Recently, a Ford engineer was a bit too forthcoming on his LinkedIn profile and went viral with news that he worked on both four- and eight-cylinder hybrid powertrains for the next Mustang. It was certainly a compelling piece of information, but not a complete surprise.
Back in 2017, Ford promised “A hybrid version of the iconic Mustang that will deliver V8 power and even more low-end torque. The Mustang Hybrid, built at the Flat Rock Plant, debuts in 2020 and will be available in North America to start…” While it is news that they are a bit late with that follow-through, it is not a shock that a hybrid (and eventually) an all-electric Mustang (with two doors) are coming.
What is interesting is that Ford looks to be offering hybrid versions of both engine platforms, as back in 2018 the company seemed to hint that the hybrid might be a smaller engine that could exceed its larger cousins. “Mustang Hybrid will be all about delivering V8-like performance with the more low-end torque,” the company said back then
Yet, we did get a hint back in 2019 when a Ford patent revealed a drive system that mounts two motors alongside a longitudinal engine to deliver all-wheel drive. Such a setup would allow the engine to drive the rear wheels and the electric motors to drive the front wheels as needed.
It will be fascinating to see how these powertrains play out in the next-generation Mustang, but the question remains how many powertrain options will be offered? Will we see traditional gas, rear-wheel-drive options offered alongside the hybrid configurations? Will the hybrids offer plug-in capabilities to improve their efficiency and teach Mustang traditionalists how to plug in?
Time will tell, but we can’t wait to find out what’s in store for what is likely the last generation of new gas-burning Mustangs
