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The Mustang dynasty is about to get even wilder, with reports coming out of the US that an off-road variant and four-door sedan could be in the works.
According to Automotive News, a US-based publication, Ford CEO Jim Farley and other high level executives recently showed dealers several secret upcoming petrol-powered Mustang projects at a conference in Las Vegas.
The products were a mix of mock-ups, photos and digital renderings according to the attendees, who were required to surrender their mobile phones. Several of them later submitted the information to Automotive News anonymously.
Dealers saw renderings of a four-door coupe, allegedly known as the 'Mach 4'. Farley also showed a photo of a Baja model that was lifted with off-road tyres. Ford typically competes at the Baja 1000 – an off-road race across the Baja peninsula in Mexico – with the F-150 Raptor R.
Other models included an EcoBoost variant and a high-performance manual V8 convertible, akin to the former Shelby GT350 or GT500, but no Shelby badging was spotted.
Those present told Automotive News that the meeting was intended to showcase Farley’s vision on how the brand could capitalise on a key vehicle line as its competitors dialled back. Ford’s main competitor, Chevrolet, scrapped its own 'pony' car rival – the Camaro – earlier this year while Dodge has revealed a controversial electric Charger.
Ford's Executive Chairman, Bill Ford, told CarsGuide in June the company wants to maintain a specialised portfolio of internal combustion vehicles (ICE), as they invest strongly in electric and hybrid vehicles.
“We have no generic vehicles in our ICE line, and we won't moving forward. That was a conscious decision. But we're also electrifying quickly too, so I think however the customer decides they want to go, we'll be there for them.”
While no timeframe or pricing on the speculated models was given, dealers who submitted information to Automotive News felt that Ford was legitimately exploring these options.
Farley had previously alluded to a four-door Mustang to AutoCar, telling the publication: “we will never build a Mustang that isn't a Mustang. For instance, there will never be room for a small, two-row Ford SUV with a Mustang badge stuck on it. But could we do other Mustang body forms — a four-door or whatever? I believe we could, as long as these models have all the performance and attitude of the original."
The news, if true, aligns with Farley’s vision for Ford, which, under his leadership, has encouraged the development of sub brands, such as Mustang, as a strategy to entice enthusiasts.
In Australia, the Mustang has sold formidably, representing the number one selling sports car valued under $80,000 last year, with a market share of 37.8 per cent, or 1352 vehicles.
Sales have retracted by 98.6 per cent this year following delays to the new seventh-generation Mustang which have seen Ford without examples to sell.
Ford is planning on delivering the latest Mustang to Australia in three variants – the iconic GT, four-cylinder EcoBoost and brand-new Dark Horse – before year’s end, so expect stronger sales in 2025.
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