Enthusiasts are buzzing about the potential revival of an iconic muscle car as whispers of a new Ford Shelby GT500 for the 2026 model year gain traction. Fueling this anticipation is a leaked memo from the UAW Local 600, hinting at a future production plan at Ford’s Dearborn Engine Plant that includes an engine program codenamed “Legend” intended for the GT500.
2026 Ford Shelby GT500 rumored to feature new Legend engine, according to UAW memo
The memo, initially reported by the Mustang7G forum, indicates that the Dearborn Engine Plant has been expanding its workforce to accommodate increased engine production. While part of this expansion is to support existing models like the Bronco Sport and Maverick, a dedicated shift on the Niche Assembly line is reportedly slated for the end of this year to commence building the “Legend” engine for the 2026 Shelby GT500.
Ford, as expected, remained tight-lipped about the speculation. When questioned about the future GT500, company spokesman Mike Levine stated, “We don’t comment on speculation about future products.” This official silence, however, does little to quell the excitement among Ford and Shelby aficionados.
The previous generation Shelby GT500, a 2020 model, set a high benchmark with its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine delivering a staggering 760 horsepower. The prospect of a new GT500, potentially boasting an even more potent “Legend” engine, has ignited fervent speculation about performance figures and technological advancements. The market for used 2020-2022 Shelby GT500s, currently priced between $70,000 and $117,000 according to Edmunds.com, reflects the enduring appeal and value of this high-performance machine.
While details remain scarce and officially unconfirmed, the UAW memo provides a compelling indication that Ford is gearing up to unleash another Shelby GT500 upon the world. The automotive community eagerly awaits further developments and official announcements regarding the 2026 Ford Shelby GT500 and the enigmatic “Legend” engine.
