Alex 
Media outlets who are less in the trenches were a bit surprised to discover that there would be no hybrid, all-wheel-drive, or electric variant of the S650 Ford Mustang upon its reveal at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show. But that’s not to say that those ideas weren’t explored, some even expected a hybrid to show up during the S550 generation. So, why is there no hybrid Mustang? And is there a need for another electric Mustang? The answer may surprise you, and it has everything to do with the success of the Mach-E electric crossover SUV.
In conversation with The Detroit Bureau, Ford Spokesman Mike Levine put the definitive stamp on the project by saying “There is no hybrid Mustang.”
It certainly doesn’t get any more black and white than that, but why did the blue oval decide to abandon the hybrid after announcing that it was working on the project in 2017? Well, that brings us to the Mustang Mach-E.
After Jim Farley took the reins as CEO, he became a strong voice that pushed the company towards developing an electric crossover with sporty tendencies that would meet California’s new strict emissions mandate. In other words: a compliance car. But a good one.
The move ended up being the right one, as the Mach-E has been a strong seller for Ford, even eclipsing Mustang coupe sales in some months. It’s allowed Ford to leave the beloved formula of the Mustang coupe alone, giving a product for the more die-hard muscle car enthusiasts to rally around. Perhaps the only product for them to rally around.
Dodge is about to plunge into electrification, previewed by the Charger Daytona Banshee EV concept and its “exhaust” sound, which has drawn mixed reception. Chevrolet, as MC&T first reported, will withdraw the Camaro nameplate after the 2024 model year. The next big change for the Mustang’s powertrain will likely happen for the 8th generation model and will involve ditching internal combustion completely in favor of electrons. But that won’t happen until the end of the decade, at the earliest.
