2026 Shelby Mustang GT500: Ford expands plant workforce, plans for muscle car return
2026 Shelby Mustang GT500: Ford expands plant workforce, plans for muscle car return
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Ford Motor Company: Understanding the automaker's history, legacy
Explore the rich history of Ford Motor Company, from its groundbreaking assembly line innovations to iconic cars like the Model T, Mustang, and F-150.
A UAW memo said there's a new GT500 on the way. The car will be a 2026 model. The GT500 will have an engine named Legend.
A new Shelby Mustang GT500 is expected for the 2026 model year, according to a leaked union document and confirmed by a source familiar with the program who asked to not be named because they are not authorized to share the information publicly.
Ford Motor Co.'s Dearborn Engine Plant in Michigan has added about 300 people recently — either through transfers or new hires — to support increased production of engines for the Bronco Sport SUV and Maverick pickup. That extra staffing will also go to an added shift on the Niche Assembly line at the end of this year to build an engine for a 2026 Mustang Shelby GT500, according to a memo from the UAW Local 600 to its membership that was obtained by the Mustang7G forum and posted late last month.
More automotive industry news: Ford Bronco models hindered by rear shock issues. Now what?
The engine the Dearborn Engine plant is expected to build is code named Legend, according to the UAW's memo.
Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on a future Mustang GT500 saying, "We don't comment on speculation about future products."
The last generation GT500 was introduced as a 2020 model. It offered a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 and produced 760 horsepower. According to Edmunds.com, used 2020, 2021 and 2022 Ford Shelby GT500s can cost anywhere from about $70,000 to as much as $117,000.
Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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