The six-cylinder in question is rumored to be a slightly de-tuned version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost mill that powers the Ferrari-fighting, carbon fiber-bodied GT that was presented earlier this year in Detroit. Fitted with a pair of turbochargers, it will send over 600 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
The next GT500 will weigh significantly less than its V8-powered predecessor (pictured) thanks to the lighter downsized engine and to the use of carbon fiber components. It will be faster, too, but performance specifications are not available yet. Finally, it will be more efficient, which will help Ford comply with the strict fuel economy standards that will come into effect before the end of the decade.
Comprehensive brake and suspension upgrades will be part of the package, and the GT500 will stand out from the less expensive GT350 thanks to a different interior and a model-specific body kit.
Ford has not commented on the rumor, and the Blue Oval has plenty of time to decide how many cylinders will be found under the hood because the GT500 isn’t expected to arrive until the 2018 model year.
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