SPIED: 2018 GT500 Mustang Spotted Testing Crazy New Setup!

Rumors of an S550 GT500 have been building for a long time and we finally have our first look at it leaving Ford’s Dearborn Development Grounds. Originally reported on by our friends over at Mustang6G.com the 2018 Shelby GT500 prototype was captured driving around testing what is assumed to a twin turbocharged engine!

“TT” Window Sticker

One of the most intriguing tidbits about this prototype car isn’t the aggressive rear spoiler or large wheels and brake rotors, but rather a small sticker on the window. “TT-0081” is pasted on the front windshield, with no one really sure of what the mysterious code means.

Recently, the same “TT” designation was spotted on another future SVT Ford Vehicle, the 2017 Raptor. As we all know by know, the 2017 Raptor is going to be using a twin turbo 3.5L V6, part of Ford’s continued EcoBoost efforts. This really begs to ask the question- are we getting a twin turbo V8 Shelby GT500 in 2018?

Turbo Noise

According to the spy photographer who captured these photos of this test mule, it was reported that there was the sound of a turbo spoiling coming from the engine. While there is no video evidence to back up this claim as the test mule dipped out through traffic to get away from the spy photographer, its not out of the realm of possibility that we could be seeing the early stages of a TT S550 Shelby GT500.

2018 GT500 Wheels, Tires, & Brakes

One of the most in-your-face features of the new GT500 prototype are the wheels and tires. This Mustang is rocking a set of mismatched wheels, with what appears to be GT350R Carbon Fiber wheels in the rear. Both wheels are wrapped in super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires, which you can get on the Shelby GT350. Behind those wheels and tires are Brembo cross-drilled rotors, that fill in nicely behind the large wheels; that is some serious stopping power, which makes you wonder, what kind of HP does it need to rein in?

2018 Shelby GT500 Mustang Exterior

One of the major pieces of evidence that this isn’t just some run of the mill redesign is the mix of exterior styling cues on this prototype. In the front, there is a major hood bulge that is reminiscent of the 2000 Cobra R Mustang; a design feature that many have begun to attribute to a forced induction setup such as twin turbo’s when paired with the other evidence.

In the back, there is a large fixed wing and a quad-tipped exhaust, similar to what we’ve seen on the GT350 Mustang as well as the last generation’s GT500.

Are We Getting A Twin Turbo S550 Shelby GT500?

This is the stuff dreams are made of and honestly, it looks like it might happen. While Ford focused on building up the hype early on for the Shelby GT350, a competitor of the Z/28, 911, and a mix of other high performance cars, there has always been strong signs pointing towards another GT500 since before the 2015 Mustang was released.

It makes sense if you really think about it. Ford has been heading the charge on integrating turbo systems into the American car market, with all of their latest halo cars all featuring EcoBoost Turbo technology, which is largely due to their efficiency and power output. We reported before on spotting S550 GT500s in the wild, and it looks like we are getting one step closer to making this dream a reality.

Do you think we will be getting a twin turbocharged GT500 Mustang in 2018? Or is this just a lot of hype that will fall flat? Comment below and give us your take!

Images courtesy of Mustang6G.com