4 Minutes
A New Supercharged V8 Roars
The successor to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been recently observed revving its engine, and the sound leaves little doubt: this is a supercharged V8 tuned for high-performance street and track use. Early evidence indicates the new powerplant is an evolution of Ford's renowned Predator 5.2-liter supercharged V8, already familiar to enthusiasts from the S550 Shelby GT500 and modified applications like the F-150 Raptor R package.
Production and Powertrain Details
Engine lineage and output
The Predator V8 has been produced at Ford's Dearborn Engine Plant since 2023 and, in the Multimatic-assembled Mustang GTD, it delivers an astounding 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. Those figures translate to blistering acceleration — the GTD posts a sub-4.0-second 0-60 mph run and a top speed in the neighborhood of 202 mph (325 km/h).
Transmission choices
While the Mustang GTD pairs the Predator with a transaxle-style dual-clutch transmission (the Tremec TR-9080, revised for the application), the S650-based Shelby successor may revert to a more conventional dual-clutch setup similar to the TR-9070 used in earlier DCT Mustangs (model years 2020–2022). Both Tremec units are engineered to handle immense torque, but packaging and platform architecture will likely dictate Ford's final choice.
Design and Assembly
The upcoming model shares many architectural similarities with the S550 platform, which supports the hypothesis that Ford will continue exploiting lightweight materials and performance-focused chassis hardware. Recent labor notices from UAW Local 600 indicate the Niche assembly line at Dearborn is preparing to build an engine called the "Legend" for the 2026 S650 Mustang Shelby GT500 — a sign that production and launch are imminent.
Performance and Driving Character
Expect the successor to prioritize high-revving, supercharged V8 character, with exhaust notes that align closely to the Mustang GTD and prior Shelby GT500 models. The combination of a high-output V8 and a rapidly shifting dual-clutch gearbox is likely to produce sharp throttle response, immediate torque delivery, and track-capable lap times while remaining suitable for road use.
Market Positioning and Nameplate Questions
Ford is actively expanding its high-performance sub-branding — the Dark Horse name replaced Mach 1 in recent years — so the long-term future of the Shelby GT500 badge is not guaranteed. The GT500 wordmark and Shelby trademark were reregistered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in May 2025 by the Trustees of the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust, but licensing arrangements with Carroll Shelby International remain unclear as of August 2025. Whether Ford retains the Shelby GT500 nomenclature or launches this halo model under a new name aimed at younger buyers remains an open question.
Comparisons and Competitive Context
Compared with the limited-run Mustang GTD, which is the most powerful factory-produced internal combustion Ford to date, the S650 successor is expected to offer similar straight-line performance but in higher volumes and with different calibration for everyday usability. Transmission options — TR-9070 DCT versus TR-9080 transaxle — will create subtle differences in packaging and driving feel, with the TR-9080 optimized for mid-engine/transaxle layouts (found in cars like the C8 Corvette and Maserati MC20).
What This Means for Buyers
Enthusiasts can anticipate a production-ready high-performance Mustang arriving for the 2026 model year with a supercharged V8 that carries the Predator's DNA, a rapid dual-clutch gearbox, and track-focused capabilities. Final naming, exact horsepower figures for the street-availability variant, and full equipment details will be confirmed closer to the official debut, but current signals point to a muscular successor that keeps Ford competitive in the high-performance muscle car segment.
Source: autoevolution
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