The S550 platform debuted in 2015 and marked one of the biggest advancements in Mustang history. Riding on Ford’s first Mustang-specific global platform, it introduced independent rear suspension across the lineup and transformed the Mustang into a true world-class performance car.

Power continued to come from Ford’s 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8, first introduced in 2011. For 2015, the engine evolved into its second generation with improved cylinder heads, a revised valvetrain, and numerous internal refinements, increasing output to 435 horsepower. A major refresh arrived for 2018, bringing the third-generation Coyote featuring dual port and direct fuel injection, larger valves, a higher redline, and up to 460 horsepower. The 2018 refresh also introduced the 10-speed automatic transmission, giving buyers a significant performance upgrade over the previous six-speed automatic.

Performance Packages

Throughout the S550’s production, Ford offered two factory performance packages for the Mustang GT.

Performance Pack (PP1)

The Performance Pack transformed the standard GT into a significantly more capable sports car. Upgrades included larger sway bars, revised springs, unique chassis tuning, a K-brace, and additional cooling improvements. Braking was upgraded with six-piston Brembo front calipers and 15-inch front rotors, while wider wheels and performance tires substantially improved grip and handling.

Performance Pack Level 2 (PP2)

Introduced for 2018 and available exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission, the Performance Pack Level 2 was designed for serious track enthusiasts. It featured 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, significantly stiffer front springs, revised dampers, unique anti-roll bars, and dedicated MagneRide calibration on equipped vehicles. Functional aerodynamic upgrades—including a larger front splitter, revised rear spoiler, and additional underbody aero—further improved high-speed stability and track performance.

Special Models

Bullitt (2019–2020)

Built to celebrate the iconic film, the Bullitt combined understated styling with meaningful performance improvements. Output increased to 480 horsepower thanks to the Shelby GT350 intake manifold, larger 87 mm throttle body, revised engine calibration, and open-air intake. The Bullitt also incorporated much of the GT Performance Pack hardware and was offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

Mach 1 (2021–2023)

The Mach 1 represented the ultimate naturally aspirated non-Shelby S550 Mustang and served as the successor to both the Bullitt and Shelby GT350. It shared the Bullitt’s 480-horsepower Coyote but received extensive chassis and cooling upgrades derived from the GT350 and GT500.

Highlights included the Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission (or optional 10-speed automatic), GT350 front subframe, revised rear toe links, GT500 rear diffuser, rear axle cooling, larger sway bars, revised bushings, and comprehensive cooling upgrades including engine oil, transmission, and differential coolers. Braking remained the proven six-piston Brembo setup with upgraded pad compounds and cooling.

The optional Handling Package elevated the Mach 1 even further with 19x10.5-inch front and 19x11-inch rear wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (305/30R19 front and 315/30R19 rear), a larger front splitter, Gurney flap rear spoiler, unique suspension tuning, and a more aggressive alignment, making it one of the most capable track-focused Mustangs Ford has ever produced.

The Shelby GT350 marked one of the most significant moments in modern Mustang history. Rather than simply increasing horsepower, Ford Performance reimagined what a Mustang could be by creating a car focused on balance, precision, and driver engagement. The result was a naturally aspirated track weapon unlike anything that had come before it.

At the heart of every GT350 is the legendary 5.2-liter “Voodoo” V8, Ford’s first production flat-plane crankshaft engine and at the time largest-displacement flat-plane crank V8 ever installed in a production automobile. Unlike the traditional cross-plane V8 found in the Mustang GT, the Voodoo’s flat-plane crankshaft allows the engine to rev freely to an astonishing 8,250 RPM while producing 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Combined with an unmistakable exhaust note and razor-sharp throttle response, the Voodoo delivers a driving experience more commonly associated with European exotics than American muscle. Every GT350 was equipped exclusively with a Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission, making it one of the last truly analog modern performance cars.

Chassis & Performance

While based on the S550 platform, the GT350 received extensive chassis revisions over the standard Mustang GT. Ford Performance engineers developed unique front and rear suspension geometry, revised control arms, stiffer bushings, larger anti-roll bars, quicker steering calibration, and MagneRide adaptive dampers as standard equipment. Massive six-piston Brembo front calipers with 15.5-inch rotors, four-piston rear calipers, and dedicated engine, transmission, and differential cooling systems made the GT350 equally capable on the street or road course.

For 2015 through 2017, buyers could choose between the Technology Package and the Track Package. While the Technology Package focused on everyday comfort, the Track Package added the engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, and differential cooler necessary for extended track use. The GT350R included these cooling upgrades as standard equipment from the beginning. Beginning in 2018, Ford discontinued the separate packages, making the complete cooling system standard on every GT350.

