2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – The Apex Predator of Modern Muscle

When it comes to 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise muscle cars, the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the definition of modern American performance at its peak. It’s not just the most powerful factory Mustang ever built — it’s also one of the most capable all-around performance cars in the world.

Under the hood, the GT500 houses a hand-built, supercharged 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 producing an incredible 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels through a lightning-quick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission — the first of its kind in a Mustang — delivering shifts so fast they seem telepathic. On a drag strip, it’s devastating. On a road course, it’s shockingly composed for a car with this much muscle.

Visually, the GT500 looks every bit as aggressive as it performs. A massive front grille and splitter feed air to the engine and coolers, while a functional rear wing and sculpted bodywork generate serious downforce. Ford didn’t just build this car to go fast in a straight line — it was engineered to corner, stop, and handle like a supercar, all while delivering the visceral thrill of a muscle machine.

At the 2025 Dream Cruise, the Shelby GT500 will be an unmistakable presence. The deep, resonant roar of its V8 combined with the scream of its supercharger is enough to grab the attention of everyone within earshot. And when it rolls by next to its 1960s predecessors, you’ll see just how far the Mustang lineage has evolved.

The 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is more than a modern muscle car — it’s a technological showcase that still respects its heritage. Among the 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise muscle cars, it stands as a bridge between the golden age of Detroit horsepower and the high-tech performance future.