Next Generation Ford Mustang Debuts in September
In a little over a month, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will allegedly be returning to Detroit for the first time since 2019. But the really big news is that there will be a brand new Mustang for everyone to look at if everything goes according to plan this time.
While not yet verified by the Ford Motor Co. as official business, the company has said that the car was forthcoming in the past. Meanwhile, Automotive News has cited numerous insiders as reporting that the next-gen Mustang will indeed make its worldwide debut at the returning auto show this fall. Details are limited, but the outlet claimed at least two relevant sources had told it that the code-named "S650" model would arrive equipped with the EcoBoost and V8 powertrains found in the current sixth-gen Mustang. Assuming that's the case, we'd be surprised to see them abandoning the six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmission when it comes time to show off the new edition.
Rumors have also suggested that Ford will debut a hybridized variant of the Mustang. Earlier Ford patents have shown that the company was working on a V8 with twin electric motors as part of an all-wheel drive system. But there hasn't been any confirmation that technology would be going into Ford's pony car.
Officially, Ford has only confirmed that the all-new Mustang is on the way. A June announcement likewise saw the company stating that the assembly would persist at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. But that's just about all the automaker has been willing to commit, though we can certainly speculate.
Since it doesn't look like we're getting a new platform for the car, odds are good that the upcoming generation won't be all that different from the sports coupe that's available today. Production is assumed to commence early in 2023, with limited factory downtime since the facility is unlikely to need significant retooling. Earlier teasers from Ford have already shown the car sporting a manual transmission, aiding in the assumption that the six-speed will stick around. And disguised prototypes have also shown that the car will keep its basic shape and dimensions, even if Blue Oval decides to tweak the styling.
The North American International Auto Show will be returning to Detroit on September 14th. Expect the event to lead with the Mustang, as it will be nearly impossible for Ford to keep it under wraps for very long once the only thing standing between it and the public is a thin piece of fabric and some velvet rope.
[Image: NeydtStock/Shutterstock]
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A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I'm excited. For real.
I heard it's getting the Mach E grille. Just joking.