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Ford has ramped up testing of production-spec prototypes for its follow-up to the Mustang Shelby GT500, and the latest wave of test cars have been caught on video and in new photographs, adding some important new details. We have now revealed our first look at the GT500’s unique exhaust treatment, along with confirmation of a performance upgrade to the tire and brake set-up, similar to the prior-generation model.
Mean Muggin’
The S650-based version of the GT500 promises a menacing front-fascia, with gaping front intakes, a lower, flared chin spoiler, with wider front fenders leading into a squared-off jaw line. The hood promises some new bumps and blisters as well, with signs of modifications hiding under its heavy covering. Similar aggression has been added to the rear, with a new bumper and ground effects squaring-off the rear-end.
All-New Exhaust Tip Design
The latest prototypes now show off their new, uniquely-vertical orientation to the GT500s quad-exhaust design. The new tall-tips represent a big design departure compared to the big round exhaust tips found on the rest of the Mustang lineup.
Testing New Rear Wing Designs?
One of the GT500 prototypes was caught with a new rear wing taking up lots of interior space. A close look reveals the passenger front seat tilted forward, with a wing stretching diagonally across the interior. The wing was likely on hand to be installed for certain tests, as Ford works to dial in the aerodynamics on the GT500 successor.
Michelin Cup 2 Rs Reappear—No CF Wheels, Yet
Our first shots of the production-bodied prototypes were wearing the new GT500’s standard tire specs—Pirelli P Zero Rs matching the staggered set-up of 305/30ZR20 (front) and 315/30ZR20 (rear) used on the past, S550 Shelby GT500. Now, with the appearance of this second wave of production-bodied GT500 test cars, we see our first official evidence of the track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Rs. On the prior-generation S550 GT500 (and the recent S650-based GT500 mules), the Cup 2 Rs were used in conjunction with the carbon fiber wheels as part of the Carbon Fiber Track Package. So far, we haven’t seen any evidence of new carbon fiber wheels. All of the S650 GT500 prototypes are all riding on the same wheels, which—while striking in design—show no signs of the high-tech CF weave. We suspect that a carbon fiber wheel design is being finalized, and will eventually show up on prototypes.
Cross-Drilled Rotors Join Cup 2 Rs, Signaling Upgraded Spec
The new GT500 prototypes wearing the Michelin Cup 2 Rs also get massive cross-drilled rotors, signaling an upgraded brake system as part of the upgraded package. All prototypes fitted with the Pirelli P Zero Rs get a brake system with rotors that, while huge, are clearly of a different makeup.
With the appearance of these new prototypes with new production bodywork, there is now no doubt that Ford is readying a new generation of the GT500. Whether it will carry the same name is currently in question, as there have been indications that Ford may move away from the Shelby branding that accompanied the prior generation.
Legend?
A leaked memo—referring to operations at the Dearborn Engine Plant—stated that a new shift would be added to the plant’s “Niche” line to begin production of engines for the "2026 Mustang Shelby GT500.” The memo even went on to provide the name of the new engine: Legend. Sounds pretty good, if the memo is legit. The Detroit Free Press has confirmed the legitimacy of the memo, through an unnamed source.
The S550 GT500 was powered by Supercharged 5.2-liter V8, cranking out 760 horsepower and 623 lb-ft of torque. Ford currently puts a similarly-specced engine in its F-150 Raptor R, prepped to deliver 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. It seems plausible that Ford will build off this foundation to power a Mustang worthy of the GT500 name. With prototypes now advancing to a more finished phase, more clues should come to light, as more prototypes hit public roads.
Mean Muggin’
The S650-based version of the GT500 promises a menacing front-fascia, with gaping front intakes, a lower, flared chin spoiler, with wider front fenders leading into a squared-off jaw line. The hood promises some new bumps and blisters as well, with signs of modifications hiding under its heavy covering. Similar aggression has been added to the rear, with a new bumper and ground effects squaring-off the rear-end.
All-New Exhaust Tip Design
The latest prototypes now show off their new, uniquely-vertical orientation to the GT500s quad-exhaust design. The new tall-tips represent a big design departure compared to the big round exhaust tips found on the rest of the Mustang lineup.
Testing New Rear Wing Designs?
One of the GT500 prototypes was caught with a new rear wing taking up lots of interior space. A close look reveals the passenger front seat tilted forward, with a wing stretching diagonally across the interior. The wing was likely on hand to be installed for certain tests, as Ford works to dial in the aerodynamics on the GT500 successor.
Michelin Cup 2 Rs Reappear—No CF Wheels, Yet
Our first shots of the production-bodied prototypes were wearing the new GT500’s standard tire specs—Pirelli P Zero Rs matching the staggered set-up of 305/30ZR20 (front) and 315/30ZR20 (rear) used on the past, S550 Shelby GT500. Now, with the appearance of this second wave of production-bodied GT500 test cars, we see our first official evidence of the track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Rs. On the prior-generation S550 GT500 (and the recent S650-based GT500 mules), the Cup 2 Rs were used in conjunction with the carbon fiber wheels as part of the Carbon Fiber Track Package. So far, we haven’t seen any evidence of new carbon fiber wheels. All of the S650 GT500 prototypes are all riding on the same wheels, which—while striking in design—show no signs of the high-tech CF weave. We suspect that a carbon fiber wheel design is being finalized, and will eventually show up on prototypes.
Cross-Drilled Rotors Join Cup 2 Rs, Signaling Upgraded Spec
The new GT500 prototypes wearing the Michelin Cup 2 Rs also get massive cross-drilled rotors, signaling an upgraded brake system as part of the upgraded package. All prototypes fitted with the Pirelli P Zero Rs get a brake system with rotors that, while huge, are clearly of a different makeup.
With the appearance of these new prototypes with new production bodywork, there is now no doubt that Ford is readying a new generation of the GT500. Whether it will carry the same name is currently in question, as there have been indications that Ford may move away from the Shelby branding that accompanied the prior generation.
Legend?
A leaked memo—referring to operations at the Dearborn Engine Plant—stated that a new shift would be added to the plant’s “Niche” line to begin production of engines for the "2026 Mustang Shelby GT500.” The memo even went on to provide the name of the new engine: Legend. Sounds pretty good, if the memo is legit. The Detroit Free Press has confirmed the legitimacy of the memo, through an unnamed source.
The S550 GT500 was powered by Supercharged 5.2-liter V8, cranking out 760 horsepower and 623 lb-ft of torque. Ford currently puts a similarly-specced engine in its F-150 Raptor R, prepped to deliver 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. It seems plausible that Ford will build off this foundation to power a Mustang worthy of the GT500 name. With prototypes now advancing to a more finished phase, more clues should come to light, as more prototypes hit public roads.
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