Poll: S650 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Is It Using A Dual-Clutch Transmission? (Video)

Over the past few months, Ford Authority has spotted what may be the S650 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 out testing more than once. We say "may" because - as Ford Authority was the first to report - the automaker has been mulling the idea of whether or not it will continue to use the Shelby GT500 nameplate for some time now, or perhaps go with a different name developed in-house for its next range-topping pony car (save for the GTD), like the Dark Horse. Regardless, this footage of the forthcoming model may reveal what sort of transmission it's equipped with, at least.

In this video of one such prototype, we get the chance to listen to the pony car accelerate numerous times, exhibiting some rather quick shifts in the process. This could potentially signal the presence of a dual-clutch transmission, much like the seven-speed DCT utilized in the S550-generation Shelby GT500. Thus, it would make perfect sense that Ford may want to once again lean on that sort of gearbox for its newest Mustang, too.

This is increasingly likely when we consider the fact that back in February, a leaked communication from the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 union to its members surfaced online that was later confirmed to be real. That document referred 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 the Mustang GTD.

That document stated 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." Thus, if this new variant winds up being powered by the supercharged 5.2L V8 once again, it would be reasonable to assume that Ford could once again pair it with a DCT.

While the S650 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 won't be utilizing the Shelby name - and perhaps not even the GT500 moniker - we do know that this forthcoming variant will likely represent the new, range-topping pony car in the current generation's lineup, slotting in above the Dark Horse, albeit below the limited-edition and rather expensive GTD. Regardless, it's currently unclear if this prototype is equipped with a DCT, or perhaps the more enhanced version of Ford's 10-speed automatic used in other pony cars.

Thus, we're curious to hear what our readers think - is this prototype equipped with a more traditional 10-speed automatic gearbox, or the quick-shifting dual-clutch? Let us know what you think by voting in the poll below!