The new seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang really flexed at last week's reveal, keeping the dream of manual-shifted V-8-powered muscle cars alive for at least a few more years. For the past few generations, Ford has developed a Shelby GT500 trim as a sort of range-topper in the Mustang lineup, offering more power than a standard V-8 'Stang with the help of a supercharger. We can expect heavy use of carbon fiber, intense suspension and chassis upgrades, custom bodywork with more aggressive aero and massive rear wing, and of course the GT500's signature racing stripes—here are a few renderings of what the 2026 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 could be. We tossed in a version done up like the latest Hertz GT500-H, too, because who doesn't love a 900-hp rental car? Show While it was a bit surprising to not see any hybrid or electrified powertrains for this new generation, as had long been rumored, Ford did still offer something fresh: the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse performance model. The Dark Horse will offer the most powerful 5.0-liter V-8 the company has ever tuned for a road car, generating an estimated 500 horsepower. The Dark Horse also borrows some of the upgrades previously only reserved for the Shelby performance Mustang models like the GT500, including its carbon fiber wheels and specially modified piston connecting rods, without getting the full Shelby overhaul. It seems that the new Dark Horse model takes the midrange performance level for this next-gen muscle car that was previously held by performance trims like the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, which offers around 20 more horsepower than the sixth-gen Mustang GT it's based on. That still leaves plenty of room for Shelby models like the GT500 to take it even further. The outgoing supercharged 5.2-liter "Predator" V-8-powered GT500 offers 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet, and we only expect it to get even more ridiculous with the next generation due in a few years. The outgoing GT500 offers a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (with no manual option), nice adaptive dampers, up to 16.5-inch brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrapping carbon fiber lightweight wheels, and we can expect a similar setup for the new car. Inside the GT500 will likely get Shelby-specific Recaro front bucket seats, the option for a rear seat delete to save weight, as well as plenty of carbon fiber trim and construction. This week, Ford Authority has reported via "sources" that the seventh-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will debut in 2025 as a 2026 model year, with the current sixth-gen Mustang-based GT500 phased out this year. That sounds plausible, so we likely won't be waiting too long for the debut of the new one.
The Dark Horse is an entirely new breed of Mustang, one that shares no bloodlines with historic models. While it's based on the new seventh-generation V-8–powered Ford Mustang GT, the Dark Horse is more badass out of the box, and it's bred for racing, with numerous standard performance features and exclusive track-focused options. Think of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse as the love child of the outgoing Mach 1 and Shelby variants, neither of which is offered for the redesigned Stang's inaugural model year. Like the Mach 1 before it, the Dark Horse is the most track-capable Mustang that doesn't have Shelby badging. It also inherits parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500, most notably their lightweight carbon-fiber wheels. It's the first time Ford will offer the exotic rims on a non-Shelby Mustang, and they'll likely still cost a pretty penny when they become available later in the model year. Like the regular Mustang GT, the Dark Horse variant is only offered with Ford's Coyote 5.0-liter V-8. Not only is this the latest generation of the engine, now featuring dual throttle bodies fed by dual air intakes, but the version in the Dark Horse is enhanced even further. It features forged internal components along with connecting rods from the GT500's 760-hp supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V-8. It produces a projected 500 horsepower, and Ford says the Dark Horse engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 it has ever built. It pairs with a standard Tremec six-speed manual (GT models use a different Getrag gearbox), and the shifter has a special 3D-printed titanium knob. Ford's 10-speed automatic is the other option, and both transmissions power the rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip diff. Ed Krenz, Mustang chief nameplate engineer, told Car and Driver that Dark Horse as a brand name had been rattling around at Ford for quite some time before it was picked to christen the seventh-generation Mustang. "With the S650, we knew we were going to come out of the gate with a feature car," said Krenz. While heritage model names such as Bosses, Bullitts, and Mach 1s were considered, one of the reasons Dark Horse was selected is because it describes the unexpected, which Krenz said played into the company's assertion that some competitors are leaving the segment while Ford—perhaps surprisingly—has introduced a brand-new Mustang. Looks Menacing, Is MenacingThe Dark Horse name was also inspired by the model's understated, dark design that is supposed to give off a sleeper-type vibe, according to Krenz. However, we'd argue that the Mustang Dark Horse looks too menacing to qualify as a sleeper. Even compared with the regular GT model, which already has an aggressive mug, the Dark Horse goes a step further with a unique front end featuring bigger grille apertures and open nostrils for better cooling. Its smoked headlights and taillights also promote a racy attitude. Plus, the coupe's body is adorned with unique aero bits such as a fixed rear wing and distinctive Dark Horse badges on the front fenders and decklid. The rear bumper also boasts a prominent diffuser and quad-tipped tailpipes. The other way to identify a Dark Horse is with its exclusive Blue Ember metallic paint (pictured here), and Ford also offers applied or painted graphics in different colors and designs.  Every Dark Horse rides on MagneRide adaptive dampers that buoy 19-inch wheels mounted on Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tires. The standard rims measure 9.5 inches wide up front and 10.0 inches wide out back, but those widths increase to 10.5 and 11.0 inches, respectively, with the optional Handling package that brings super-sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS rubber. The package also includes stiffer springs, thicker front and rear sway bars, and a rear wing with a Gurney flap for more downforce. Even without the Handling package, all Dark Horses have Brembo six-piston fixed front calipers that clamp 13.9-inch rotors. Deep Indigo BlueInside, the Dark Horse benefits from the same redesigned, tech-centric cabin that debuted on other 2024 Mustangs. That means a digitized dashboard that combines a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The latter features the latest Sync 4 interface that has been reskinned specifically for the Mustang, and it also accepts over-the-air updates. While the interior layout and features—like the new electronic drift brake that lets novices cosplay as Vaughn Gittin Jr.—aren't unique to the Dark Horse, its blue interior accents and glossy dark metallic trim pieces are. Ford also offers an appearance package that adds Deep Indigo Blue seats with special perforations. Ford hasn't yet said how much the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will cost, but we think it'll start around $60,000, which is a few thousand more than the current 2022 Mustang Mach 1. We expect the Dark Horse to go on sale sometime next summer. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Will there be a 2024 Shelby GT500?Ford Authority claims the new GT500 will launch in the US in 2025 for Model Year 2026 – following the regular Mustang, which goes on sale in the US in mid 2023 for Model Year 2024, with Australian deliveries to follow later next year.
Will there be a 2023 Shelby GT500?So it is cutting back on models, trims, and features leading up to the new Mustang coming in the summer of 2023. To that end, it won't produce a 2023 Shelby GT500 Mustang, nor will one be available in 2024.
What engine will 2024 Mustang have?With an automatic transmission, this powertrain option will appeal to a broad range of drivers. A 5 L Coyote V8 engine: This engine is standard on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT model, and it's the most powerful 5 L Coyote V8 engine ever. It's the fourth generation of this engine, so you know it has come a long way.
How much will the 2024 Mustang GT cost?2024 Ford Mustang Price
We expect the 2024 Ford Mustang to start around $30,000. For reference, the 2022 model starts at $27,470. The Chevy Camaro starts at $25,000 and the Dodge Challenger kicks off at $30,430.
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