Ford anticipates much lower sales for its 2023 Mustang, with the reveal of its new 2024 model. So it is cutting back on models, trims, and features leading up to the new Mustang coming in the summer of 2023. To that end, it won’t produce a 2023 Shelby GT500 Mustang, nor will one be available in 2024. So will it come back, and if so, when?

Why would Ford cut 2023 Mustang Shelby GT500 production?

As Mustang sales have been tapering off over the last several years, one would think that offering as many models as possible would help to maintain sales. But circumstances don’t make that possible. At least that’s what Mustang brand manager Jim Owens told Muscle Cars & Trucks.

“Demand is there, supply is not, and we’re working towards it,” he said. “We were down nine weeks this year, thirteen weeks last year,” referencing Flat Rock assembly. Obviously, he’s partly referring to the ongoing microchip supply issues. Another consideration for dumping the Shelby GT500 is that the Mustang 2023 model year will be shortened with the S650 waiting in the wings. But there is another reason as well.

Why can’t Ford make more Predator engines for the Shelby GT500?

The Shelby GT500 is powered by the 5.2-liter Predator mod-motor, with 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. That’s the same motor found in the Raptor-R F-150. We suspect that Ford would rather see the production of that engine wind up in the 37-inch tire-equipped factory Raptor. These hyper-Raptors were recently announced as ditching the EcoBoost V6 making way for the Predator engine. 

Other cuts made for the 2023 Mustang will be the elimination of the EcoBoost Coastal Edition. Ford is also dropping Brittany Blue, one of its heritage color options. And it will still offer the Mach 1 model for 2023, but it won’t be available through the winter months. That’s because part of the handling package includes the Michelin performance tires, which need warmer weather to function properly.

Can you still order a 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500?

So, if you’ve wanted a Mustang Shelby GT500, time is running out. The 2022 Mustangs are still being produced. In fact, production won’t end until November 23, 2022, at Flat Rock, the only assembly plant for Mustangs. So orders can still be placed for them. 2022 Mustang production was cut short to 10 months. 

As for the 2023 Mustang, order banks opened up just today, September 19, 2022. Production will begin on November 28, following a one-week model changeover. With 2024 Mustang sales beginning this coming summer, it is expected that 2023 S550 production will see only five to six months duration. 

Keep in mind that some of these dates may change based on continued plant interruptions and other factors. That’s the current state of automobile production around the world.