The Ford Mustang is on the cusp of entering its seventh generation, and prototypes are now wearing the production-spec body ahead of an expected launch next year.
The sports coupé wears one of the longest-running (and historically best-selling) nameplates of any car currently on sale and is set to undergo the most radical reinvention in its 58-year history for its next iteration.
Despite the bulky camouflage worn by this prototype, it’s clear that Ford will seek to evolve, rather than overhaul, the Mustang’s characteristic cab-backward silhouette and muscular design cues.
Visible details include new lights at the front and rear and a sharper front grille, but it will be the changes underneath the skin that most tangibly differentiate the Mk7 Mustang from its predecessor.
As previously reported by Autocar, Ford is expected to bring the Mustang into the electrified era with a new petrol-electric drivetrain centred around its trademark V8 petrol engine.
To be sold alongside the new all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV, the S650-generation Mustang is expected to retain the current car’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated Coyote V8, but this time with a pair of electric motors installed for reduced emissions, increased power and zero-emissions running capability.
The new drivetrain layout was alluded to in patent filings in 2017, when launching a hybrid Mustang was a higher priority for Ford than the all-electric Mach-E.
Essentially, the Mustang is set to become four-wheel-drive, with the rear axle powered by the V8 and the two electric motors used to drive the front wheels – either independently in EV mode or alongside the petrol motor in dynamic driving situations.
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Camouflage does its job, I'll be surprised if it is vastly different looking,and Ford are only joining the Herd to have Phev and EV Cars on sale.
To me that car looks like the convertible version. A lot of cladding over the top of the screen and the rear roofline. Eitherway a V8 with electric assist will be welcome.