We just learned that the next-generation Ford Mustang, which debuts early next year as a 2015 model, may no longer use the Shelby GT500 moniker for its SVT-engineered performance flagship but would likely stick with something familiar to Ford fans.

At the time, we reported that the most likely name to be adopted was Cobra, which was last used on SVT’s version of the fourth-generation Mustang.  

We now have more fuel to add to the speculation fire.

Mustang enthusiast site Mustangs Daily, citing an inside source, is reporting that both the Shelby GT350 and Mach 1 names will feature on variants of the next-generation Mustang.  

According to the source, the Shelby GT350 model will be an official Ford product and launch in the 2016 model year, one year after the new Mustang goes on sale. Shelby American currently sells a GT350 as a post-title package, so we’re not sure if it will be around for much longer.

The rumored 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 would be built as a spiritual successor to the original 1960s cars built by Shelby American. It would essentially be a lightweight track car, possibly aimed at the current Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.

As for the new Mach 1, this is said to be coming in the 2017 model year. No other details about this model have been revealed, but if past Mach 1 generations are anything to go by we could see some subtle changes to the body of the new Mustang along with some serious performance upgrades. This car would most likely take on the Camaro Z/28, leaving the aforementioned Cobra to challenge the Camaro ZL1 at the big end of town.

Hopefully, the claims don’t turn out to be  just pure speculation.

2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1

2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1

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