What is the highest model of Mustang?
The highest factory Mustang model as of 2025 is the Shelby GT500, delivering up to 760 horsepower from a supercharged 5.2-liter V8.
This article examines where the top-tier model sits within Ford’s modern Mustang lineup, what “highest” means in this context, and how the current range compares—from the entry-level EcoBoost to the extreme Shelby variant.
Mustang lineup: where the top model fits
Below is a snapshot of the lineup from everyday efficiency to track-ready power, illustrating why the Shelby GT500 sits at the apex of official, production-spec Mustangs.
- EcoBoost — entry-level, turbocharged four-cylinder variant focused on affordability and efficiency.
- GT — the core V8-powered model offering a traditional Mustang experience with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8.
- Mach 1 — a performance-focused step up with chassis and aero enhancements for more engaged on-road and track capability.
- Dark Horse — a modern, track-oriented variant powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with around 500 horsepower and enhanced handling and cooling for performance driving.
- Shelby GT500 — the top-tier factory model, featuring a supercharged V8 and up to approximately 760 horsepower for maximum straight-line and track potential.
In summary, Ford’s current Mustang ladder climbs from practical efficiency to raw power, with the Shelby GT500 standing as the pinnacle of production specifications.
How horsepower figures compare across the lineup
Power is the most visible metric of performance, but it isn’t the whole story. The Dark Horse delivers substantial track-ready capability with about 500 horsepower, while the Shelby GT500 combines high output with extensive chassis upgrades, aero tuning, and cooling systems to translate that power into real-world performance. Other variants emphasize balance, daily drivability, or classic V8 rumble rather than outright speed.
Summary
As of 2025, the highest factory Mustang model is the Shelby GT500, with up to 760 horsepower from a supercharged V8. The Dark Horse remains the most powerful non-Shelby option, and other trims—EcoBoost, GT, and Mach 1—offer a range of performance and affordability. Ford has not released a higher-power production Mustang beyond the GT500 flagship in the current lineup, making the GT500 the definitive peak of Mustang performance for now.
