Ford has been considering launching new Mustang variants for a long time, including a Mustang sedan.
Ford CEO Jim Farley points out that the Mustang has a huge following around the world. However, he admitted that these fans would only embrace new derivatives if they had the “performance and attitude” of the existing models.
“We will never make a Mustang that is not a Mustang,” Farley had previously stated. “For example, there will never be a place for a small Ford SUV with two rows of seats called Mustang. But could we do other Mustang body styles—four-door or anything else? I believe we could, as long as these models have all the performance and attitude of the original.”
However, new information says that Ford has trademarked the Mach 4 name in America, which according to some rumors should be used for the future Mustang sedan.
To kick off this latest phase of Mustang expansion, Farley believes Ford needs to start by adding luster to the original coupe, investing in both models that are accessible to traditional buyers and other versions that take the coupe to the next level, the way Porsche did with its 911 GT3 RS and GT2 RS models.
“Porsche has been smart about creating derivatives over the last 20 years,” says Farley. “But we wouldn’t want to do things their way. We want to give them a good American-style run for their money.”
Farley calls the new 800-hp Mustang GTD “an advance” on the Mustangs of the future. “We’re not going to stop with the GTD,” he said. “We have to keep making derivatives that will surprise people.”
Despite all its expansionist plans, Farley believes Ford needs to be cautious about diversifying the brand.
One point of reassurance for Mustang believers is Ford’s intention to continue producing V8 engines “as long as God and politicians allow us.” Farley promises to fight hard to keep these iconic engines and the manual transmissions often associated with them in production.
However, future Mustang models will likely offer hybrid power, to reduce emissions and improve performance. Farley said, “We’ve tested and really believe that partial electric powertrains work well for sports drivers.”
The factory drawing from September 2022 shows the Mustang in the form of a sleek four-door sedan. The sketch comes from Christopher Stevens, the company’s senior exterior designer.
The sedan retains the model’s iconic coupe-like shape, with a fastback styling that flows into a short rear end, like the two-door model. A contrasting-color upper section helps to hide the length, and a door handle is also noticeable on the rear fender.
If Ford decides to bring it to market, it’s likely the Mustang Mach 4 will share its engine options with the current Mustang Coupe. That includes a 5.0-liter V8 and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
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