This just in according to Mustangs Daily, last week they reported that Ford might be abandoning the Shelby name and favoring the SVT badge by possibly bringing back the Cobra badge for the next generation performance Mustang.
Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Shelby name will be disappearing from the Ford lineup. According to the Mustang Daily sources inside Ford, the company will introduce a Shelby GT350 model for 2016, a year after the next generation Mustang is launched for 2015. The big news is that the car will be an official Ford factory model, similar to the current GT500, and unlike the current Official Shelby GT350 model that is only a post-title package available directly from Shelby. Details about the 2016 Shelby GT350 are understandably scarce at the moment, but we hear it will be more of a stripped-down performance car just like in 1965, and expect it to be more affordable than the current model, which starts at just over $58,000.
Another legendary Mustang badge that will be returning to the Mustang lineup in the near future as well according to the sources is that of the Mach 1. It is slated to be introduced as early as 2017. The Mach 1 name was last used a decade ago with a limited production run from 2003-2004, with the car featuring an aluminum block 32-valve 4.6-liter V8 producing 305 horsepower as well as a host of other performance upgrades compared to the base Mustang GT including front 13-inch Brembo brakes, Tokico shocks and stiffer springs. The look of the car was decidedly retro, with a functional shaker hood scoop, unique 17-inch 5-spoke wheels and 1960s-style “comfortweave” leather seats.
Details about the new Mach 1 are few and far between at this point, but we look forward to the model making an appearance in the Mustang lineup once again and will share any news about the car as soon as we hear any updates.
