Next-Gen S650 Mustang GT Caught Testing: Video

By John Coyle - January 21, 2022

New video shows a Mustang S650 mule out testing — and the sound of the Coyote V8 is unmistakable.

We know that the next generation of the Ford Mustang, dubbed the S650, will be the last Pony with an internal combustion powertrain. And thanks to a certain engineer’s LinkedIn profile, industry observers are also pretty sure a hybrid V8 model will be on the menu. Now, our friends over at Ford Authority have posted some video of the forthcoming GT model out testing — and it sure sounds like the Coyote V8 will still live under the hood. That rumble is unmistakable, and it sounds fantastic here.

The S650 is set for the 2024 model year, and while cladding makes it hard to determine any concrete details, the general size and profile make it seem like the styling will be evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary. The abundance of padding just in front of the rear window makes me think we might see some subtle restyling in regard to the roofline, but given that this line is going to serve as the conventionally powered Mustang’s swan song, it would make sense that the designers wouldn’t want to go too far off script.

Obviously, whenever a new performance vehicle is released power figures are the thousand dollar question. But given the fact that we’ve seen a slight power reduction for the 2022 GT and Mach 1, it’s an even bigger question here. At this point, the cars make 450 and 470 horsepower, respectively. That’s ten off from the preceding models, due to Ford tweaking the engine to conform to emissions standards. The smart money says that the wizards in Dearborn will be able to deliver more poke for the S650, even if how much more is unclear.

The other question I have is about whether this Mustang will exist alongside the electric version. Given that the green machine has been speculated to arrive as soon as 2028, having some overlap could make a lot of sense, in that it would allow some time for enthusiasts to get used to the idea of an electric Pony. My gut says that’ll be the case, but given the rapid shift we’re seeing toward electric vehicles in general, an eight-year lifespan for the S650 seems like an eternity. But what do you think? Hit me up and let me know!

Photos: YouTube