GT350R

Introduced alongside the standard GT350, the GT350R represented the ultimate expression of Ford’s naturally aspirated performance philosophy. Weight reduction became the priority, with the rear seats removed and non-essential equipment either deleted or made optional. Carbon fiber wheels—the first ever fitted to a mass-produced American production car—dramatically reduced unsprung weight while improving steering response, ride quality, and overall handling.

The GT350R also featured revised aerodynamic components, a larger carbon fiber rear wing, unique suspension calibration, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires measuring 305/30ZR19 in the front and 315/30ZR19 in the rear. These enhancements transformed an already exceptional driver’s car into one of the most capable track-focused Mustangs ever produced.

2019–2020 Refresh

Ford continued to refine the GT350 throughout its production, with the most significant updates arriving for the 2019 model year. The second-generation Voodoo engine was introduced with unchanged output, but numerous durability improvements inspired by development of the upcoming GT500. Updates included a revised engine block, stronger valve seat material, improved crankcase breathing, a multi-layer steel head gasket, and several valvetrain revisions.

The chassis also received substantial refinement. Suspension calibration was revised to improve ride quality without sacrificing handling precision, while steering and MagneRide tuning were further optimized for both street and track driving. New Ford Performance-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires significantly increased grip, and non-R models received a revised rear spoiler with an optional Gurney flap for additional downforce.

The 2020 Shelby GT500 represented the most significant leap in Mustang performance since the introduction of the GT350. Rather than simply building a faster muscle car, Ford Performance developed a machine capable of competing with the world’s best sports cars on both the drag strip and the road course. The result was the most powerful production Mustang ever built.

Power comes from the hand-assembled 5.2-liter “Predator” V8, a supercharged evolution of the GT350’s Voodoo architecture. Unlike the flat-plane crankshaft found in the GT350, the Predator utilizes a traditional cross-plane crankshaft for improved durability under forced induction. A 2.65-liter Eaton TVS supercharger, forged rotating assembly, dual throttle body, and extensive cooling system produce an astonishing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque.

Every GT500 is equipped exclusively with Tremec’s TR-9070 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Capable of lightning-fast gear changes in as little as 100 milliseconds, the dual-clutch transmission delivers seamless acceleration while maintaining everyday drivability. Combined with launch control, line lock, and multiple drive modes, the GT500 is equally comfortable cruising city streets or attacking a race circuit.

Chassis & Performance

The GT500 shares its foundation with the S550 Mustang but was extensively re-engineered to manage its immense performance. Ford Performance engineers developed unique front suspension geometry, revised steering calibration, bespoke MagneRide dampers, significantly larger cooling systems, and the largest brakes ever fitted to a production Mustang. Massive 16.5-inch two-piece front brake rotors paired with six-piston Brembo calipers provide exceptional stopping power, while dedicated engine, transmission, differential, and charge-air cooling systems allow the GT500 to withstand repeated high-performance driving.

Aerodynamics also received considerable attention. Functional hood vents, enlarged front openings, an aggressive front splitter, rear diffuser, and carefully managed underbody airflow dramatically increased cooling efficiency and high-speed stability.

Carbon Fiber Track Package (CFTP)

The optional Carbon Fiber Track Package transformed the GT500 into Ford’s ultimate factory track Mustang. Carbon fiber 20-inch wheels—the largest carbon fiber wheels ever fitted to a production vehicle at the time—reduced unsprung weight while improving steering response and overall handling. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires measuring 305/30ZR20 in the front and 315/30ZR20 in the rear maximized mechanical grip, while an adjustable GT4-style carbon fiber rear spoiler generated substantial downforce. Unique MagneRide tuning, front splitter wickers, adjustable strut top mounts were also included. Additional weight savings came from the deletion of the rear seat and the fitment of Recaro seats.

The seventh-generation Mustang (S650) debuted for the 2024 model year as an evolution of the successful S550 platform. While retaining its predecessor’s proven chassis architecture, Ford refined nearly every aspect of the car, introducing updated styling, an all-new digital interior, improved technology, and the fourth-generation 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8. The result is a Mustang that remains true to its heritage while offering improved performance, refinement, and everyday usability.

