Before you get too excited, it should be pointed out that once again, the news about the 2014 and 2015 Ford Mustang is once again based on media information and not official company word but according to the Motor Authority, Ford will fire back against the Camaro ZL1 sometime during the 2013 calendar year with a lightly refreshed Shelby GT500. This will is expected to be a 2014 model year vehicle and while we cannot expect many changes made to the look of the GT500; we can expect gobs more power. There has long been speculation that the “next GT500” will utilize a twin turbo setup to best the Camaro ZL1 but the new reports suggest that Ford will stick with the supercharger to increase the current output (550hp) up into the neighborhood of at least 570 horsepower – which is similar to what many expect the new super-Camaro to produce. This shouldn’t come as a huge shock, as Ford Racing offers a variety of Whipple-based supercharger packages that can boost the output of the stock 5.0L from 412 to 624hp and when you combine that with the steady supercharger efforts made by Ford in other markets (like Australia) – we’re not surprised to hear that the GT500 will maintain its supercharged engine.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was originally stated to have somewhere in the area of 550 horsepower but rumors now suggest that it will have 570 ponies to best the GT500. Should these reports of a more-powerful GT500 ahead of the next big Mustang redesign prove to be true, we could see a Shelby GT500 with a power output in the range of 570-600 horsepower before the end of the 2013 calendar year.
Finally, while this seems like stating that the sky is blue, reports indicate that there won’t be a major Mustang redesign until sometime in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Few people expected to see anything new for the Mustang in 2012 or 2013 but in April of 2014, the Mustang will turn 50 years old – having been introduced mid-way through the 1964 model year. Many expect that Ford will celebrate that birthday with the next generation of the Mustang but with this recent report that the redesigned pony car won’t hit until 2014 as a 2015 model, it seems that Ford will not be unveiling “the next Mustang” to celebrate the 50th birthday. That part still seems a little hazy but Ford fans can rest assured that the folks at SVT and Shelby are not just sitting back and relaxing as the new high performance Camaro ZL1 storms onto the scene.
Source: Motor Authority
Other Ford News:
Ford introduces their Octane Academy
Mustang battles back, beats Camaro, Challenger and 370Z in June 2011
Lincoln shows growth, helps Ford in June 2011 sales race
Comments
The Mustang is such an iconic
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The Mustang is such an iconic car; it's been around practically forever and the newer model is getting even more powerful. It will be interesting who will offer the car with more power; the new Ford Mustang GT Shelby or the Super Camaro? I predict it will be super close with both getting around 570 HP.
I sure hope the Mr. Mulally
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I sure hope the Mr. Mulally and the Mustang design team are looking through all the forums while they work on the next generation of the Mustang. I'm hoping they keep it retro, and do better than they did on the current model. I like most things about the current model, with the exception of the back. The tapered taillights have almost ruined this model for me, although I prefer the rest of the car over my 07 model.
If they could just slightly refine the current model and make the rear end look similar to the 67/68 fastbacks (and maybe even have something like the finned aluminum tail panel on it), I would be all over it as I think a lot of the Mustang purists would be.
If they want to make a Camaro/Japanese looking car, go ahead! Just don't call it a Mustang.... Are you listening Alan??????????