Report: Ford Developing Shelby GT350 Successor With Naturally Aspirated V8 and Manual Gearbox

Ford allegedly has plans to introduce yet another derivative to its pony car lineup. Following the arrival of the Dark Horse SC, the Blue Oval is reportedly preparing another high-performance version of its iconic sports car, looking to revive the spirit of the Shelby GT350, a nameplate that disappeared with the previous generation.

According to Ford Authority, insiders familiar with the matter say a new S650-generation Mustang flavor is currently in development as a spiritual successor to the S550-generation Shelby GT350. Rather than starting from scratch, Ford will reportedly use the Dark Horse SC as a starting point, giving the newcomer similarly aggressive widebody styling. However, there is one major difference under the hood: while the Dark Horse SC packs a supercharged 5.2-liter V8, its sibling is said to keep things old-school with a naturally aspirated engine.

Ford apparently has not settled on the exact displacement yet, but reports suggest the automaker is considering either a 5.2-liter or a 5.4-liter V8. The new model should slot neatly between the regular Dark Horse and the Dark Horse SC. The base Dark Horse produces 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet (567 Newton-meters) of torque, while the supercharged SC delivers 795 hp and 660 lb-ft (895 Nm). The report suggests the naturally aspirated V8 could deliver around 650 hp, but this is an educated guess rather than a figure confirmed by people familiar with Ford's plans. The engine will reportedly send power to the rear wheels through a manual transmission.

Compared with the standard Dark Horse, the GT350 successor is expected to receive additional cooling capacity, larger brakes, and an upgraded track-focused suspension, potentially sharing several components with the Dark Horse SC. Ford reportedly intends to sell the new Mustang exclusively as a coupe, with no convertible planned, prioritizing chassis rigidity just like the previous GT350.

As for the name, it remains unconfirmed. It could carry the Dark Horse branding or revive the Boss moniker, especially since Ford filed a trademark for "Dark Horse Boss" in early 2025. In terms of positioning, the 2026 Dark Horse starts at $67,770, while the Dark Horse SC starts at $108,085, leaving room for an entry price around $80,000. The new model is expected to arrive at dealerships as a 2027 model-year vehicle.