Everything We Know About The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is expected to make a return after disappearing in 2022. Anticipated to debut in late 2025 as a 2026 model, this iteration is expected to be the most powerful GT500 to date.

What Is The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?

Following the success of the GT350 in 1965, the GT500 badge first appeared in 1967, when Carroll Shelby modified the Mustang fastback with a big-block V8, creating a different kind of high-performance pony car. Since then, the GT500 name has resurfaced a couple times, each time as the top-shelf Mustang in terms of performance.

The most recent GT500, produced from 2020 to 2022, brought the Mustang into supercar territory. It was not just a muscle car with brutal capability; it also offered Brembo brakes, MagneRide suspension, a carbon aero kit, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires—all of which helped it compete with performance cars costing twice as much.

What Platform Does The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Use?

The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is set to be built on Ford's S650 platform, which already underpins the seventh-generation Mustang introduced for the 2024 model year. The S650 platform itself is an evolution of the previous S550 architecture, incorporating updates to suspension components, chassis rigidity, and electronic systems. It continues to utilize a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, maintaining the Mustang's traditional configuration.

Spy shots indicate that the 2026 GT500 will feature a more aggressive front fascia, larger air intakes, and a prominent rear spoiler, all contributing to improved aerodynamics and cooling. Also based on test mules running around Dearborn, the muscle car is also expected to ride on staggered Pirelli P Zero R tires, measuring 305/30ZR20 at the front and 315/30ZR20 at the rear.

Which Engine Will The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Use?

At the heart of the upcoming GT500 will be a version of Ford's supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, internally referred to as the "Legend" engine. Ford uses versions of this engine in the F-150 Raptor R and Mustang GTD. While official figures are yet to be confirmed, reports suggest an output ranging from 760 to 800 horsepower, with torque figures between 625 and 700 lb-ft. This power is expected to be managed by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering rapid gear changes and enhanced performance.

With the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X reaching into four-figure horsepower territory, it's possible we see Ford stretch for similar vanity numbers from a future GT500. It's unclear how a high-horsepower GT500 would integrate into the existing Mustang hierarchy, especially with the $325,000 Mustang GTD 'only' making 815 horsepower.

How Will The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Interior Look?

Inside, the GT500 is anticipated to offer sportier interior touches, including sport seats, unique digital display menus, alloy pedals, and a more aggressive steering wheel design. Standard tech features are expected to include a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.

Ford didn't put in all that much work to glam up the interior of the 2026 Mustang GTD—save for some carbon bits and titanium accents—so don't expect anything over the top in this regard. The GT500 has always been, and will always be, about the engine under the hood, not the finishes of the interior.

How Much Will The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Cost?

Pricing for the 2026 Shelby GT500 is projected to start closer to $100,000, with higher trims and option packs potentially pushing it well north of $100,000. The 2022 GT500 ranged from just over $80,000 to about $127,000, expect a similar price spread with a bit of cost creep baked in based on tariffs and other global events driving the price of commodities and labor higher.

As in prior years, the GT500 is expected to be available in both coupe and convertible variants. Expect the ragtop to carry a small premium.

When Will The 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Debut?

The leaked UAW memo indicates Ford will be adding more production shifts later in 2025 for the 2026 Shelby GT500, so it's reasonable to expect the car to at least debut before the end of 2025.

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