Spy shots have revealed the latest high-performance version of the upcoming Ford Mustang, believed to be badged the SVT, undergoing development at the Nurburgring.
Ford declined to comment on the car but did suggest that it could either be a partner testing a new model or an in-house project – meaning it could be a product of Ford's Special Vehicle Team. Other names for the car are rumoured though, including GT350 and GT5000.
This particular Mustang is thought to be a more track-targeted variant that aim to focus on dynamic abilities rather than outright power, to avoid overlapping with the upcoming GT500.
Consequently it's expected not to use the GT500's 5.8-litre 'Trinity' supercharged V8, which is set to produce over 650bhp.
Instead it's thought the SVT will use a highly tuned version of Ford's 'Coyote' engine, either in naturally aspirated form and displacing 5.2 litres, or in 5.0-litre form with forced induction.
Rumours suggest that the naturally aspirated version could make use of a flat-plane crankshaft, like those used by Ferrari in its V8s. It's likely that engine would be, as a result, capable of revving to 8000rpm - if not beyond.
No figures have been released for the SVT yet but you can expect the reworked Coyote V8, even with a conventional crankshaft, to produce over 500bhp and 420lb ft. Power will sent to a limited-slip differential at the rear via a six-speed manual transmission.
Evident in the pictures are a range of changes, including a substantial front spoiler and a large rear diffuser, as well as larger brakes, aerodynamic upgrades and high-performance tyres.
No details have been confirmed yet but it's probable that the SVT will get a host of chassis tweaks too, ranging from additional bracing to retuned dampers.
Ford's SVT will go head to head with the recently announced Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.
The new Ford Mustang is set to be sold in the UK in right-hand-drive form. As the European launch of the car is over a year away, however, it's as-yet unknown if any high-performance variants will be made available in either a UK specification or right-hand drive.
Read Autocar's history of the Ford Mustang.
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The new Shelby GT 350?
Track focused, natural
Now thats what I call........
Its about time Ford start to look closely at getting some serious performance versions of their current cars on the road.
This new Mustang could go GT racing or even a class entry in the Le Mans series.
It is a beautiful looking car and I could see the roads of Europe with many variants i the future.
Well done Ford....