Which Mustang GT has 480 HP?
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the GT-badged model that delivers 480 horsepower.
Launched for the 2021 model year, the Mach 1 sits between the standard GT and the Shelby lineup in Ford’s performance hierarchy. It uses a modified 5.0-liter V8 to produce 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, paired with handling and aero enhancements that emphasize track-capable performance while remaining a street-friendly Mustang.
Performance snapshot
Below are the core facts that define the 480-horsepower Mustang GT variant.
- Model: Ford Mustang Mach 1 (2021–2023 model years commonly cited)
- Engine: 5.0-liter Coyote V8
- Horsepower: 480 hp
- Torque: ~420 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (Tremec) standard; 10-speed automatic available in some configurations
These specifications mark the Mach 1 as the most powerful GT-focused variant in Ford’s lineup prior to higher-end Shelby offerings, combining elevated power with a chassis tuned for aggressive driving and track-day readiness.
How to tell a 480-hp Mach 1 apart
Owners and enthusiasts generally look for a combination of branding, performance hardware, and styling cues to verify a 480-hp Mach 1, since it sits above the standard GT on power and performance tuning.
- Distinct Mach 1 badging on the fenders and rear
- 5.0-liter V8 badge and researchable VIN/sticker confirming 480 hp
- Track-focused chassis tuning and aero elements compared with the base GT
In practice, the Mach 1 represents Ford’s answer for buyers seeking the most powerful non-Shelby GT-level Mustang with a balance of performance and everyday usability.
Summary
The 480-horsepower Mustang GT is the Ford Mustang Mach 1, a higher-performance variant introduced to sit above the standard GT with a tuned 5.0-liter V8. For model years around 2021–2023, it offered 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, delivering a track-oriented experience within the GT family. Note that newer high-performance variants, such as later additions to the lineup, may surpass this horsepower figure, but the Mach 1 remains the recognized 480-hp GT in the modern era.
What Mustangs have 480 horsepower?
2024 Ford Mustang GT
Ford Mustang Horsepower Numbers
| 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost | 2024 Ford Mustang GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.3L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder | 5.0L V-8 |
| Horsepower (w/ 93-Octane Premium Fuel) | 315 | 480 (486 w/ Active Exhaust System) |
| Torque (w/ 93-Octane Premium Fuel) | 350 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft (418 w/ Active Exhaust System) |
What Mustang has 500 horsepower?
You get the Gatrag MT82. But the Darkhorse gets a TMK six-speed manual so completely different transmission can handle quite a bit more power.
How much HP can a 5.0 Coyote handle?
A stock 5.0 Coyote engine can handle about 750 horsepower reliably, though some sources suggest a safer limit is around 650 horsepower for stock internals, especially for the connecting rods. Beyond that, the weak point is often the connecting rods, but the crankshaft can handle more power with upgrades to the rods and pistons.
This video explains how 5.0 Coyote engines have been able to outperform other engines: 37s337 SPEEDYouTube · Jun 24, 2022
Stock components
- Rods: The stock powdered metal connecting rods can handle around 650 hp before they become a weak point, so this is often considered a safe limit for the stock block with a proper tune.
- Crankshaft: The stock forged crankshaft can handle about 850 hp, but for serious power, you'll need to upgrade other components like the connecting rods at the same time.
- Pistons: Hypereutectic pistons are a limiting factor, so upgrading to forged pistons is recommended for higher horsepower builds.
Upgraded components
- Connecting rods and pistons: Upgrading to forged connecting rods and pistons can allow the engine to handle 1,000 hp or more, especially when paired with the stock crankshaft.
- Crankshaft: The stock crankshaft is strong, but some builds use aftermarket options for even higher limits, with some custom setups reaching over 1,500 hp.
- Oil pump gears: For high-horsepower builds, upgrade the stock oil pump gears to billet steel to prevent failure.
- Heads and camshafts: Aftermarket camshafts can help with power at higher boost levels, but the stock four-valve heads flow very well and can be a solid base for high-horsepower builds with some modifications.
This video discusses the power handling potential of different Coyote engine generations: 28sJacob R. DotyYouTube · Jul 18, 2020
Important considerations
- Tuning: A proper tune is crucial for reaching high horsepower safely, as it manages fuel delivery and ignition timing to protect the engine.
- Fuel: Using E85 fuel can help with power gains, but it will require a fuel system upgrade to support the higher fuel flow needed.
- Other components: Remember that the transmission, suspension, and other driveline components may also need upgrades to handle the increased power.
How much horsepower does a 5.0 GT have?
A "5.0 GT" typically refers to a Ford Mustang with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, and its horsepower varies by model year. For the most recent models, the 2024-2025 Mustang GT produces 480 hp, which can increase to 486 hp with an optional active exhaust system. Older models like the 2021 model produced 460 hp.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2024 Ford Mustang GT: 59sInfinite ShiftsYouTube · Jun 26, 2024
Recent models (2024-2025)
- 480 hp: Standard horsepower for the 2024-2025 Mustang GT.
- 486 hp: Horsepower with the optional active exhaust system, which uses 93-octane premium fuel.
Previous models
- 460 hp: The horsepower for the 2021 model.
- 420 hp: The horsepower for the 2013 model year.
Other variations
- It's important to note that specialized versions, like the RTR Spec 5, can produce significantly more horsepower, such as 870 hp in the case of a heavily modified 2025 RTR Spec 5.
You can watch this video to see the 870HP 2025 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5: 58sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Oct 26, 2025
