Muscle cars are built to be bold, and few colors command attention like orange. While the Ford Mustang has gone without a true orange option for years, that appears to be changing for 2026. The Blue Oval is finally adding a striking orange hue back to the pony car’s palette, evidenced by a couple 2026 Ford Mustang prototypes Ford Authority spotted undergoing testing.
Three 2026 Ford Mustang models were spotted wearing an orange livery. Photographers spotted two EcoBoost models, including one coupe and one convertible. The color appears similar to Twister Orange, which was a metallic tri-coat color option offered on the sixth-gen Mustang, although it’s not clear if it will carry the same name and paint code, or represent a new hue entirely for the 2026 Ford Mustang. For context, Twister Orange was the most expensive color offered on the Mustang when it was available, priced at $495 when it was introduced for the 2020 model year. Additionally, a GT convertible also featured the color, so this new paint will most likely be broadly available for 2026.
A hue called Cyber Orange was also offered on the Mustang, although this color was more yellow orange, contrary to what its name implied. That particular hue isn’t currently available on the Mustang, replaced by a more pure yellow called Intense Lime Yellow for the 2025 model year. That means the new orange decorating these 2026 Ford Mustang prototypes will be the first “true” orange offered on the seventh-gen model right from the factory.
Also noteworthy are the wheels worn by these prototypes. They’re not clad with the 18-by-8.5-inch Machined-face aluminum wheels with High Gloss Ebony Black painted pockets, which are standard on the 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While their design is similar, the wheels seen here are not painted Ebony Black, signaling the addition of a new set of standard wheels for the entry level Mustang.
Another significant change inbound for the 2026 Ford Mustang is the reintroduction of the Mustang Shelby GT500. Ford Authority spotted an integrated prototype of the high-performance pony undergoing testing last year, heralding the rebirth of an icon.
Comments
I hope they bring lighting blue back. Something bright.
Fine. The orange looks good on this too. The problem is when automakers take colors that look good on sporty vehicles and then put them on SUVs of all sizes, where they’re atrocious.
Wait for it $70,000+ dollar GT Mustang for your 2026 pleasure.
Wow! A color other than GRAY with Black wheels! Bring back some of the beautiful blue colors. Add a BULLITT to the list of beautiful green cars.
… agree, Dennis. My uncle had a 1975 Nova, jade green metallic… the shine was briliant.
… the photos have been water-marked so bad, it sure makes Motrolicks look desperate.
I’m looking forward to the 2026 models,especially the GT500,we’re close to the end of really fast gas powered vehicles, my last GT was Lightning Blue, so many compliments.
They should bring back Red Candy. The new dark magenta doesn’t pop.
Lipstick on a pig is still a pig…….