It has been four years since Mustang buyers could opt for this powerhouse Mustang, but Ford says the wait will soon be over. The forthcoming super snake is now in the final testing phase and will arrive sometime in 2018 as a 2019 model. The previous GT500 was fitted with a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 that made 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. The next-gen model will run with a smaller 5.2-liter V-8 (also supercharged), with a manufacturer-claimed output of more than 700 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will return, but a seven-speed paddle-shift gearbox originally developed for the ultra-expensive Ford GT sports car will be optional. Massive Brembo-brand brakes will be part of the GT500 package as will fender-filling 20-inch wheels. There’s no official word on pricing, but The Spymaster believes that $70,000 should cover it.

The next Ford Mustang GT500 will have 700-plus horsepower. The previous model, pictured, made 662. (PHOTO: FORD)

The Shelby GT500 is returning:

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