A bit of tape on these otherwise ordinary-looking cars have rumors flying that the next-generation Mustang GT500 could be twin-turbocharged. (Well, the tape isn’t the sole reason behind the speculation; the intercoolers visible in their grilles are fanning the flames, too.) But we’re not buying it. Superchargers also need intercoolers and, as we previously reported, the next evolution of the Shelby GT500—due as a 2013 model—again will be supercharged. This time, it’ll have upwards of 600 hp.

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Ford insiders we talked to pretty quickly deep-sixed the GT500 turbo rumors. While the Mustang seen here wears the body of the top Stang, it’s possible that it could be a test bed for lesser EcoBoost engines. Rumors of EcoBoost Mustangs have persisted since the engines were first announced. However, the Mustang engine roster was just recently overhauled, and there’s not really any room for the turbocharged, direct-injected family in the lineup. The turbo V-6’s output encroaches too much on 5.0 territory, and the current car’s 305-hp naturally aspirated base V-6 is so good—finally—that we can’t see Ford taking a chance and replacing it already.

Stepping into the 600-hp club with the GT500 won’t be an easy move. Our guess is that the cars pictured here are working to help ensure that the harder-hitting Shelby can keep its cool. Development in the auto industry is ongoing; if you ever talk to a hot rodder, he’ll tell you his car is never done—and he’s only got one. Just imagine that cycle for a company that builds more than a million cars a year.
C&D