Ford Mustang GT500 2018: spy pics

Pictures of a heavily disguised Mustang have surfaced with rumours suggesting Ford is testing a new flagship GT500 pony car to take on the likes of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.

Although no engine or performance details have been revealed, Ford could shoehorn the twin-turbo 482kW/746Nm 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 from its GT supercar or a higher-displacement and force inducted V8 under the bonnet to keep pace with its rivals. 

By comparison, the Dodge produces 527kW/881Nm while the Chevrolet makes 480kW/880Nm – both from supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engines.

Naturally, an uprated transmission is expected to be installed to cope with the increased power output, possibly a new dual-clutch automatic or a strengthened manual gearbox.

Details on the styling of the potentially new GT500 are also scarce, with spy pictures showcasing a properly camouflaged Mustang with every single panel under cover, including the wheels.

Quad exhaust pipes can be glimpsed from the rear – which will match the number of outlets found on the facelifted 2018 Mustang GT – while the pony car’s unique rear lighting signature can be seen from behind the covers.

A different rear diffuser is used on the test car when compared with the already revealed 2018 Mustang, while the lack of rear spoiler could indicate Ford is developing a new aerodynamic package to keep the rear end glued to the road.

Although the wheels are also disguised, a close-up of the centres reveal a unique five-spoke design not yet seen on any sixth-generation Mustang.

Following Ford’s tradition of using carbon-fibre wheels on its highest performing models – including the GT and current GT350R – the new GT500’s wheels could also be made from the lightweight material, which is sourced from Geelong-based Carbon Revolution.

No details can be gleaned from the front, with camouflage obscuring all clues as to what face the potential flagship Mustang will wear.

Although Australia missed out on the headline-stealing Mustang GT350 and GT350R when they were revealed in 2014 and 2015 respectively, Ford could fill the high-performance void left by the closure of Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) with a Mustang GT500.

Should Ford make its Mustang GT500 available to Australian customers? Tell us what you think in the comments below.