Mustang Shelby GT500 Spy Video Roars With V8 Power—But Leaves Out One Key Thing
Turn up the volume for some raw Detroit horsepower—but where’s the familiar supercharger whine?
Since the Mustang Shelby GT500 left Ford’s lineup, enthusiasts have wondered what might replace it. A new spy video shot near Ford’s Michigan test facility hints that a successor could be on the way. The prototype’s V8 growl delivers the muscle-car soundtrack Mustang fans crave from Shelby models—but the distinct supercharger whine is nowhere to be heard.
New Mustang Prototype Caught Near Ford’s Home Base
A heavily camouflaged Ford Mustang has been spotted by Ford Authority in a fitting location for a car rumored to pack more than 700 horsepower—a gas station. The prototype was seen pulling away from a station in Dearborn, just a few miles from Ford’s Dearborn Development Center. That facility houses road course layouts, high-speed ovals, expansive skidpads, and full garage setups—making it the ideal proving ground for Ford’s next high-performance pony car.
The driver kept the prototype’s throttle light, even while merging into busy traffic, but the sound from its dual exhausts is strikingly familiar. It closely matches the roar of the previous Mustang Shelby GT500, built from 2020 to 2022, which housed the 5.2-liter supercharged “Predator” V8 making 760 horsepower. Unlike Dodge’s Hellcat, the GT500’s supercharger was subdued, often so quiet that aftermarket kits were sold specifically to amplify the whine. That makes the absence of blower noise from this test car anything but surprising.
Earlier this year, a leaked document hinted at Ford’s plans to develop a fresh 5.2-liter engine for its next high-performance Mustang. The powerplant, reportedly dubbed “Legend,” would be assembled at Ford’s Niche line in Detroit. Any new V8, however, faces a balancing act: it would need to surpass the 760 horsepower of the outgoing Mustang Shelby GT500 while carefully avoiding overlap with the 815-hp Mustang GTD, Ford’s ultimate track-focused flagship.
Is the Next GT500 Actually a Shelby?
Ford may be preparing to shift away from the Mustang Shelby GT500 nameplate. Shelby American currently applies the GT500 badge to a pair of its own modified Mustangs, raising questions about future branding. A recent Ford trademark filing for a new Cobra logo suggests the company could be exploring a fresh identity—though it might simply be a move to safeguard merchandising rights in Europe. When asked by HARJA about the automaker’s ongoing relationship with Shelby, a Ford spokesperson declined to comment on present or future collaborations.
The Mustang prototype is cloaked in heavy camouflage, with a thick wrap over the hood suggesting either a prominent bulge for the new engine or a refreshed aesthetic. Could it be an old-school cowl hood? The wrap’s opening runs down the center, reinforcing that possibility. Beneath the disguise, a redesigned front grille and bumper are visible, featuring enlarged air inlets that hint at improved cooling and performance.
Other details suggest this prototype occupies a spot above the Dark Horse but below the GTD. The front brakes appear larger than those on a standard Dark Horse, while the rear features a unique caliper design and arrangement. Tire sizes also seem to fall between the Dark Horse and GTD, hinting at this car’s strategic placement within the Mustang lineup.
Ford could unveil details about this new Mustang prototype before the end of the year, giving enthusiasts their first official look at the next high-performance pony car.
