What is happening to American Muscle Cars?

Firstly, General Motors already announced earlier in 2023 that their 6th generation Chevrolet Camaro would finish its production. The last models of the Camaro have rolled off the production-line at the end of January this year.

Secondly, the slightly politically incorrect, tyre shredding, performance machine called the Dodge Charger is now about to go as well, wait for it, it’s going electric. That’s 2 down and 1 to go, well what do we know about the world-famous Ford Mustang?

Chevy Camaro

Dodge Charger

The Ford Mustang looks like it will soldier on as America’s only muscle car, at least for the foreseeable future. It appears that Ford are staying committed to their internal combustion Mustang petrol engine. That's the indication we got from checking some of the latest media reports sighting Ford’s CEO Jim Farley.

He conceded that it would be fully discussed with Ford’s company executives, but then he offered some surprising insight for the next 10 years, long enough to cover the current and next-generation Mustangs. He said enough to say it would be unlikely that Ford would offer a fully electric Mustang. However, he did say there could be a world class partially electric or hybrid type Mustang.

That media then asked Ford for some additional information and context pertaining to Farley’s comments. However, a Ford spokesperson stated that the company doesn't comment on speculation regarding future products and models.

Lots of rumours of an electrified Mustang coupe, either as a hybrid or a fulltime EV, are nothing new from Ford. Furthermore, Ford already has multiple BEV prototypes in its offering.

The talk is that Ford's muscle car will continue to be pure petrol power. There is no confusion about that point from Ford, the company just revealed its most powerful, most expensive production Mustang ever with the GTD. Designed as a road-going version of the Mustang GT3 race car, it wields a supercharged 5.2L V8. Ford’s production offering for this vehicle will be extremely limited.

The Ford Mustang GTD will be the most audacious and advanced Mustang ever built according to Ford’s marketing talk. It will be a limited-edition, street legal performance car designed along the lines of the Mustang GT3 race car and ready to take on the world’s best performance cars. It will have extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the bodywork. A new suspension that adjusts the spring rate and ride height settings for track or street conditions including active aerodynamics.

A supercharged V8 with unique dry sump oil system and an 8-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle and carbon fibre driveshaft for near ideal weight balance. Magnesium wheels, titanium exhaust and carbon ceramic brakes combine to create an agile, ultra-high-performance Mustang. The engine will produce more than 800 hp.

Here the kicker, you will have to travel to the USA, as it’s unlikely the GTD will be in New Zealand any time soon. Make sure you take $300,000 US dollars with you as that will be the in store price.

February 2024