Millions Thank Ford for Its Help During a Trying Time

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

I’m not sure what the kids say these days, but Ford’s troll game was on-point Thursday night. As legions of fans and detractors took to their computers to watch the unveiling of Tesla’s upcoming Model Y crossover … at 11 p.m. Eastern time … Ford Motor Company figured it would help people pass the time after the show got off to a late start.

So, the automaker fired off this well-timed tweet:

Hold your horses pic.twitter.com/EYNqZLv3ER

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) March 15, 2019

While everyone recognizes the pony logo, the final form of the hybrid Mustang Ford plans to launch in 2020 isn’t all that clear. It’s assumed this was what Ford was teasing last night.

It’s unlikely Ford would so directly link the Mustang with the upcoming “Mustang inspired” electric crossover that’s also on the way for 2020, as that model has its own name (possibly, “Mach E”). It’s also an electric crossover. Still, many worry that Ford might lose its marbles and turn the Mustang nameplate into its own sub-brand, which would be a bizarre and regrettable decision.

Back in January, the folks at AutoGuide dug up patent images showing a hybrid Mustang that pairs a V8 engine with two electric motors. In this setup, the vehicle would continue sending gas-fueled horsepower to the rear wheels, while electric motors mounted on either side of the ICE powerplant power the front wheels. In other words, an all-wheel drive Mustang. It seems Ford plans to use electrification to position a new variant somewhere above the V8-powered GT and below the GT350.

[Image: Ford/ Twitter]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

More by Steph Willems

Comments
Join the conversation
 12 comments
  • Ajla Ajla on Mar 15, 2019

    If I was sitting on Hackett's autonomous unicycle I'd make the 3.3L hybrid system the new "base" Mustang engine. The 318hp/436nm output is fine at that level and that hopefully it frees up enough MPG room to keep an unassisted 5.0L V8 in the GT. Then make that fancy electric-assist one the "Mach1", keep the GT350 the same, and turn the GT500 into a forced-induction 7.3L dinosaur. Just as an aside, if you haven't driven a Coyote in while, you should check it out. It was a decent engine from '11-'14, but it has become a major sweetheart since '18.

    • See 6 previous
    • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on Mar 18, 2019

      It was a decent engine from ’11-’14, but it has become a major sweetheart since ’18. I’ve noticed that the guys who bought 5.0 V8 F150s are becoming repeat 5.0 customers.

  • Frantz Frantz on Mar 15, 2019

    The only downside I see is that with the torque advantages of electric, that would generally be better paired to the rear power. But if it's just a little boost for traction and fuel sipping gentle pull aways they might be on to something without overly complicating the design.

    • See 1 previous
    • Cognoscenti Cognoscenti on Mar 18, 2019

      @Scoutdude Yeah, I'm just going to HURRY to plunk my hard-earned dollars down on a new Ford transmission design - they just have such a stellar record with new transmissions in recent years! /sarc

  • SPPPP SPPPP on Mar 18, 2019

    Hmm, an AWD Mustang. So does that mean it can be a light truck for CAFE purposes?

Next