Ford enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting news of the next high‑performance Mustang, and recent spy photos suggest that not one but two S650 prototypes

Sources indicate that neither car will carry the Shelby name; instead, Ford has filed trademarks for Boss and Dark Horse Boss, suggesting a new branding strategy. A UAW document has also hinted at a 2026 Shelby GT500 built with a Legend engine, so it’s possible that even more powerful variants are on the horizon.
What These Prototypes Tell Us
- Two performance tiers – Expect a model above the current Dark Horse and a flagship with even more power and aerodynamics.
- Track‑focused hardware – Carbon‑fiber wheels, enlarged intakes and advanced aero suggest lap‑time‑oriented upgrades.
- New naming conventions – Trademark filings for Boss and Dark Horse Boss hint at heritage‑inspired names rather than Shelby branding.
At our dealership, we love keeping our customers informed about upcoming performance vehicles. While these prototypes are still in testing, you can experience Ford performance today with the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse models available in our performance inventory. Be sure to sign up for updates if you want to be among the first to hear when the next high‑performance Mustangs are announced.
Get Ready for the Next Chapter
The S650 platform has already proven its versatility, and these prototypes suggest Ford isn’t done pushing the envelope. Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest spy shots, release dates and performance specs.
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Sources: Ford Authority’s spy‑photo analysis of upcoming S650 performance models.


