Ford’s 2018 Shelby GT500 Mustang could be the first ever to lose its V8 heart

By Miles Branman July 2, 2015

Ford-Mustang_Shelby_GT500 front angle — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you think of the Shelby GT500 Mustang, a few images appear: tire-smoking power, flared / aggressive bodywork, racing stripes, and a boisterous V8. If a recent report from Automobile Magazine proves true, only three of those things will remain in the next generation of Ford’s Shelby GT500 ‘Stang, due out in late 2017 as a 2018 model year.

The new Ford GT made the switch from a supercharged V8 engine to a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to save weight and compete in Le Mans, and now the GT500 Mustang could borrow its powertrain. Ford’s 5.8-liter supercharged V8 was tuned to 662 horsepower in 2013 – an outrageous figure before the Hellcat twins appeared on the market – but Ford Performance looks very different even just two years later.

With a new focus on lightweight construction and smaller, turbocharged engines, the highest performance Ford models, like the new Focus RS, redesigned F-150 SVT Raptor, and the aforementioned Ford GT have all been designed with handling, and better power-to-weight ratios, and efficiency in mind.

If the 2018 Shelby GT500 embrace a turbocharged V6 powertrain, it will be the first to shun the tradition of a V8-powered GT500 Mustang since it was introduced in 1967. That won’t make purists happy, but it might turn the GT500 into far more than a drag strip champion.

This of course begs the question as to whether that proposed formula deviates too far from the GT500’s original purpose, which was to be the king of muscle cars.

The new Shelby GT350 with its 5.0-liter flat plane crank V8 is certainly a step in the handling-prioritized direction, but a 600-plus HP twin-turbo V6-powered GT500 would weigh even less, and if it borrows the suspension tuning, brakes, and aerodynamic bits from its GT350 sibling, the new GT500 could become the best track car Ford has built yet.

If Ford pulls the trigger, V8 lovers will unleash their wrath, but the performance community might have a better shot at surviving in the wake of stricter environmental regulations.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.