Opinion: A Mustang-inspired EV Spells an End to the Traditional Mustang
Yesterday, TTAC reported on a leaked video (quickly confirmed by Ford) that showed an all-new “Mustang-inspired” model due for debut in November. A sleek, four-door CUV appears on the screen. Highlighted in silhouette, its design represents so many familiar Mustang cues. It’s the Mustang of the future, and it’s a future that will be electric and have four doors.
You see, it seems to yours truly that Ford’s attempting to conjure an electric Mustang lineage out of thin air. A four-door body style that’s CUV in nature (sales hotness), is likely all-wheel drive, and which utilizes an all-electric drivetrain. Now why would they do such a thing? Does that sound like any Mustang to you?
No. Ford is in development of a new EV model, spending those development dollars at a very interesting and not coincidental time. Think about the existing Mustang model: It’s plenty old, and due for replacement circa 2021 with a new model. And at the same time, here’s a brand new Mustang-like EV to anticipate shortly before its November 17th release.
This EV will most likely spell the end of the traditional Mustang format. By traditional I mean two-doors, coupe or fastback shape, rear-drive, and an engine which has some gasoline in it. “No way!” you’ll think, “Mustang owners will never give up their V8!” But there won’t be a choice here. 2021 arrives, there’s a new Mustang. The V8 passes during the first refresh around 2024, leaving turbo fours. Next step, perhaps a year or two later: greater hybridization. But that’ll be alright, because the ultimate consolation prize arrives with a final refresh (or even earlier): all-wheel drive. By the time all of these pieces fall into place, the 2021-22 Mustang will be long in the tooth — time for a Commemorative Final Run Edition.
Meanwhile, the Mustang EV4 (as I’ll call it) grows in popularity. The motoring press approves of this sporty new Mustang that’s “way more practical than any Mustang should ever be.” Its refinement praised, families can’t wait to get their hands on the new electric crossover. Dads can relive the Fox bodies and New Edge Mustangs of their youth, since their Mustang EV can now carry their kids and all their junk, in real Mustang style.
The two separate Mustang paths converge upon one another, and it’s time for the consolidated product: Mustang-inspired EV and regular hybrid Mustang become the singular EV Mustang. Perhaps in four-door coupe CUV style, just like Mercedes makes.
And just as Americans have given up their convertibles, luxury coupes, station wagons, and minivans before, so too will they give up their pony cars. Sales of the traditional Mustang are falling year over year, its customer base shrinking. The Mustang EV4 is the future, and that’s a fact.
[Image: Ford]
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I have a theory about EVs: they're the doom of automakers. For many generations, automakers have sold cars based on image -- the "freedom of the open road," "every man (or woman) a Stirling Moss," etc. They have differentiated themselves in a myriad of ways: exterior appearance, interior, engines, transmissions, etc. The magic combination of these elements is what gives a car "character." Today, the prevalence of the CUV makes these cars virtually indistinguishable from each other. Even sedans, thanks to a myriad of safety regulations, are virtually indistinguishable from each other in outward appearance. The substitution of electric for ICE power will complete the homogenization of cars. The variety of different ICE configurations is what gives cars, even today, some remnants of character. Electric motors all feel the same; their only difference is the amount of power they develop. In short, electrification will be the final step in the commoditization of personal vehicles. They will become appliances, like your refrigerator. If you put a Mustang emblem on a refrigerator, it's still a refrigerator and not an aspirational purchase. You look for the features you want, at the lowest price, and then you buy. You keep the thing until it wears out. This is not good for the mass market car industry, but there's nothing they can do about it. Various governments are pushing them in that direction, and, by this time, they have so much money invested in electrification that they want governments to keep mandating electric power. Otherwise, their investments will be worthless.
Corey, “Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.” But as it happens, you are absolutely correct. (Unless you aren't. Anyway, not sure exactly what Ford's thinking is as far as how this vehicle ties in with Mustang or not.) Potentially, this is a high-performance Ford with high reliability and low maintenance costs. Which would be something relatively new - and possibly quite attractive to Ford fans.