The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 earned its reputation with a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 and a chassis built for attacking corners. While newer Mustangs have pushed horsepower figures higher, enthusiasts still have plenty of reasons to miss that particular combination.
Ford’s current Mustang lineup includes the 500-horsepower Dark Horse and the supercharged, 795-horsepower Dark Horse SC. There’s a substantial gap between them, and a new rumor suggests Ford intends to fill it with something aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts.
According to an exclusive report from Ford Authority, the Blue Oval is developing a spiritual successor to the previous-generation Shelby GT350. The rumored model would borrow elements from the Dark Horse SC while taking a different approach to engine performance.
Instead of chasing maximum output with forced induction, the upcoming Mustang would reportedly rely on a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual transmission. If the information proves accurate, it could revive one of the most appealing formulas in modern Mustang history.
Naturally Aspirated Power Could Return
Ford Authority’s sources suggest the new model will use either a 5.2-liter or 5.4-liter V8, although neither displacement has been confirmed. The publication speculates that approximately 650 horsepower would position it between the existing Dark Horse and Dark Horse SC.
If that estimate proves accurate, it would represent a substantial increase over the previous Shelby GT350’s 526-horsepower, 5.2-liter Voodoo V8. Its flat-plane crankshaft helped give the engine its unmistakable exhaust note and 8,250-rpm redline, although there’s currently no indication that Ford intends to bring back that unusual crankshaft design.
A Manual Gearbox and Serious Track Hardware
Perhaps the most encouraging detail is the reported inclusion of a Tremec manual transmission. The Dark Horse already offers a six-speed manual, but the more powerful Dark Horse SC uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The rumored GT350 successor would also receive additional cooling, larger brakes, and upgraded suspension components. Sources suggest it could share some chassis hardware with the Dark Horse SC, alongside a similarly aggressive widebody design.
Unlike the SC, which offers coupe and convertible configurations, this new Mustang would reportedly be available exclusively as a coupe. That would follow the original Shelby GT350’s track-focused approach.
A 2027 Arrival Could Be on the Cards
Ford Authority reports that the new Mustang could reach dealerships during 2027 as a 2027 model. Pricing is unknown, although the publication suggests a starting figure around $80,000, between the $65,000 Dark Horse and $106,000 Dark Horse SC.
The name is another mystery, with Ford’s earlier Dark Horse Boss trademark filing offering one possible clue. Nothing confirms that designation will appear on the finished vehicle.
Ford still hasn’t officially announced the rumored model, so its specifications and launch plans are unverified, but the prospect of a high-revving, naturally aspirated Mustang with three pedals should give GT350 fans something worth watching.