Ford is developing a “spiritual successor” to the Mustang Shelby GT350 with a heavy track focus, naturally aspirated V8 and manual gearbox, according to a new report that says the new model will slot into the Pony Car line-up in between two Dark Horse variants.

The upcoming high-performance Mustang will feature a similar widebody look to that sported by the Dark Horse SC, according to Ford Authority, which says the motor will drop the supercharger from the SC’s specs sheet and go with an atmo bent eight coming in at either 5.2 or 5.4 litres.

6

According to the report, the Shelby successor will come in between the Dark Horse with its 5.0L, 372kW Coyote V8, and the Dark Horse SC, which is powered by the 592kW supercharged Legend V8.

While the Dark Horse SC (pictured below) runs its power through a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch gearbox, it’s predicted the new Shelby successor will run a Tremec six-speed manual, with its atmo V8 making in the vicinity of 485kW, although no official power figures have been released.

Track-focused upgrades will reportedly include bigger brakes, upgraded suspension – possibly shared with the Dark Horse SC – and improved cooling capacity. The successor is planned as a coupe only, the publication says, as opposed to the SC, which can also be bought as a soft-top convertible.

As for the name, Ford Authority says it’s likely “Dark Horse” will make up at least part of the new model’s moniker, pointing out that the Blue Oval filed a trademark for “Dark Horse Boss” last year. The Shelby-inspired Mustang is predicted to hit dealerships in the USA next year – and obviously, there’s no word on whether it’s coming down under. 

6

The 2019 Shelby GT350 (pictured in the top gallery) ran Ford’s Voodoo 5.2-litre V8 with its flat-plane crankshaft, good for 392kW – which made it, at the time, Ford’s most powerful naturally aspirated production engine. 

It was updated with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, rear wing with an optional Gurney flap, six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes, and upgraded MagneRide suspension.