Automotive
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has hinted at the opportunity of introducing a four-door Mustang sedan, adding to the already diverse Mustang lineup which incorporates the long-lasting coupe and an electrical crossover. Farley emphasized that while Ford is desperate to explore recent Mustang variants, the core attributes of performance and attitude will all the time remain. He firmly stated that the Mustang coupe is not going to go electric and can retain its V8 engine for so long as possible.
In an interview with Autocar, Farley mentioned that expanding the Mustang lineup could draw inspiration from Porsche’s strategy with the 911, offering a wide selection of models from basic to high-end versions. This approach might result in the Mustang evolving right into a sub-brand, featuring a wide range of models similar to sporty coupes, supercars, a sports sedan, and an electrical crossover. Farley suggested that a well-executed Mustang sedan could appeal to enthusiasts who need a practical yet sporty vehicle.
Despite the potential for brand spanking new Mustang variants, Farley made it clear that some ideas, like combining the Mustang with off-road capabilities, may not align with the brand’s image. Nevertheless, Ford is committed to surprising its customers with progressive derivatives, similar to a light-weight, stripped-down version geared toward enhancing performance and reducing costs. Recent examples of this adventurous spirit include the GTD and the Mustang Mach-E Rally.
Farley reiterated that the Mustang coupe and convertible wouldn’t adopt an all-electric drivetrain. He is devoted to preserving the combustion engine and manual transmission in these models for so long as possible, contrasting with General Motors’ approach to the Camaro, which can return as an all-electric sedan. While Ford acknowledges the long run potential of hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to enhance performance and reduce emissions, the standard V8 engine will remain central to the Mustang’s identity.
Farley believes that partial electrification could possibly be helpful for performance drivers and that hybrid setups could help sustain using V8 engines. This strategy aligns with Ford’s broader electric vehicle initiatives, providing enough emissions offsets to maintain the combustion-engine Mustang viable. While he appreciates the advancements in pure-electric powertrains, Farley maintains that they usually are not suitable for the Mustang, though they’re successful in other Ford models just like the Transit.
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This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
