Ford Motor Company has doubled down on its commitment to customers who still want a gas-powered muscle car. However, with a push toward zero emission vehicles in the near future, buyers could be experiencing a car that is, literally, the last of a dying breed.
This week, Ford unveiled the redesigned 2024 Mustang, available in both hardtop and convertible and with two gas-powered engines under the hood. Company officials say the redesign, which does not include any type of electrification, is part of its “Mustang family” strategy. Ford does have an all-electric Mustang in its portfolio, the Mustang Mach-E crossover, which went on sale in 2020.
“We know customers do want that internal combustion engine, and some of them want the electric, and we offer both in that Mustang family,” said Jim Owens, head of Mustang Marketing.
With a planned hybrid version of the Mustang abandoned, the 2024 model could very well be the last gas-powered muscle car offered by the Detroit automaker. And Ford isn’t the only company facing an all-electric future. Rivals Dodge and Chevrolet have announced plans to end production on popular gas-powered versions of some of their vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chevy Camaro.
With sales of muscle cars on the decline over the past years, many automakers are opting for small to a midsize sedan or coupe-style vehicles. Electric vehicles are the wave of the future. So those hoping to buy a gas-powered muscle car in the next few years will likely only have the Mustang as an option.
“Some of our competitors are talking about not being in the internal combustion engine sports car business, and what we are so proud of here today is that we are already expanding that family,” said Owens.
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