The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) has brought the Ford Mustang back into active service, adding 25 seventh-generation Mustang GTs to its fleet more than 30 years after the pony car last served as one of the agency's pursuit vehicles.

The high-performance patrol cars will primarily be used for interstate patrol and traffic enforcement across North Carolina's nearly 80,000 miles of roads, while also appearing at community events, recruitment activities, and as pace cars for the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Built for catching speeders and keeping interstates in check, these S650 Mustang GTs mean serious business. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 480 horsepower and 562 Nm of torque.

Even with police equipment installed, the cars can reach nearly 274 km/h, providing troopers with a faster and more agile alternative to the Ford Explorer Police Interceptors that make up much of the fleet. They also wear a distinctive black-and-gray livery with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol insignia and "State Trooper" lettering across the grille.

Originally scheduled to enter service in 2024, the rollout was delayed after Hurricane Helene forced the agency to redirect funding toward disaster relief. The Mustangs are now being outfitted with emergency equipment before troopers undergo specialized driver training.

The new GTs also revive a tradition that dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the NCSHP operated Fox-body Ford Mustang SSP (Special Service Package) pursuit cars. Built specifically for law enforcement, the SSP featured heavy-duty cooling, reinforced electrical systems, and other durability upgrades, and has since become one of the most collectible police vehicles among enthusiasts.

"These patrol vehicles, while small in number, will serve a valuable purpose throughout our state. Their presence while on patrol will undoubtedly help to serve as a deterrent and assist in our important role as ambassadors for the great state of North Carolina," said North Carolina State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr.

While most of the agency's retiring Dodge Charger patrol cars are being replaced by Ford Explorer Police Interceptors, the Mustang GT returns as a dedicated high-performance pursuit vehicle, bringing the iconic American muscle car back to North Carolina highways after more than three decades.