The S550-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 bowed out of the lineup following the 2022 model year, shortly before that pony car gave way to the all-new 2024, S650 generation model. Since then, most have assumed that the GT500 would make a comeback at some point, as it has represented the range-topping variant in the Mustang lineup for multiple generations to date. However, whether or not that will actually happen remains to be seen, though a new document appears to outline several details pertaining to what might be the 2026 Shelby GT500.
This document was recently posted on Reddit and is purported to be some sort of communication between the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 union and its members. It specifically refers to the Dearborn Engine plant, which currently builds the 2.0L Ford powerplant and the supercharged 5.2L V8 present in the Ford F-150 Raptor R (and soon, the Mustang GTD). The letter discusses some additional transfers and hires that have taken place at DEP, which are intended to help support increased production of the Ford Maverick and Ford Bronco Sport.
However, the letter goes on to state that the union anticipates “an afternoon shift being added towards the end of 2025 on the Niche assembly line. This volume increase is for the 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. I can’t wait until we start building engines for such an iconic vehicle with an engine that will be named Legend.” As Ford Authority previously reported, the new UAW master contract agreement reached with Ford in 2023 stipulates that DEP will continue building the supercharged 5.2L V8 through its duration – into 2028.
While Ford Authority can’t verify the authenticity of this screenshot, it is certainly possible that the 2026 Shelby GT500 will become a reality, though that remains a bit murky at the moment. After all, as Ford Authority exclusively reported last May, the automaker has been mulling the idea of whether or not it will continue to use the Shelby GT500 nameplate, or perhaps a different name developed in-house for its next range-topping pony car.
Comments
Of course, it’s the BoyRacer iteration of the day.
The auto industry is as boring and dull as ever, you have plenty of options to choose from.
If it’s as boring as ever…that would mean that one has no choices…as they would all be the same…?
That’s not too far off. Most everything on the road is a crossover, usually painted either white, black, or a shade of gray.
Hmmm… the UAW also talked about supplying 6.8 pushrod engines for Mustang and that never materialized. I can’t see Ford producing the next top tier regular production Mustang with the GT500 moniker seeing how they didn’t go with the Shelby name with their NA track car (Dark Horse) and talked about introducing a new brand. Then again maybe there is some validity to the report seeing as how Dark Horse hasn’t produced the gravitas Ford was looking for with Mustang buyers the way the S550 GT350 and S550 Mach 1 did.
To have that name I’m expecting something based on the Godzilla engine, preferably rebuilt as a 429, and using a supercharger or twin turbos.
Though honestly a nice new 429 would be more than enough to me.