Hear The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500's Rumbling V8 For The First Time originally appeared on Autoblog.
New Mustang Prototype Caught On Video
Earlier this month, Shelby American teased a new build based on the S650 Ford Mustang that may get the GT500 name. Now, a new spy video (embedded at the bottom of this article) has captured what may be the Blue Oval's factory effort at a Shelby GT500, something that has been anticipated for a 2026 release since 2022. Completely covered in camouflage from nose to tail, the development vehicle appears to be based on a Mustang Dark Horse, as evidenced by the rear wing, but sightings of other GT500 mules by Ford Authority have shown vehicles with the carbon fiber wheels and additional cooling elements that characterized the S550 GT500.
An S650 GT500 Is Definitely Coming
We can be certain that a GT500 of some description is inbound. Back in March, a now-deleted post on the r/Mustang subreddit showed what appeared to be a leaked United Auto Workers internal memo that said the GT500 would be built at Ford's Dearborn Engine Plant for the 2026 model year and be equipped with a new engine with name Legend. The previous, 760-horsepower GT500 features a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 called Predator, a dry-sumped version of which appears in the GTD with 815 hp. Presumably, a new GT500 will produce something between the two figures. Whether the GT500 name will be retained remains to be seen after the Dark Horse effectively replaced the Mach 1, but it seems unlikely that Ford would pass on the marketing potential of this iconic nameplate.
V8 Engine Keeps Some Secrets
As the video below shows, it's unclear whether this development vehicle features a supercharged or naturally aspirated engine (a turbocharged one is also feasible, though unconventional for the nameplate). In terms of styling, we expect unique wheels and brake calipers to appear, and it appears that this pre-production vehicle may have a large bulge in the center of its hood. Combined with a redesigned front fascia and doubtless a new rear end look, the GT500 will have an imposing look that we hope is matched by the song of its engine at high rpm. As a 2026 model, we expect Ford to begin teasing this vehicle by the end of the year, and future spy shots will surely reveal additional details ahead of launch. Stay tuned.
Hear The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500's Rumbling V8 For The First Time first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 13, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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