Latest news with #MikeLevine
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Shelby GT500 Expected as Ford Expands Engine Production
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious The legendary Shelby GT500 is poised for a comeback in 2026, according to a leaked union memo that reveals Ford's plans to produce a high-performance engine for the next-generation muscle car. A document from UAW Local 600, obtained by the Mustang7G forum, states that Ford's Dearborn Engine Plant is expanding its workforce and will begin building a new engine codenamed 'Legend' on the Niche Assembly line by late 2025. The memo also suggests the engine will power the highly anticipated 2026 Mustang Shelby GT500, marking the return of Ford's most powerful production pony car. Ford has not officially confirmed the details, with company spokesperson Mike Levine stating, 'We don't comment on speculation about future products.' However, sources familiar with the program indicate that the project is moving forward. The previous GT500, launched in 2020, featured a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 producing 760 horsepower, making it the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever built. It was discontinued after the 2022 model year, but demand for used models remains high, with resale values ranging from $70,000 to over $117,000, according to Edmunds. While specific details about the 'Legend' engine remain under wraps, Ford's investment in additional production shifts suggests it could be another high-performance V8, possibly integrating hybrid or electrified elements as Ford continues adapting to evolving emissions regulations. With Ford's commitment to keeping muscle cars alive in an era of electrification, the return of the GT500 would reinforce the Mustang's legacy as one of America's most celebrated performance vehicles. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting an official reveal, which could happen as early as 2025.
USA Today
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
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 Show Caption Hide Caption 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 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@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Shelby Mustang GT500: Ford expands plant workforce, plans for muscle car return
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 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@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 coming in 2026, memo suggests Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Toyota Stole the F-150's Crown in 2024
The Ford F-150 has been a dominant force in American auto sales for decades. Its reign has ended, as for the first time in a decade the Toyota RAV4 has claimed the title of the most-registered vehicle in the U.S., according to data from JATO Dynamics. Beloved by Americans for decades, the workhorse that is the F-150 now sits in second place—a shift not seen since the Toyota Camry briefly took the crown in 2009. A modest decline in sales, combined with a strong year for the RAV4, was enough to tip the balance in 2024. While the RAV4 had a strong year, there's a catch. JATO's numbers differ from those of traditional manufacturer-reported sales as they separate the F-150 from the automaker's larger Super Duty truck models. Where Ford typically reports all F-Series trucks under one umbrella, JATO splits them, which results in the RAV4 being ahead by 14,278 units. As expected, Ford has its own take on this tally. Product communications director Mike Levine pointed out that all F-Series trucks—from the F-150 to the F-600—share a common cab structure and powertrain options, in the same way Toyota offers different configurations of the RAV4. Looking ahead, upcoming tariffs on vehicles and components from Mexico, Canada, and Japan could significantly impact pricing and sales rankings in 2025. The ranking shake-up doesn't end there, though, as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has dropped to fifth place, the GMC Sierra has slipped to tenth place, and the RAM 1500 has fallen out of the top ten entirely. There's good news for GM: the Chevrolet Trax is making waves as the best-selling subcompact SUV, with an impressive 83 percent year-over-year sales surge. From a brand perspective, Toyota is still out front, with Ford a close second. Honda jumped the biggest market share, while Stellantis—which houses brands like RAM and Jeep—took the hardest hit. More often than enough, buyers seek a balance between utility, efficiency, and affordability, so compact SUVs, like the RAV4, have surged in popularity. With persistently high interest rates, the RAV4's lower price tag makes it an appealing option, especially with leasing gaining little traction in recent years. Toyota capitalized on this momentum by offering attractive financing and lease incentives. Meanwhile, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles comprised 43 percent of Toyota's total U.S. sales, highlighting the ongoing shift toward electrification. While the RAV4 saw a 9 percent sales increase, reaching 475,193 units, the F-150 saw a 5 percent decline with 460,915 units sold. Ford's slowdown wasn't just due to market trends—production halts at key assembly plans and quality control measures delayed deliveries. In response to its slipping rank, Ford argues that JATO's methodology excludes heavy-duty trucks, asserting that the full F-Series lineup remains dominant. Full-size truck sales remained robust, with GM leading the segment, selling 875,800 combined Silverado and Sierra units. Ford's total F-Series sales, including heavy-duty models, grew by 2 percent to 765,649, while RAM saw a significant decline of 16.1 percent. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tundra experienced a strong 27.4 percent sales increase, fueled by aggressive incentives. Looking ahead, upcoming tariffs on vehicles and components from Mexico, Canada, and Japan could significantly impact pricing and sales rankings in 2025. With both the RAV4 and F-150 dependent on international supply chains, the competition for the top-selling spot is far from settled. Source: Wards Auto, Car Industry Analysis, TopSpeed
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Memo suggests new Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 coming in 2026
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 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. 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 used 2020, 2021 and 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 can cost anywhere from about $70,000 to as much as $117,000. More: After massive Detroit water main break, Ford jumped into action for devastated families More: The auto industry, with 5-year product cycles, can't pivot on a dime to adapt to tariffs Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Memo suggests new Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 coming in 2026
