New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Manual, Automatic or Dual-clutch?

Apart from one short video, Ford has been quite secretive about the future Mustang Shelby GT 500. But recently, Ford has hosted a dealers’ conference in Las Vegas and some information about new Ford models has leaked out.

Leaked image of the future Mustang Shelby GT 500

The most powerful modification of the Mustang Shelby GT500 will be equipped with the V8 turbo engine with a compressor and the maximum power of up to 800 horsepower. The dynamic characteristics have not been revealed yet, but experts suppose that the new model will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The maximum speed can reach up to 320 km/h.

Spied test drive of 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

But the main question which has been thrilling minds of Mustang admirers is the transmission solution for the 2020 model. Previously, it has been widely considered that the GT500 will get a new dual-clutch transmission providing unbelievably smooth shifting. However, attendees of the abovementioned conference claimed that the car will have two options: a 6-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic transmission rather than the dual-clutch.

In addition, the company plans to release a four-door model that will help Ford to promote the Mustang among a wider target audience. It is expected that this model will act as a competitor to Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera.

Ford also showed a new video which hints that the next generation of the Ford Mustang line will include the hybrid version. There is still very little official information about the new product, but thanks to the video we can see the V8 engine under the hood and blue neon lights clearly imply the Ford model electrification. Experts still argue about the hybrid version. Some assume that the electric motor will be solely responsible for the front axle, while the IC-engine will transmit torque to the rear axle. Others suggest that the electric motor will be placed between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission transmitting torque to all four wheels.

Image of assumed Hybrid Ford Mustang

Moreover, recently it became known about possible large-scale cooperation between Ford and Volkswagen in the production of commercial vehicles.

Despite the fact that there is still much ambiguity about future Ford projects, it is clear that Mustang fans can be excited about future releases.