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]
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.
436nm? This isn’t GM….lets use the proper unit of measurement for torque.
Metric units *are* the proper units.
There are two types of countries: those that use the metric system, and those who have put a man on the moon.
“and those who have put a man on the moon”
Von Braun and his minions were danged lucky their metric-based achievements made the US conduct Operation Paperclip to snag them away from the Ruskies so’s they could build our rockets.
Pass on that GT500 7.3 Dinosaur. Maybe a 7.3 dinosaur V8 Mach 1 which would probably be more in character for what people expect from a Mach. Especially since the previous car was noted as being more of a drag racer.
The upcoming GT500 with its 5.2 supercharged V8 is right on target as it is supposed to be the top dog in terms of technology and capability. The pushrod V8 is probably nice but it wont serve the GT500 well since I doubt Ford will let the thing rev much past 6,000 rpm and it is going to be decidedly heavier than the 5.2 (supercharger aside the all aluminum V8 isn’t much heavier than its GM pushrod counterpart – perhaps 15 to 20 pounds but that’s it despite what the pushrod fanatics claim).
“it is supposed to be the top dog in terms of technology and capability.”
By that definition the next GT500 should be the one with electric assist then. So sure, swap around my plan for the Mach 1 and GT500. Or maybe do a “BOSS 444” version instead.
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.
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.
Expect the soon to be released Mustang Hybrid to have the same basic powertrain as is going to be used in the Explorer and F-150 where the electricification is all in the transmission. The dual motor fwd system was just patented and won’t see production for several years, if it does at all.
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
Hmm, an AWD Mustang. So does that mean it can be a light truck for CAFE purposes?