Ford CEO Leaves Door Open for Hybrid Mustang

Will a hybrid Mustang become the perfect fusion of performance and electrification?

Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted at the possibility of a hybrid Mustang joining the pony car range. While a fully electric Mustang may not be in the works, Farley believes a partially electrified version could offer a world-class driving experience. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the emotional aspect of driving while embracing electrification. Farley looks to Porsche as a benchmark for electrified performance vehicles. This marks the first time a Ford executive has spoken about a hybrid Mustang since reports suggested it had been scrapped. However, Ford currently offers no hybrid powertrain options for the Mustang’s rivals, making a potential hybrid Mustang a unique addition to the market.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Ford CEO Jim Farley discussed the possibility of a hybrid Mustang coupe. While he does not foresee a fully electric Mustang in the near future, he believes that a partially electrified version could provide a world-class driving experience for high-performance customers. Farley emphasizes the importance of maintaining the emotional aspect of driving, citing the ability to cherry-pick electric drivetrain components to meet the needs of drivers without sacrificing the thrill of the experience.

Farley also challenges the notion that vehicles must be exclusively electric or hybrid, stating that there are varying degrees of partial electrification that can still benefit the planet while offering an emotional driving experience. He believes this will be the direction the automotive industry takes for the foreseeable future.

To gauge the potential for electrified performance vehicles, Farley looks to Porsche and whether they incorporate any electrification into their iconic 911 model. While he finds it unlikely, he views Porsche’s actions as indicative of the industry’s trajectory.

This interview comes after reports last year suggested that plans for hybrid and all-wheel drive variants of the new S650 Mustang generation had been abandoned. Ford had previously positioned the all-electric Mustang Mach-E as its flagship electrified vehicle. Eddie Kahn, the vehicle engineering manager for the Mustang, had reinforced the company’s commitment to offering customers the choice between internal combustion engines and electrification.

Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance, had previously acknowledged that Ford considered a hybrid version of the Mustang but ultimately did not pursue it. Reports of a hybrid S650 Mustang emerged from a Ford engineer’s LinkedIn profile, which listed their involvement in developing two hybrid powertrains for the new model. Despite these reports, Ford currently does not offer any hybrid powertrain options for the Mustang’s competitors.

In terms of the new-generation Mustang lineup, it will feature the familiar 2.3-liter Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. However, the high-performance Dark Horse model will come with a tweaked version of the GT’s 5.0-liter V8 engine boasting 373kW of power and 567Nm of torque. This is an increase from the GT’s optional active exhaust system, which produces 362kW and 567Nm of torque (356kW and 563Nm with a standard exhaust). The entry-level Ecoboost engine in the US produces 235kW and 475Nm of torque.

In conclusion, while a fully electric Mustang coupe may not be on the horizon, Ford’s CEO has expressed openness to a hybrid Mustang. The emphasis is on providing a world-class driving experience that combines electrification with the emotional aspect of driving. By using Porsche as a benchmark, Ford aims to gauge the potential for electrified performance vehicles. With reports of a hybrid Mustang previously dismissed, the addition of a hybrid variant would make it a unique offering among its rivals. Ford currently does not have any hybrid powertrain options for the Mustang’s competitors. As the Mustang lineup continues to evolve, the new-generation models will include the Ecoboost and Coyote V8 engines, with the Dark Horse model featuring a more powerful version of the GT’s V8 engine.

• Ford CEO hints at a potential hybrid Mustang
• A fully electric Mustang is unlikely, but a partially electrified version could be viable
• Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the emotional driving experience
• Looking to Porsche as a benchmark for electrified performance vehicles
• Reports of a hybrid Mustang emerged last year but were dismissed
• No hybrid powertrain options currently available for Mustang’s rivals
• A potential hybrid Mustang would be a unique addition to the market

While a fully electric Mustang may not be in the works, Ford’s CEO leaves the door open for a potential hybrid Mustang. The focus is on finding the right balance between electrification and the emotional driving experience. By observing Porsche’s approach to electrified performance vehicles, Ford aims to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Despite rumors of a hybrid Mustang being dismissed previously, it would offer a unique option among its rivals. Ford currently does not offer any hybrid powertrain options for the Mustang’s competitors. As the new-generation Mustang lineup takes shape, it will continue to offer the familiar Ecoboost and Coyote V8 engines, with the Dark Horse model showcasing an enhanced version of the GT’s V8 engine.