Ford bolsters petrol performance plan, alongside EVs

Ford CEO Jim Farley says the company is staunchly committed to internal-combustion performance cars, as evidenced by the “big statement” of launching a new Mustang V8. 

While rival muscle cars the Dodge Challenger/Charger and Chevrolet Camaro about to meet their makers and go down an electrified path, Ford is taking a different course.

It’s clear the new petrol Mustang coupe and convertible range will run until at least 2030, and the naturally aspirated V8 engine remains a centrepiece.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Mr Farley

“Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

Dodge is about to retire the Challenger and Charger V8s and previewed what it will do next in August this year with the Charger Daytona SRT EV concept – replete with an “industry-first BEV exhaust” that can reach 126 dB using an amplifier and tuning chamber.

While there’s less intel on the GM side, well-placed reports from the US suggest the next iteration of the Camaro nameplate could adorn an electric sedan.

Of course, Ford is also rolling out EVs like every other brand as alluded to by Mr Farley above, with its halo products the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E crossover both in huge demand.

MORE: Ford spending $15.7 billion on new electric car production hubs in US MORE: Ford plans seven new EVs for Europe, including Puma EV

The new Mustang runs fourth-generation versions of the familiar turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8.

A 10-speed automatic remains available with both engines, however the six-speed manual is now exclusive to the V8.

The rumoured hybrid powertrains haven’t eventuated, and don’t appear to be in Ford’s plans.

“We have a Mach-E, and that is our electrification story,” said Eddie Kahn, vehicle engineering manager for the Mustang.

“We really want to give our customer the choice between an ICE and electrification, so they can go either way,” he added, pouring cold water on the notion of a hybrid Mustang.