Ford may not be done with the old-school track Mustang formula just yet.
Information shared by Ford Authority points to a new S650-generation Mustang positioned as a spiritual successor to the S550 Shelby GT350, with a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual gearbox expected to sit at the centre of the package.
If it comes together as described, the car would offer a very different character from the recently introduced Dark Horse SC.
At a glance
- Ford is reportedly working on a track-focused S650 Mustang inspired by the Shelby GT350.
- The model is expected to use a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual gearbox, rather than the Dark Horse SC’s supercharged setup.
- Performance could sit between the 500 hp Dark Horse and 795 hp Dark Horse SC, though Ford hasn’t confirmed output or availability.
A naturally aspirated answer to the Dark Horse SC
The key distinction is the engine philosophy.
While the Dark Horse SC uses a supercharged 5.2-litre V8, the proposed GT350 successor is expected to stay naturally aspirated, with displacement possibly at 5.2 or 5.4 litres.
That matters because the Shelby GT350 built much of its reputation on response, revs and driver involvement rather than forced-induction theatre.
Ford Authority has also indicated that a manual gearbox is expected, which would give the car a clear enthusiast brief in a segment where automatic performance is often the default.
An automatic option remains unclear.
Expected track hardware
The car is expected to receive the sort of mechanical support that separates a track-capable Mustang from a powertrain special.
That includes wider bodywork, upgraded suspension, larger brakes and added cooling capacity for regular circuit use.
Those changes would place it closer to the traditional Shelby performance template, where durability and control matter as much as peak output.
Ford hasn’t confirmed the model, its specifications or its timing, so the details should be treated as developing rather than final.
Where it could sit in the Mustang range
The performance window is the most interesting part of the rumour.
The standard Dark Horse produces 500 hp, while the Dark Horse SC is listed at 795 hp.
The new naturally aspirated model could land between them, with around 650 hp described as a possibility, though no official figure has been announced by Ford.
That positioning would give the S650 lineup a more nuanced performance ladder, with the Dark Horse serving as the road-and-track baseline, the reported GT350-style model focusing on high-revving circuit work, and the Dark Horse SC taking the supercharged route.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Reported S650 Mustang track-focused model, described as a spiritual successor to the Shelby GT350 |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated V8 expected, possibly 5.2 or 5.4 litres |
| Transmission | Manual gearbox expected |
| Power | Unconfirmed, with around 650 hp described as possible |
| Positioning | Expected to sit between the 500 hp Dark Horse and 795 hp Dark Horse SC |
| Chassis and track hardware | Wider bodywork, upgraded suspension, larger brakes and additional cooling capacity expected |
For drivers who still value a naturally aspirated V8 and three pedals, this could be the most compelling Mustang development in some time.
The crucial detail now is whether Ford turns the idea into a production car with the same clarity of purpose that made the GT350 such a memorable name in the first place.
