Latest news with #UAWLocal600
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.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Going to Return in 2026?
The Nurburgring-smashing Ford Mustang GTD promises to be the most extreme version of the pony car that we've ever seen. That said, getting your hands on one of the limited-production, $300,000-plus machines isn't exactly as easy as heading to the dealer. But according to a post on the r/Mustang Reddit page, that racing-inspired pony might not be Ford's only super-potent Mustang for long; A document that appears to be a leaked memo from a branch of the United Auto Workers shared on the site appears to confirm the existence of a Shelby GT500 coming for 2026. The memo, which features the URL to the UAW Local 600 website at the bottom, details some recent adjustments within Ford's Dearborn Engine Plant. While most of the piece focuses on Ford's profit-driving items within the plant, it makes mention of potentially adding shifts to the plant's Niche engine line, which produces the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 for the F-150 Raptor R. The reason for that expansion is what really caught the eye of fans, as the memo bluntly calls out the 2026 Shelby GT500 as the culprit. 'I can't wait until we start building engines for such an iconic vehicle with an engine that will be named Legend,' the UAW 600-branded memo continues. R&T has not been able to confirm the authenticity of these documents. We've reached out to both Ford and the UAW Local 600 for clarification, and will update this story with any additional comments or context provided. Ford has been quite cagey about the Shelby nameplates during the S650-generation Mustang era. Ford has seemingly looked to separate itself from the icons with its latest track-focused machines like the Dark Horse and GTD, which carry no mention of the previous range toppers. Shelby American themselves have even started using the GT350 name again for their own S650-based build, further hinting that Ford is done with the badge. They've said nothing about the GT500 thus far, however. It isn't shocking to hear that a GT500 could be in the works. The model has served as the range topper since the S197 generation, with the outgoing S550 model representing a high point with fans. While the GTD technically sits in that slot now, it's not even in the same pricing galaxy as the older blown 'Stangs. Ford and the UAW also agreed to keep building that car's 5.2-liter V-8 through at least 2028 in their last contract, which should run past the limited production run of GTD. Unless the automaker plans to sell a bunch of Raptor Rs, that production capability will be used for something else. Don't expect the same old Predator V-8, however. Given how potent Chevrolet's LT7 V-8 has proved to be, we wouldn't be shocked to see Ford push the 5.2-liter towards the 1000-hp mark. Such an engine would certainly be deserving of a name like Legend, though how they'd accomplish that is just speculation at this point. All I know is that I want FoMoCo to get busy prepping the debut. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
