Ford’s Bold Mustang Evolution: Sedan and Off-Road Safari Editions on the Horizon

Ford reportedly has plans to introduce sedan and off-road versions of the Mustang

It is believed that a sleek four-door model and a four-wheel-drive Mustang with a safari theme could be marketable

Ford's track record with its iconic names isn't exactly stellar: Years ago, the Escort was transformed into an affordable sedan for the Chinese market, and there's also an SUV in China dubbed the Mondeo Sport. The Mustang Mach-E adapted Mustang styling to an electric vehicle format, and more recently, the new Ford Capri made its debut as an electric SUV. However, it seems they have even more unconventional ideas in the pipeline.

During a recent gathering with its network of US dealers, Ford executives reportedly showcased full-scale models and concept designs of a sedan version of the Mustang, as well as an off-road, all-wheel-drive variant akin to the Porsche 911 Dakar. Alongside these revelations were other less notable updates. However, if the report by Automotive News is to be considered credible, it's likely that these two vehicles will enter production.

Official Rendering of the 2024 Ford Mustang Sedan

According to reports, Ford dispatched its top brass, including CEO Jim Farley and Executive Chairman Bill Ford, to a conference in Las Vegas. Specifics regarding the new Mustang models have not been disclosed, but the limited details reported by AN suggest that both models will be powered by internal combustion engines.

At least the concept of a four-door sedan isn't a new one. Back in the initial planning stages of the original Mustang in 1963, a vehicle of this type was designed. Fortunately, it was promptly recalled that at that time, Ford's lineup already included a sufficient number of sedans like the Falcon and Fairlane. The official sketch from Ford that you can see on our cover image dates back to 2022 and depicts a (likely electric) four-door Mustang.

Ford Mustang Four-Door (1963)

Upcoming reports indicate that the luxury sedan of the future could be dubbed "Mach 4," with the safari-style model's name still up in the air. Details are scant on the vehicle, which is rumored to feature four-wheel drive and oversized tires. It remains to be seen which concepts have been showcased as full-scale models or merely as digital visualizations.

CEO Farley believes that bolstering the Mustang brand is a smart move, especially as rivals like General Motors are phasing out their muscle car models. Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro last year, and the latest Dodge Charger is now only available with either a six-cylinder engine or electric power. However, it is offered as a four-door model, which may have played a role in Ford's strategy.

At first glance, expanding the range of combustion engine vehicles might seem beneficial for Ford. However, the company's electric vehicle division, dubbed Model E, is operating at a significant loss per vehicle. Despite being the second-largest producer of electric vehicles in the United States, Ford trails far behind Tesla by hundreds of thousands of units and, as noted, is notably unprofitable. The company requires additional funds to sustain this segment of its business.

Another segment of the presentation touched on the company's ongoing efforts to create an affordable electric vehicle platform, which is intended to serve as the foundation for a lineup of similarly economical cars. The extent to which this program has moved beyond the prototype phase was not disclosed to the dealers. In the footnotes, a compact utility vehicle based on the Maverick was noted, intended to replace the Transit Connect, along with potential new versions of the existing Mustang.

Is Ford Facing a Crisis in Europe?

Should Ford indeed proceed with the production of a sedan that incorporates a V8 engine, which appears to be the case, the validity of appending the name "Mustang" to it comes into question. As it stands, Ford holds the unique position of being able to label any vehicle as a Mustang. However, historically, the Mustang has been synonymous with a singular type of vehicle, and the somewhat dubious move of branding an electric SUV with the Mustang moniker has understandably puzzled the brand's loyal enthusiasts. Despite this, it hasn't deterred the company from recently applying the same naming strategy to the Ford Capri.

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