Power continues to come from Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter Coyote V8. The fourth-generation engine introduced numerous refinements, including a dual-throttle body intake system, revised camshafts, improved induction, and further calibration updates. Output increased to 480 horsepower in the Mustang GT and an even 500 horsepower in the Dark Horse, making it the most powerful 5.0 powered production Mustang ever built. Buyers can choose between the six-speed Getrag MT82-D4 manual transmission or Ford’s proven 10-speed automatic, while the Dark Horse receives the Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual on manual-equipped models.

Performance Packages

Ford continues to offer factory performance packages designed to tailor the Mustang GT for a variety of driving styles.

Mustang GT Performance Package

The Performance Package builds upon the standard GT with larger Brembo front brakes, revised chassis tuning, a Torsen limited-slip differential (manual transmission), staggered wheel and tire package, unique suspension calibration, heavy-duty cooling upgrades, and additional performance-focused features. It remains the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded street car capable of occasional track use.

Special Models

Dark Horse

Introduced for 2024, the Dark Horse replaced the Mach 1 as Ford’s naturally aspirated performance flagship. It features the highest-output naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 ever installed in a production Mustang, producing 500 horsepower. Beyond the upgraded powertrain, the Dark Horse receives a strengthened engine with forged connecting rods, unique engine calibration, auxiliary engine oil cooler, transmission and differential cooling, revised steering calibration, MagneRide adaptive suspension, larger sway bars, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and numerous chassis refinements including a unique strut tower brace, revised brake and steering calibration, model-specific suspension tuning, and additional structural bracing engineered for repeated track use. Together, these upgrades make the Dark Horse the most capable naturally aspirated Mustang Ford has ever produced.

Dark Horse Handling Package

Designed for enthusiasts seeking maximum road-course performance, the optional Handling Package builds upon the Dark Horse with wider wheels, Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, revised suspension calibration, increased negative camber, unique front splitter with integrated dive planes, rear spoiler featuring a Gurney flap, and additional aerodynamic enhancements. These upgrades substantially increase mechanical grip and high-speed stability, creating the ultimate factory-built track-focused naturally aspirated Mustang.

Coming soon...

The Mustang GTD represents the most ambitious road car ever produced by Ford Motor Company. Developed alongside the Mustang GT3 race car, the GTD was engineered with one objective in mind: to redefine what a Mustang could be. Rather than chasing horsepower alone, Ford Performance focused on aerodynamics, chassis balance, weight reduction, and endurance, creating a car capable of competing with the world’s finest supercars on both the road and the race track.

Power comes from a hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 producing 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, making the GTD the most powerful production Mustang ever built. Unlike the GT500, the GTD features an extensively revised dry-sump lubrication system, titanium exhaust, lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft, and an eight-speed rear-mounted dual-clutch transaxle. This rear transaxle configuration dramatically improves weight distribution while lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity and maximizing traction under acceleration and cornering.

Chassis & Performance

The GTD shares only its silhouette with the standard Mustang. Beneath the bodywork lies an entirely re-engineered chassis featuring a carbon fiber body, semi-active Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve suspension, and extensive use of lightweight materials throughout. Hydraulic ride-height adjustment allows the suspension to lower substantially in Track Mode, improving aerodynamics and handling while reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity.

Aerodynamics play a defining role in the GTD’s performance. Functional front dive planes, an active rear wing, aggressive front splitter, underbody venturi tunnels, rear diffuser, and numerous active aerodynamic systems work together to generate remarkable downforce while maintaining stability at extreme speeds. Massive Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight forged aluminum wheels further enhance the GTD’s ability to withstand sustained high-performance driving.

Performance Package

Designed for maximum circuit performance, the optional Performance Package further enhances the GTD’s capabilities through additional aerodynamic and chassis refinements. The package includes a Drag Reduction System (DRS), front dive planes, underbody aerodynamic strakes, optional lightweight 20-inch Forgeline wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, and a unique front fascia with additional cooling and airflow management. Together, these upgrades maximize downforce, reduce lap times, and further blur the line between road car and race car.

Special Models

Spirit of America

Introduced for the 2025 model year, the Spirit of America edition celebrates Ford’s rich motorsports heritage and pays tribute to Craig Breedlove’s legendary Spirit of America land speed record vehicles. Finished in Performance White with Race Red and Lightning Blue over-the-top racing stripes, the package features exclusive interior appointments, exposed carbon fiber aerodynamic components, and unique badging, inspired by decades of American racing achievement. Every Spirit of America edition comes standard with the GTD Performance Package, making it both one of the most distinctive and most capable factory specifications offered. While mechanically identical to the standard GTD, the Spirit of America stands as the most collectible expression of Ford’s halo Mustang.