2026 Ford Mustang GT V8 Coyote Engine: Horsepower, Specs, and Trim Breakdown
The 2026 Ford Mustang GT's 5.0L Coyote V8 delivers up to 486 hp at 7,250 rpm with active exhaust. That is a 6 hp gain over the standard 480 hp output on the same engine without the active exhaust option. This page covers how the Gen-4 Coyote works, which trims carry it, and where to find Mustang inventory at Koons Ford.
Feature Overview: Why the Gen-4 Coyote V8 Matters
The 5.0L Ti-VCT Gen-4 Coyote V8 is the heart of the 2026 Mustang GT lineup, and it earns that role on the strength of real numbers. At 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel, the base GT output is substantial. Add the active exhaust, and those figures rise to 486 hp at 7,250 rpm and 418 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. The Dark Horse takes the same 5.0L architecture further, extracting 500 hp at 7,250 rpm from the MOD 5.0L-4V DOHC EFI naturally aspirated configuration.
These outputs matter beyond bragging rights. A naturally aspirated V8 that pulls hard all the way to 7,250 rpm delivers a character that forced-induction engines simply cannot replicate. The power builds linearly, the sound is unfiltered, and the throttle response is direct. For drivers in Annapolis and across Maryland who want a performance car that rewards engagement rather than just straight-line speed, the Coyote V8 is a distinct choice.
2026 Mustang full specs and trim overview
How It Works: Coyote V8 Engineering Explained
The Gen-4 Coyote uses a 5.0L displacement with a 93.0 mm bore and 92.7 mm stroke. The compression ratio sits at 12.0:1, which is aggressive for a naturally aspirated engine and contributes directly to its high-rpm horsepower ceiling. The aluminum block and cylinder heads keep weight in check relative to the output.
Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) is the key to the engine's broad power band. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust camshaft timing independently, allowing the engine to optimize torque at low rpm for street driving and extend power delivery at high rpm for track use. Port fuel injection combined with direct injection ensures thorough fuel atomization across the entire operating range.
The Dark Horse variant uses a MOD 5.0L-4V DOHC layout. This configuration adds a four-valve-per-cylinder dual overhead cam arrangement that enables the 500 hp peak. The exhaust note from Dark Horse's standard 4-inch quad-tip exhaust is a direct result of that freer-breathing cylinder head design.
EPA fuel economy data for 2026 Ford Mustang
Across the Trims: Which Mustangs Carry the V8
The V8 Coyote engine is not available on EcoBoost trims. It enters the lineup at the GT level and scales up through Dark Horse.
GT Fastback and GT Convertible
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 produces 480 hp at 7,150 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm on 93-octane fuel. With the optional active exhaust, output rises to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with rev matching. The 10-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters is available as an option.
GT Premium Fastback and GT Premium Convertible
Same V8 engine as the GT, with the same horsepower and torque figures. The Premium trims add Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ availability, the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and the optional Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System. The active exhaust option remains available here as well.
Dark Horse Coupe
The MOD 5.0L-4V DOHC naturally aspirated V8 produces 500 hp at 7,250 rpm and 418 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is the TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual with rev matching. The 10-speed SelectShift automatic is optional. The Dark Horse receives MagneRide as standard equipment, a 62.2-inch front track (0.2 inches wider than the GT), and standard drift brake. Wheel sizing on the Dark Horse 600A and 700A runs 19 x 9.5 inches front and 19 x 10 inches rear, supporting the broader performance envelope.
Dark Horse SC
This variant uses a 5.2L supercharged V8. It represents a separate engine architecture from the Coyote and is not detailed in this V8 Coyote guide.
Compare 2026 Mustang trims side by side
Real-World Benefit: What 486 hp Does for the Owner Every Day
Numbers on a spec sheet become relevant when they translate to on-road behavior. The Coyote V8's power arrives at 4,900 rpm for torque and extends to 7,250 rpm for peak horsepower, which means the engine rewards drivers who use the full rev range. The 6-speed manual with rev matching makes downshifts seamless, matching engine speed automatically so heel-toe technique becomes optional rather than required.
