Rumor: Is Ford Discontinuing the V8 Mustang?
A Mustang6G forum member claims Ford will drop the V8 Mustang after 2024 due to emissions laws.
From the original 289 to the current-generation 5.0 and 5.2L engines, many would argue the V8 is the true heart, soul, and sound of our beloved Mustang. At the same time, we know fewer cylinders and electric platforms are the industry’s future. We first saw this trend in passenger cars and trucks. The latest Ford GT is an EcoBoost. And now the V8 Mustang may be going much sooner than we thought.
Mustang6G forum member, Ebm, claims to have received a message from a “reliable source” who attended a conference call with “Mustang registry and car club decision-makers” and “Ford Performance’s enthusiast manager” to discuss the Mach-E. Ford allegedly said the Mach-E will actually “keep the Mustang program alive” despite “declining Mustang sales.”
Let’s start by saying it’s unlikely Ford would share future plans outside the company. So we’re, taking the following with a huge grain of salt. That said, while most of the conversation revolves around hoping Mustang fans will stop bashing the Mustang Mach-E, Ebm’s source also writes:
“5) By 2024 the V8 engine will not meet emission standards with the ‘green new deal.’ Ford doesn’t have or the money to make them compliant at this time. Once again, the Mach E is slated to be the prop for the future pony Mustang generations.”
Original 1968 Bullitt Mustang 390 V8
It’s certainly no secret that V8s aren’t exactly ecofriendly — when Mustang Forums drove the GT500, we almost ran out of gas — but, as we write this, The Green New Deal isn’t law. Nor does it, with America’s current political divisions, seem likely to be enacted soon. That said, auto manufacturers are facing rising emissions laws in Europe too. And things may change here in the U.S. sooner than we imagine. So it makes sense that Ford would prepare for the future. We’ve also seen Ford pushing EcoBoost and, most recently, electric vehicles, across their remaining lineup.
That being said, modern technology has made the V8 Mustang much more efficient than their old school ancestors. And let’s not forget, as Ford was releasing its first EV, they simultaneously developed the most powerful V8 Mustang ever. Additionally, four years is plenty of time to develop more advanced technologies and efficiencies. Perhaps Ford can make changes before the laws change?
10 Millionth Mustang 5.0 V8
Ebm’s source further claims the Mach-E is “slated to be the prop of future Mustang generations.” Ford also believed it was “more likely to be successful to piggyback off the Mustang brand rather than create a new one or use an existing one.” This makes sense, from a business perspective. It’s Ford’s most iconic brand, along with the F150. Plus, platform-sharing is common and cost-effective. (Remember, GM’s Alpha Platform supported two four-door sedans before becoming the basis of 2016+ Camaros.)
Additionally, the source alleges Ford’s research “shows the target market for sales believes the Mustang is too obnoxious and loud. It also didn’t lend itself to being a family car with the virtually non-useful back seats and lack of 4 doors.” This doesn’t make sense unless Ford is pivoting to different demographics. (Then again, most Mustangs sold have always been non-V8 six and four-cylinder models.)
Overall, we sincerely hope that this is just someone trying to cause a stir online. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone on the internet has gone out of their way to irritate others. While the eventual demise of the Mustang as we know it seems inevitable, we’re genuinely hoping that it isn’t nearly as soon as this post claims it to be.
Photos: Ford
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