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2018 Mustang Shelby GT500 Sound Raises Questions, Blown 5.2L Predator V8 Rumored

Now that the 2017 Ford GT matters have been settled, it's time for the Mustang to regain the role of a Blue Oval public attention magnet. The mysterious pumped-up prototype we've shown you on past occasions, which should be the new Mustang Shelby GT500, is back under the spotlights.
2018 Mustang Shelby GT500 spied 4 photos
Photo: Youtube screenshot
2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Spied2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Spied2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Spied
The muscle car has been caught on camera while being driven on the street, close to Ford's test track in Dearborn, MI - lens tip to Mustang6G for the footage. Gone is the motorsport-like wing, the one that came with a development clue, having been replaced by what appears to be a GT350R wing.

Of course, when it comes to such a video, the visual part of the deal pales in comparison to the soundtrack. While the relaxed pace of the drive doesn't allow us to extract too much info, the people who caught the car on camera reinforce the conclusion that can be drawn by paying close attention to the video, namely that there doesn't seem to be any turbo noise here.

And while this may dampen the craze generated by the twin-turbo V8 rumors, which we never found too relevant, the forum talk has a new lead for us. The aforementioned source explains that respected sources (quite a distinction) talk about the next Shelby GT500 using a supercharged cross-plane crank incarnation of the 5.2-liter V8.

In the forced induction process, the Voodoo would trade off its high compression ratio for a 2.6-liter Eaton blower, while gaining the Predator name. As for the muscle rating, the rumor mill sees the machine delivering anywhere between 750 and 810 hp. The Predator story seems to make sense, with Ford maximizing the potential of the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that sits behind the Voodoo.

Speaking of unconfirmed info, certain voices still claim this prototype might be the next Mach 1 or even a revamped incarnation of the Shelby GT350 - check out the number plate of the prototype.

Now that we've discussed the performance figures for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, we'll remind you that while the GM vehicle beats the Dodge Charger in the 0 to 60 sprint, it sits behind the Mopar machine in the quarter mile.

And we expect Ford to one-up both, albeit by a small margin.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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