In recent years, virtually every automaker on the planet has been in the slow process of killing off their respective V8 engines, instead replacing those units with smaller displacement three-, four-, and six-cylinder alternatives that utilize forced induction and hybrid assist in many cases, largely because of stricter emissions and fuel economy standards. In many ways, that includes Ford, but The Blue Oval has also made it quite clear that it isn’t giving up on the V8 at all – rather, it intends to use that lack of competition to its advantage – a sentiment recently repeated by a notable source.
“Jim Farley has mentioned, and we agree, that we’re doubling down on our V8,” Ford Mustang Chief Engineer Laurie Transou told the Australian press at that model’s recent launch in that country, according to Drive. “As long as we can possibly sell our V8, we’re going to. “I would say that we’re in a unique position in our market right now. For Mustang, we actually offer a lot of different variants. We have the Mustang Mach-E…so we have those variants. We have the EcoBoost and we have the 5.0-liter.” Transou also added that Ford intends to continue offering a manual transmission in the Mustang, which is another feature quickly disappearing from modern vehicles.
“We’re constantly looking at what our customers want. And making sure we do everything we can to deliver what they want. I would say what our customers want right now is a manual transmission,” Transou said. “The pure enthusiast loves the manual transmission, so [we] continue to offer it. As long as our customers are desiring manual transmission and there’s a market for it, we would continue to offer manual transmission.”
“I’d say, I think we’re very proud to [be] still making the V8,” added Joe Bellino, global brand manager for Mustang. “And when it comes to everyone else, I think that makes us really proud of what we do. And parking on that, that’s our history, right…? V8 Mustangs and what we’re doing still. Not everybody can say that. And as Jim mentioned, doubling down on it, making it a priority of ours, and it’s a hallmark of Mustang.”
In terms of future Mustang variants, Ford is set to potentially add even more utilizing a V8 engine to its lineup – including a possible sedan and off-road-focused model, as Ford Authority recently reported. However, in addition to the 5.0L V8 Coyote used in the pony car and various other V8 powerplants present in other models, production of the supercharged 5.2L V8 present in the Ford F-150 Raptor R is also slated to continue for the foreseeable future, too.
Comments
Keeping the V-8 is the smartest move Ford has made in the past several years. It definitely gives Ford a unique selling proposition given the current automotive landscape.
I submitted a Build Order 4/13/23 (yes 2023) for a 2024 Mustang Dark Horse and as of today 9/13/24 I do not have any indication when my Order will be built. My dealership (Mullinax Ford, Vero Beach Fl) received ‘4’ Dark Horse Allocations. The dealership has been polite but they do not have any idea when my Order will be built. WISH someone at FORD would see to it that my Order is completed immediately.
Mustang 5.0 convertible. Still the my most exhilarating every day ride, good enough for McQueen, good enough for me. My Corsair has a 2.0 4 banger, 240 hp. My Mustang has 425 hp. The Corsair avg 23.8 mpg; the v/8 20.6 mpg.
How about Ford double down on keeping V8’s on ALL trim levels of the F150??
We ordered and bought a 2021 Mustang Mach 1, 5.0L, 480 HP V-8, 6 speed manual trans. Great mileage, over 26 mpg on a trip from MN to SD, then Utah and back to MN. A few states have 80 MPH speed limit and still great mileage.
Grabber Yellow get lots of looks to see it! And it is FUN!!
Keep the V-8’s!
No reason to get rid of V-8 with that much power and great mileage.
This is great to hear! I’ve been itching to buy a new Mustang GT or Dark Horse, but I’m waiting to see if they follow through with a V8 hybrid with AWD any time soon.