Mustang Fans are Anxious to See the Next Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Several automotive sites including TorqueNews have talked about the next Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Managing Editor Patrick Rall has described the GT500 as “First, the new GT500 has a front end that seems to be wider and more aggressive than the current Mustang GT or GT350. The fascia appears to extend out much further than the GT350, with a massive central grille opening and smaller ducts situated in the lower corners. Most importantly, the classic Shelby Cobra logo is mounted in the middle of the grille, announcing the presence of this new Mustang with authority.”

In a separate story Rall writes, “When the 2019 (or 2020) Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 finally arrives, we expect that it will be powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter cross-plane V8 delivering at least 700 horsepower. It will likely have a trick magnetic suspension system, unique aero bits, a huge braking setup and a package-specific interior layout, but the most important feature that the new GT500 has to have in order to compete with the quickest muscle cars in America is an automatic transmission.”

Fans agree and are anxious to see the vehicle that Ford has already teased in a video. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is expected to come with a dual-clutch transmission. On a popular forum site, Driver from Tampa, writes “The delay has one benefit in that I’ll have a ton of savings to throw at it when it finally hits dealer.”

Might the GT500 be Automatic Only?

Mac, from Illinois, describes himself as an “enginerd”. (Which may be my new favorite description) He says it would make sense if the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 only came with an automatic. “I think it makes complete sense. Cars with much over 600 hp just become a handful to drive with a manual. Sure it's still fun, but you can enjoy a little bit more of what makes the car special (if it's done right) with a DCT. Like the GT3 RS, GT-R, McLarens, Ferraris, etc.”

M agrees with Mac. “Agree. As much as any of us want to be nostalgic, there’s a certain point where you just have to accept that technology makes it better.” M adds that he can’t wait to see testing of the GT500 on a track. “I'll take any track. I’m not even concerned about it being the ring. Once we see that then I'll be more convinced to its overall prowess as a track car and its readiness to be officially launched.”

Pec, from Atlanta, is still hoping for a stick. “I believe they will do manual as an option. There are still people out there that actually know how to drive and don’t want to just push the gas and let the computer do everything. If they do manual I'll get one for sure.”

Houston says “I for one know how to drive and thoroughly enjoyed my GT350 but the A10 is an upgrade in my book. Rowing the gears is fun and all, but from a pure performance perspective, the A10 wins. Part of the reason I replaced the GT350 with a GT and not wait on a Bullitt. No A10 in the Bullitt. I can see myself dumping the GT for a GT500 in two years or so if it is an auto. I won't if it’s a manual.”

Zimm, from Cincinnati, speaks for everyone when he says, “Please be reasonably priced, please be reasonably priced, please be reasonably priced!!!!!”

Mark, from Ontario, says, “I won’t buy another 6speed GT500. I like to hand my cars down to my kids and nobody wants a 6 speed. I also hate driving in rush hour traffic in Toronto. Hard on the knees and the clutch.”

Mark has a point. Many millennials and Gen Zers barely know how to drive, much less know how to drive a stick. I would put money on the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 being an automatic.

Will Drivers be Able to Boost the Horsepower?

Hack, from Minneapolis, is hoping that the new vehicle is engineered to withstand much higher horsepower than people are expecting. “Many buyers will swap out blower pullies and/or make other changes to add power. Knowing this, Ford should really be sure that every component in the driveline can handle significantly more HP than the factory rating."

Nameless replies, “Ford knows that, that's why Ford specifies that if you mod the engine, it voids the warranty.” Plus, Nameless adds, “I'd love it to be 750HP..... but now I remember what Ford used to say about the GT350 "with over 500HP" that sounds really similar to "700+HP" for this GT500. With that being said I'm not expecting more than 730HP (but I'm hoping for 750 though).
With the Focus RS was a little different because it was supposed to have "AT LEAST 320HP" and end up being 350HP. In my opinion if the GT500 were going to have 750HP they would have said something like "720+HP", not just 700.”

Everyone seems to be disappointed that there isn’t more information available about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. It is not uncommon to sit on the price and fuel economy numbers until close to launch, but usually there is more info available fairly early in development. The Blue Oval has kept the performance car under wraps while it promotes the 2019 Bullitt Mustang. For that reason alone, I would expect the Shelby GT500 to be a 2020 model. Hopefully, Ford will do some sort of major reveal soon, or we may have to wait until the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.