Not All Heroes Wear Capes: The Ford Mustang Mach-E Might Have Saved the V8 Mustang
Much to the relief of Ford Mustang fans everywhere, the Blue Oval launched the nameplate’s seventh-generation model. Normally, that wouldn’t be a momentous move. However, the Mustang’s gas-powered rivals are heading out of production, meaning the Ford performance nameplate managed to defy the industry push. Still, the V8 Mustang might have a knight in high-voltage armor: the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ford CEO Jim Farley says the Ford Mustang Mach-E gives the company leeway to make V8 Mustangs
It might put a sour taste in the mouths of Mustang fanatics, but the V8-powered Mustang owes its new lease on life to its electrified sibling, the Mach-E. At least, that’s what Jim Farley, CEO of the Ford Motor Company, says about the dichotomous relationship. “Mach-E lets us sell ICE vehicles for a long time to come.”
Now, the Mach-E hasn’t had the warmest reception among the Mustang faithful. Fans tout their dissenting opinions about the Mach-E’s moniker. “That’s not a Mustang,” some fans claim. Others state they’d like the Mach-E more if the name was “Ford Mach-E,” sans Mustang.
Either way, that didn’t stop Ford from producing the battery electric vehicle (BEV) with Mustang-esque tri-bar taillamps and design language. However, if the Mach-E means more Coyote-fueled mayhem in the Mustang lineup, maybe Blue Oval’s most outspoken traditionalists can give the hiked-up EV a break.
Farley is adamant that, with the diversity in the Blue Oval’s lineup, the Mustang can afford to be the everyman’s V8 sports car. “And if we’re the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it.” Strong words, yes. But they’re not far from the actual state of the market. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT starts at nearly $27,000 more than the base V8 Mustang GT Coupe. With the discontinuation of the Challenger and Camaro, affordable V8 power is a dwindling prospect. If the Ford Mustang Mach-E is the reason we still have a Coyote V8, credit where credit is due.
The Mustang survives an ongoing segment exodus
The gas-powered Ford Mustang lineup could soon be in a segment of its own. The Mustang once parried and dueled with comparable pony cars, namely the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. However, Dodge recently discontinued the Challenger, and Chevrolet will put the Camaro out to pasture after the 2024 model year.
As a result, the Mustang will be fresh out of rivals in 2025. Of course, car enthusiasts can compare the Mustang to European and Japanese competition, like the BMW 4 Series Coupe and the Nissan Z. However, the absence of the Camaro leaves the Mustang without its closest and longest-running competition.
Source: The Courier, Motor1