The Drive Mode Selector (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, MyMode) adjusts throttle mapping, transmission behavior, and stability control thresholds to match the V8's output to the driving environment. On Annapolis roads and Maryland highways, Normal and Sport modes keep the power accessible without demanding full attention. Drag and Track modes unlock the Coyote's ceiling for the kind of driver heading to Summit Point or a local autocross event.
Track Apps, standard across GT and Dark Horse trims, pair directly with the V8's performance character. The acceleration timer and G-force display give drivers measurable feedback. The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster presents that data cleanly without requiring a separate device.
The GT's curb weight sits at 3,827 lbs with the manual transmission, giving the 480 hp V8 a favorable power-to-weight ratio for its class. The GT Premium Convertible at 3,991 lbs with the manual remains well within range for spirited driving.
How It Compares: Coyote V8 in Context
Comparing specific competitor horsepower figures requires data not provided here, so this section focuses on what the Coyote architecture offers as a category.
A naturally aspirated V8 at 500 hp (Dark Horse) in a production pony car is a specific choice. The engine does not rely on boost pressure to achieve its output, which means throttle response is immediate and the power delivery is tied directly to rpm rather than turbo spooling. The high-compression 12.0:1 ratio extracts efficiency from displacement rather than adding stress via forced induction.
The GT Performance Package, when paired with the V8 trims, extends the mechanical advantage further. The optional Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System reads road conditions and adjusts damper firmness in real time, allowing the V8's power to be put down cleanly rather than generating wheelspin on uneven surfaces.
For buyers comparing the Mustang GT to other V8 performance cars in this segment, the combination of a naturally aspirated engine, a proper manual transmission with rev matching, and a standard rear-wheel-drive layout represents a specific and deliberate performance philosophy.
2026 Mustang GT vs EcoBoost comparison
Find Your 2026 Mustang GT at Koons Ford in Annapolis
The Coyote V8 is available now in the 2026 Mustang GT, GT Premium, and Dark Horse at Koons Ford. Buyers in Annapolis and the surrounding Maryland area can check current GT and Dark Horse inventory, compare configurations, and schedule a test drive directly through the dealership. The 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage apply across all V8 Mustang variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Mustang GT V8 make?
The 2026 Mustang GT produces 480 hp at 7,150 rpm on 93-octane fuel. With the optional active exhaust, that figure rises to 486 hp at 7,250 rpm. The Dark Horse version of the 5.0L V8 reaches 500 hp.
What is the Coyote V8 engine in the 2026 Mustang?
The Coyote V8 is a 5.0L Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing naturally aspirated V8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, a 12.0:1 compression ratio, and port fuel combined with direct injection. The Gen-4 version in the GT and GT Premium produces up to 486 hp. The Dark Horse uses a MOD 5.0L-4V DOHC configuration rated at 500 hp.
Does the 2026 Mustang GT come with a manual transmission?
Yes. The standard transmission on the GT and GT Premium is a 6-speed manual with rev matching. The 10-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters is available as an option. The Dark Horse uses the TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual as standard.
Which 2026 Mustang trims have the V8 engine?
The V8 is available on the GT Fastback, GT Convertible, GT Premium Fastback, GT Premium Convertible, and Dark Horse Coupe. The EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium trims use the 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 instead.
What is the torque output of the 2026 Mustang GT V8?
The GT V8 produces 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm on 93-octane fuel. With active exhaust, that rises to 418 lb-ft. The Dark Horse produces 418 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm.
Does the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse use the same Coyote V8 as the GT?
The Dark Horse uses a related but distinct configuration. It is a MOD 5.0L-4V DOHC EFI naturally aspirated engine sharing the same 5.0L displacement and bore/stroke as the GT's Coyote, but with a different cylinder head layout that enables the 500 hp rating. The TREMEC TR-3160 manual is exclusive to the Dark Horse.
Can I find a 2026 Mustang GT with the V8 at Koons Ford?
Yes. Koons Ford in Annapolis carries 2026 Mustang GT and Dark Horse inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to view current configurations and availability.
