It’s a chilly day in Detroit, but the cold weather hasn’t stopped a prototype of the next iteration of the Ford Mustang pony car from coming out to play.
Snapped on the streets, this particular prototype is believed to be the GT variant as spy photographers noted it had a “definite V8 rumble.”
This theory is backed up by the 19-inch ten-spoke wheels, which are part of the GT Performance Package offered on the 2021 Mustang. The package also includes heavy-duty front springs, a k-brace, a strut-tower brace, a larger radiator, a beefier rear sway bar, and an upgraded braking system with six-piston Brembo front calipers and larger front discs.
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It remains unclear how many of these upgrades are found on the prototype, but the model eschews the GT Performance Package’s rear wing and summer only tires. The latter have been replaced by Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season rubber, which are likely a nod to the realities of testing a pony car in a Michigan winter.
While there isn’t much else we haven’t already seen, spy photographers noted a “subtle protrusion” aft of the front wheels. They believe this could hint at front fender vents, but that remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear and that’s the Mustang GT appears to be more aggressive than last week’s prototype, which was believed to be the entry-level variant.
Little is known definitively about the S650 Mustang, but the rumor mill has been churning for years. There have been indications that both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 5.0-liter V8 could be hybridized, with the latter powertrain potentially adopting a recently patented twin motor drive system that features a V8 engine powering the rear wheels as well as two electric motors powering the ones up front. Ford also hasn’t been coy about a hybrid pony car as the company has previously said the “Mustang Hybrid will be all about delivering V8-like performance with more low-end torque.”
Of course, rumors should be taken with a grain of salt and it’s not even clear when the redesigned Mustang will be introduced. Some reports have suggested it could arrive in time for the 2023 model year, while others indicate it will be a 2024 model.
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