the horizon and could fit neatly between the Dark Horse and the GTD for the 2026 model year.

      Further Details: Mustang GTD Breaks Its Own ‘Ring Record by Over 5 Seconds

      These new spy images show camouflaged prototypes, indicating that we are beyond the initial mule stage that utilized parts from the Dark Horse. These later test vehicles seem to feature production bodywork, though Ford’s engineers are still concealing key styling elements under heavy cladding. However, some distinctive features are already noticeable.

      Bold Design, Recognizable Outline

      At the front, you can expect a more angular bumper with larger air intakes, a prominent hood bulge, and wider fenders that enhance the car's robust appearance. The prototypes are fitted with Pirelli P Zero R tires sized 305/30ZR20 in the front and 315/30ZR20 in the rear — the same dimensions as those used on the last Shelby GT500. The wheels appear to be exclusive to this model, likely crafted for both visual appeal and performance.

      At the rear, the car sports a fixed wing taken from the Mustang GT Performance. This component appears to be temporary, as does the current quad-exit exhaust setup, which likely won’t be present in this form for production. A more dramatic spoiler and redesigned rear bumper are anticipated. It's still uncertain whether the GT500 name will be retained or if Ford will introduce a new badge.

      More Power, Reduced Uncertainty

      The first news about a successor to the Shelby GT500 emerged earlier this year when a leaked UAW document mentioned a powerful Mustang set to enter production in late 2025. This model is associated with a powertrain codenamed “Legend,” which reportedly enhances the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine found in the F-150 Raptor.

      This new version is expected to be an upgraded version of the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 found in the F-150 Raptor. If this is accurate, the power output will likely exceed the 760 hp (567 kW / 771 PS) of the previous Shelby GT500, approaching the 815 hp (608 kW / 826 PS) of the current Mustang GTD. It is also reasonable to assume that Ford Performance will enhance the chassis compared to the Dark Horse.

      Further Information: Ford’s Mach 4 Trademark Revives Mustang Sedan Speculations

      While this GT500 project seems to be a Ford Performance initiative, it's important to note that Shelby American is still actively modifying Mustangs independently. The GT350, now solely offered by Shelby instead of Ford, features upgrades in chassis, styling, and performance, with the most extreme GT350R variant producing up to 830 hp thanks to a Whipple supercharger.

      More details about the GT500 successor are expected to surface over the coming months, especially as Ford approaches the rumored late-2025 production timeline. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the camouflaged prototypes for further insights.