Rumors have been swirling regarding the specs of the 2020 Ford Mustang GT500, which should have over 700 horsepower. More than even that, recent reports have shown that it is likely to be equipped with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Now we’ve learned that this DCT transmission might be the only option with no manual offered at all.
A source that is familiar with internal spec sheets has shared that the GT500 is currently listed with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission as its sole offering. Our source was not able to offer any additional information at this time regarding gear ratios or other specifics, but was able to share that the GT500 is unlikely to get the DCT out of the Ford GT, and will probably get a new gearbox from a different manufacturer.
We speculate that the transmission that is likely to end up in the GT500 is the Tremec TR-9007 as it is built for performance vehicles and can handle up to 664 lb-ft of torque. In their spec sheet, Tremec describes the transmission as having a modular design that can be used for rear wheel drive and all wheel drive applications that can handle up to a 10,000 RPM input speed.
A Ford spokesman declined to comment.
“Regarding the upcoming, Mustang Shelby GT500 model, we have not announced any powertrain specifics (engine or transmission) yet,” he said. More to come as we get closer to the market introduction.”
A video posted by Mustang6G a few months ago appeared to confirm the existence of this DCT, as the shifts sounded far too quick to be coming from a manual.
The exclusion of a manual is likely due to the fact that the Tremec TR-3160 from the GT350 would fall far short of the torque ratings that the 5.2-liter supercharged engine in the GT500 is likely to produce. The standard TR-3160 is rated to a max of 405 lb-ft, according to Tremec, and it had to be heavily revised to handle the 429 lb-ft of torque that produced by the 5.2-liter in the GT350.
Tremec does offer another six-speed in the from of the TR-6060, which is rated for 597 lb-ft of torque. The TR-6060 was used in the previous GT500 but since it was not a good match for revvy nature of the 5.2-liter in the GT350 it likely would not match the characteristics of the supercharged engine that is slated for the GT500.
Will you miss a manual in what could be the angriest Mustang ever?