

- The new GT500 will likely produce between 760 and 815 hp.
- Several visual and aerodynamic changes will complement the extra power.
- A document reportedly from the UAW puts the debut in February.
For as impressive as the Ford Mustang GTD is, it is extremely expensive and far beyond the reach of most Ford customers. Thankfully, a more accessible, but perhaps equally powerful Mustang is in the works, expected to revive the GT500 nameplate, and this might be our first look.
In recent months, a handful of disguised Ford Mustang prototypes have been spied testing, and our own photographers snapped one back in June. One of these test vehicles has been filmed on the move by FordAuthority, sounding oh-so-good, no doubt whetting the appetite of anyone who thinks a Dark Horse isn’t enough.
Read This Secret Mustang Prototype Could Obliterate Every GT500 Before It
The entire front end of the prototype is bathed in camouflage and body cladding, and for good reason. Likely fitted beneath the bulging hood will be the same 5.2-liter supercharged V8 as found in the F-150 Raptor R. Ford will inevitably look to extract more than the 760 hp offered in the old Shelby GT500, likely edging it towards the 800-hp mark. However, given that the new GT500 will be much cheaper than the GTD, we don’t expect it to match the GTD’s 815 horsepower.
In terms of sound, there’s absolutely no mistaking this prototype’s V8 rumble with any other kind of engine. However, as the engineer behind the wheel was taking things quite gently, we weren’t provided with an opportunity to hear the characteristic whine of a big supercharger. We’ll likely have to wait a little longer to hear it at full song as development continues.
Beyond the engine and camouflage, this prototype is sitting on a set of big 305/30ZR20 front and 315/30ZR20 Pirelli P Zero R tires, mimicking the sizes of the old GT500. The rear end looks mostly standard Mustang GT, but a unique bumper, diffuser, and exhausts will likely be fitted to the production model.
Word of a new Mustang GT500 first emerged in February after an internal document from the UAW was leaked online. It noted the car will be powered by an engine known as Legend, built on the same line as the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 found in the Raptor R.
Baldauf