Ford has reassured enthusiasts that the current V-8 Mustang won’t necessarily be the last of its kind. While the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro are transitioning to electric successors, Ford has indicated that they will continue to produce Mustangs with V-8 engines as long as regulations permit. Jim Owens, the global brand manager for the Mustang, confirmed this stance, and he pointed out that those interested in an electric Mustang already have the option to choose the Mustang Mach-E.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, further supported this statement, mentioning that Ford is even investing in the development of V-8 engines for future models. While there were discussions about making the current seventh-generation Mustang electric, Ford decided against it due to the strong demand for sports cars with appealing engine sounds and available manual transmissions.
It’s worth noting that other automakers like Porsche share a similar philosophy, expressing their commitment to preserving gas engines in sports cars like the 911. Additionally, the European Union has agreed on an exemption that allows vehicles designed to run on e-fuels to continue being sold beyond 2035, when new rules will ban the sale of gas- and diesel-powered light vehicles. This means that the V-8 engine could potentially survive into the next decade in Europe as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about V-8 Mustang
Q: Are the current V-8 Mustang models going to be the last ones?
A: No, Ford has confirmed that the current V-8 Mustang models won’t necessarily be the last. They will continue to produce Mustangs with V-8 engines as long as regulations allow. However, they also offer the electric Mustang Mach-E for those interested in an electric option.
Q: What about the future of other muscle cars like Challenger and Camaro?
A: Both the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro are transitioning to electric successors. Dodge has already confirmed an electric successor, and Chevy has hinted at a possible move to an EV platform for the Camaro’s redesign.
Q: Will Ford consider making a fully electric Mustang in the future?
A: Ford did consider making the current seventh-generation Mustang electric but decided against it. They cited strong demand for sports cars with exciting sounds and available manual transmissions as a reason to continue producing V-8 Mustangs. However, they have the electric Mustang Mach-E as an alternative for those interested in electric vehicles.
Q: What is Ford’s plan for V-8 engine development?
A: Ford is continuing to invest in the development of V-8 engines to ensure they can be used in future models. Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, mentioned that they are currently on the fourth generation of the 5.0-liter V-8, known as the Coyote, and a fifth-generation design is possible if regulations allow it.
Q: Are other automakers also committed to gas engines in sports cars?
A: Yes, Porsche shares a similar philosophy with Ford. They have expressed their commitment to keeping gas engines in their sports cars, such as the 911. Additionally, they are also developing carbon-neutral fuels (e-fuels) as a potential alternative in the future.
Q: Will the V-8 engine be available in Europe beyond 2035?
A: There is a possibility that the V-8 engine could survive in Europe beyond 2035. At Germany’s urging, the European Union has agreed on an exemption that will allow vehicles designed to run on e-fuels to be sold even after 2035, when new rules will ban the sale of gas- and diesel-powered light vehicles.
More about V-8 Mustang
- Drive – Ford Mustang V-8 won’t necessarily be the last
- Wheels – Ford Performance Motorsports on V-8 engine development
- Mustang Mach-E Overview
- Porsche 911 gas engine commitment
- E-fuels and EU regulations
- Chevy Camaro’s potential move to EV platform