First GT500 production body spotted

[IceGamer]

https://fordauthority.com/2025/06/2...-body-spotted-for-first-time/#google_vignette

As mentioned in the title the guys over at Ford Authority spotted the first GT500 with production body. They have many pictures as well.

Not many information are shared other than what we know already, which is not much. Engine name is changed to 'legend' although that doesn't mean much... I still suspect a 5.2L supercharged engine with around 800hp...
I would hope for a manual option if everything else stays the same...

Sponsored

 

[NegativeMultiplier]

Looks like - compared to the GT - the front black grille insert has been removed, and there's gonna be a much taller air inlet on both sides. Tarps do a good job of hiding the structure of these prototypes, but this looks pretty well-sculpted.

The hood has a lot of padding. I'm willing to speculate that, similar to if not moreso than the S550 GT500, it'll have a very aggressive appearance. Because it's evidently covering the entire hood, I can imagine a setup like that of the Hellcats with a well-integrated scoop in the center with vents to each side to release heat and provide aero.

The fenders look really interesting to me, and make me think we'll see something similar to the GTD. Notice how the padding suddenly disappears as you get to the back third of the wheel arch. You can tell there's nothing there anymore because the tarps go from being smooth bulges to having folds and ripples. There's something going on there IMO.

The rear isn't very note-worthy, which makes me want to assume that in itself is telling. I have a hunch that Ford's suppliers are probably behind in getting production-intent decklids - what we see here is identical to the GT Performance Package, and I don't think Ford would be lazy with that if they're trying to make a "world-class" car.

Despite the lack of changes, the rear is camouflaged. If you remember, in the beginning of May when the mules were first sighted, there was a roll cage. Earlier mule sightings that were based on the S550 GT500 had a fully camouflaged rear windshield. It might be a stretch, but I'm willing to bet that we're getting the GTD's transaxle - I could be wrong, and I hope I am, because I can see that being a justification from Ford for not having a manual.

If this is 100% production intent and not just a late-stage verification prototype, I would assume this is not the GT500 and instead probably the rumored Boss, given that the rear of the car isn't changed too much. I was expecting something more aggressive for the GT500, but again, purely speculation here.

At any rate, the way things are progressing, I'd expect to see the tarps dropped, the car fully wrapped in B/W polka dots, and a significant increase in sightings by the end of the month. We are entering the summer months, which means Ford cannot use the weather as justification to not test anymore, and the GTD is being produced in double digit numbers now which means the development capacity for that program has tapered way off. Whatever's next is going to be for the lower tax brackets - us.

That said, I'm just outwardly speculating - I could be completely off the mark, but if I'm right, it would be a total coincidence. I will note though - this is only the second S650 prototype FA has reported on in quite some time I did not see driving around myself beforehand.

 

[Bikeman315]

I would assume this is not the GT500 and instead probably the rumored Boss, given that the rear of the car isn't changed too much.

Well since there cannot be a Shelby GT500 I agree this could be the new Boss. I’m surprised that FA is still referring this car as a Shelby. They surely know it can’t be.

 

[young at heart]

Well since there cannot be a Shelby GT500 I agree this could be the new Boss. I’m surprised that FA is still referring this car as a Shelby. They surely know it can’t be.

Gotta say I found that really surprising myself.

How could FA do something like that?

 

[Q6543]

I’ll wait for final pics but… that looks BLAND AF.

It doesn’t look aggressive at all.

 

[Ace]

It looks like the frontend will take inspiration from GT3/GTD with the smaller upper and bigger lower grille, which sounds great with how expansive the GTD is. The center beam seem flatter though and the sides of the lower grille are open instead of closed

Here's my take how the frontend actually looks based on what's recognizable under the mesh

So if definitely shares some Dark Horse design ideas too

 

[NegativeMultiplier]

It looks like the frontend will take inspiration from GT3/GTD with the smaller upper and bigger lower grille, which sounds great with how expansive the GTD is. The center beam seem flatter though and the sides of the lower grille are open instead of closed

Here's my take how the frontend actually looks based on what's recognizable under the mesh

So if definitely shares some Dark Horse design ideas too

Yeah, this is just about exactly what I'm seeing. I think we've got something good here if this is cohesive and the changes aren't just limited to the front-end of the car. We shall see soon enough.

 

[Alan Applegate]

One thing for sure, the brakes are large enough to stop a Greyhound bus!

 

[broncoboy22]

Just please offer a manual option 🥹

 

[IceGamer]

If it's 'just' a refreshed GT500 with GTD parts - and that's our best guess at the moment - then we don't get a manual option or a EU version...

 

[jexsk]

I would not hold your breath on a manual option.

 

[Crew4991]

Really hoping this will be the new Boss or Cobra! Been holding out for something better than the Dark Horse. Ford did away with the Shelby licensing so I doubt it will be a new Shelby.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Can't wait for the Mach 1 2.0

 

[Germansheperd]

GT500 huh? So when did Ford sign an agreement with Shelby American? The agreements has been expired for almost 3 years.
Unless Ford pays and signs a contract with Shelby American there is no GT500.

 

[Bikeman315]

GT500 huh? So when did Ford sign an agreement with Shelby American? The agreements has been expired for almost 3 years.
Unless Ford pays and signs a contract with Shelby American there is no GT500.

Post #3

Sponsored