Ford remains firmly committed to the Mustang, but its famous V8 engine may not be guaranteed forever. Interestingly, the manual gearbox appears to have stronger backing.
Asked whether Ford would keep the V8-powered Mustang alive for as long as possible, CEO Jim Farley said, “Out of our cold, dead hands will we not have…”, before finishing with “a manual Mustang.”
The choice of words is interesting. The question specifically mentioned the V8, yet Farley instead offered a strong commitment to the manual transmission without making the same promise about the engine.
That doesn’t mean the V8 is disappearing anytime soon. Ford continues to invest in eight-cylinder engines amid strong demand, particularly in the US.
However, tightening emissions regulations could eventually make keeping the V8 increasingly difficult. The current 5.0-litre Coyote already produces less power in European-spec Mustangs to meet regulations.
The Mustang itself is safe, though. Farley previously said there won’t be a time without one while he remains at Ford.
Source: Drive
