2024 Mustang Shelby GT500

The new seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang really flexed at last week's reveal, keeping the dream of manual-shifted V-8-powered muscle cars alive for at least a few more years. For the past few generations, Ford has developed a Shelby GT500 trim as a sort of range-topper in the Mustang lineup, offering more power than a standard V-8 'Stang with the help of a supercharger. We can expect heavy use of carbon fiber, intense suspension and chassis upgrades, custom bodywork with more aggressive aero and massive rear wing, and of course the GT500's signature racing stripes—here are a few renderings of what the 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 could be. We tossed in a version done up like the latest Hertz GT500-H, too, because who doesn't love a 900-hp rental car?

While it was a bit surprising to not see any hybrid or electrified powertrains for this new generation, as had long been rumored, Ford did still offer something fresh: the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse performance model. The Dark Horse will offer the most powerful 5.0-liter V-8 the company has ever tuned for a road car, generating an estimated 500 horsepower.

The Dark Horse also borrows some of the upgrades previously only reserved for the Shelby performance Mustang models like the GT500, including its carbon fiber wheels and specially modified piston connecting rods, without getting the full Shelby overhaul. It seems that the new Dark Horse model takes the midrange performance level for this next-gen muscle car that was previously held by performance trims like the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, which offers around 20 more horsepower than the sixth-gen Mustang GT it's based on. That still leaves plenty of room for Shelby models like the GT500 to take it even further.

The outgoing supercharged 5.2-liter "Predator" V-8-powered GT500 offers 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet, and we only expect it to get even more ridiculous with the next generation due in a few years. The outgoing GT500 offers a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (with no manual option), nice adaptive dampers, up to 16.5-inch brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrapping carbon fiber lightweight wheels, and we can expect a similar setup for the new car.

Inside the GT500 will likely get Shelby-specific Recaro front bucket seats, the option for a rear seat delete to save weight, as well as plenty of carbon fiber trim and construction.

This week, Ford Authority has reported via "sources" that the seventh-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will debut in 2025 as a 2026 model year, with the current sixth-gen Mustang-based GT500 phased out this year. That sounds plausible, so we likely won't be waiting too long for the debut of the new one.

The Shelby badge has always been associated with some of the quickest muscle cars of all time. We’ve loved each and every one of them, but in the modern era, the GT500 really stands out. Sure, the handling of the GT350 is amazing, but nothing beats the power and utter lunacy of a supercharged 5.2-liter V8.

We have an all-new generation Mustang out this year, and it already has a mild performance version called the Dark Horse. Though the S650 is improved in many ways over its predecessor, you get the feeling that Ford just re-engineered what it already had. But that’s good news for the GT500 because there was never anything wrong with that car.

The car world needs another Shelby GT500, now more than ever. After 2023, there will be no more Hellcat as Dodge is transitioning to electric muscle cars. Meanwhile, the Germans are either downsizing heavily, like in the case of the C63 or asking for too much money. $140,000 for the BMW M4 CSL, what’s that all about?

Speaking of overpriced, the 5.2-liter Predator is still around, powering the hot new F-150 Raptor R. And you can bet your sweet dealer markup that Ford will make another Shelby with it, better in almost every way than its predecessor.

The 2024 Shelby GT500 by Hycade

Shelby models look different to regular Mustangs in many ways, from the badges to the shape of the bumpers. Ford is most likely developing the GT500 as we speak. However, this is not it; it’s an independent concept from rendering artist Hycade, who specializes in making crisp widebody vehicles.

But the Mustang is the one car where a body kit as extreme as this will be manufactured, by Clinched, Liberty Walk, or some other specialist company.

Hycade’s vision of the 2024 Shelby GT500 involves making the fenders blister out. The hood is a real attention-grabber, not only boasting a cowl with a scoop at the front but also vents. Below that, the bumper has much deeper intakes capped in black trim that’s reminiscent of the Dark Horse.

The artist also gave the GT500 a lowered stance with performance tires and lightweight forged wheels. I kind of resembles a Nissan GT-R from the side. Meanwhile, the rear end sports quad exhaust tips and a large trunk-bolted wing. Frankly, both are oversized for this type of car, but who are we to judge such excellent work?

Blue with white stripes seems like the natural color combo. For the record, the GT500 has already boasted three shades of blue during the last generation, Performance Blue, Kona Blue and Velocity Blue. Green and dark gray aren’t bad either.

2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500
2024 Mustang Shelby GT500

Will there be a GT500 in 2024?

Ford Authority claims the new GT500 will launch in the US in 2025 for Model Year 2026 – following the regular Mustang, which goes on sale in the US in mid 2023 for Model Year 2024, with Australian deliveries to follow later next year.

Will there be a 2023 Shelby GT500?

So it is cutting back on models, trims, and features leading up to the new Mustang coming in the summer of 2023. To that end, it won't produce a 2023 Shelby GT500 Mustang, nor will one be available in 2024.

Is a Shelby GT500 faster than a hellcat?

Although it has a bigger engine and slightly more power than the GT500, it doesn't outperform it. In summary, the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 takes home the win for two out of three races and shows the Dodge Challenger Hellcat who is boss. They both offer impressive performances, but the GT500 manages to take the crown.

Is a GT500 faster than a Lamborghini?

Shelby GT500 Beats Twin-Turbo Huracan With immense speed and power, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 wins the race. The Lamborghini Huracan slowly catches up around halfway down the strip, but it isn't quick enough.