Summary
- The Ford Mustang remains strong while other American muscle cars, like the Camaro and Charger, were phased out in favor of EV variants, including SUVs.
- The introduction of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E has attracted new buyers and helped secure the future of the gas-powered Mustang.
- Ford continues to prioritize V8 engines for the Mustang, offering a variety of V8-powered models and expanding the overall lineup.
- The emissions offsets generated by the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning have allowed Ford to continue producing the V8 Mustang.
- With ten models planned for 2025, including three V8 options, Ford is committed to preserving the Mustang’s legacy while adapting to changing market demands.
Unlike other American muscle cars like the Chevy Camaro and the Charger and Challenger from Dodge, which are slowly fading into the sunset, either phased out for good or replaced with an EV variant, the Ford Mustang stands tall, firmly cementing its legacy as the muscle car king. But what sets the Mustang apart from its rivals? For starters, the ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Also, Ford’s decision to expand the Mustang lineup—most notably with the introduction of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E—was a bold move that paid off.
The Mach-E attracted a new generation of tech-savvy, eco-conscious buyers, injecting new vigor into the Mustang brand and saving its endangered gasoline counterpart in the process. Despite shifting industry trends, the Mustang’s iconic V8 engine remains a timeless formula for enthusiasts who crave the Stang’s unmistakable roar and raw power. In a landscape where other muscle cars are retreating, the Mustang continues to charge ahead, blending innovation with heritage and ensuring its reign as the king of muscle cars for years.
The Mustang Mach-E Helped Save the V8 Mustang
When Ford announced an all-electric Mustang SUV—the Mach-E— enthusiasts thought that was the beginning of the end for the Stang. A utilitarian family car with the Mustang nameplate? Really Ford? However, time proved the Blue Oval carmaker right and secured the future of the gasoline-powered Mustang. Fortunately, Ford’s vision didn’t contemplate replacing the V8 Mustang with an EV variant like Chevrolet is doing with the Camaro all-electric SUV.
Instead, Ford wanted to expand the Mustang lineup, with the all-electric Mustang joining the sports coupe, convertible, and special editions. In 2022, Ford CEO Jim Farley explained that the surprising success of the Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric crossover, has contributed to the ongoing production of the gas-powered Mustang. Despite the Mach-E’s popularity, which even surpassed sales of the gasoline-powered model for a time after its launch in late 2020, Ford decided to maintain both versions in its lineup.
Fast-forward to early 2024, and Farley reaffirmed the company’s dedication to V8 engines in the Mustang coupe and convertible. He attributed this continued commitment to the success of Ford’s electric vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. As reported by Motor1, Farley made these comments ahead of the Daytona 24-Hour race, where the new Mustang GT3 was set to make its racing debut.
The Emissions Offset Created by the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning
Emissions offsets reduce a company’s overall carbon footprint by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. This allows companies to offset their emissions, potentially enabling them to continue operations that might otherwise be restricted due to environmental regulations. In Ford’s case, the emissions offsets generated by the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning EVs allowed the company to continue producing the V8 Mustang.
These models, with their lower emissions, have helped offset the environmental impact of the V8-powered Mustang, allowing it to remain in production. In 2022, Ford’s boss said, “The Mustang Mach-E, in a way, created, allowed this car to happen.” “Competitors are buying credits for emissions, and they can’t come out with this kind of vehicle.“
Dodge announced that emissions regulations contributed to its decision to discontinue production of the gas-powered Charger and Challenger models in late 2023. Similarly, General Motors’ plans to transition to an exclusively electric vehicle lineup by 2035 led to the discontinuation of the gas-powered Chevy Camaro.
Ford Keeps Expanding the Stang’s Lineup
It’s nothing new that iconic names in the pony car segment have had non-V8 variants throughout their history. There have been six-cylinder Challengers and Chargers. The Camaro, for example, has also had six-cylinder variants and even a turbocharged four-cylinder. In the case of the Ford Mustang, the story is very similar. It has offered V6 models and, more recently, a more affordable 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine. However, the quintessential formula that defines the Mustang is its V8 powertrain.
Up to Ten Mustang Models for 2025
Unlike its Chevrolet and Dodge counterparts, which have explored six-cylinder versions with a sedan body but failed to expand on their classic muscle car V8 offering, the Mustang has done a better job. Although the Mustang nameplate was also used on a non-coupe model when Ford launched the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, it has cleverly expanded its classic V8 + coupe body lineup, keeping die-hard enthusiasts happy. By 2025, ten models will be available in the Mustang lineup, including three V8 powertrains—the Mustang GTD will have a limited run of around 1000 or so units—and Mustangs featuring the four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine. This expanded lineup highlights Ford’s commitment to preserving the Mustang’s legacy by adapting to the demands of its buyers.
The V8 + Coupe Formula Never Gets Old
Within the V8 options of the Stang are the 2025 Mustang GT coupe featuring the Gen-4 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that generates a track-ready 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque. In 2024, Ford introduced the Mustang Dark Horse. This model is powered by a naturally aspirated, modified Gen-4 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine pumping out 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque, with an optional Tremec TR 3160 6-speed manual transmission. This is a modified version of the gearbox used in the Mach 1 and Shelby GT350, boasting rev-matching and no-lift shifting, so you can move through gears without taking your foot off the accelerator.
The Flagship Mustang
Last but not least is the insane 2025 Mustang GTD. This latest addition to the Mustang lineup is a high-performance, street-legal version of the Mustang GT3 race car. The GTD produces a mind-boggling 800 horses and track-ready supercar capabilities. This flagship Mustang features a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 sourced from the outgoing Mustang Shelby GT500 and a dry-sump oil system. The engine, which Ford claims exceeds 7,500 rpm, is paired with a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch rear-transaxle gearbox controlled via paddle shifters.
Conclusion
The Ford Mustang has defied industry trends by remaining true to its iconic V8 heritage while embracing innovation with the Mustang Mach-E. This strategic approach has allowed the Mustang to maintain its position as the king of muscle cars, offering a diverse lineup that caters to enthusiasts seeking raw power and those embracing electric vehicles. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Mustang’s ability to blend tradition with modernity ensures its enduring appeal.
