In recent years, we’ve seen a number of performance-focused Ford models head to the proverbial automotive graveyard, largely driven by the automaker’s decision to stop selling cars – save for the Ford Mustang – in North America. However, even in Europe, the Fiesta ST is already gone and will soon be joined by the Focus ST, leaving just the Puma ST and Mustang as that region’s only “fast Fords,” as folks like to call them. Regardless, it doesn’t seem as if this means we can expect to see a Ford lineup completely devoid of performance models at any point in the future.
“Definitely,” Ford of Europe design director Amko Leenarts told Autocar when asked if there’s still a future for performance-focused models in the automaker’s lineup. “If you look at Ford Performance, we’ve been bigger than ever: Formula 1, Dakar, WRC, Pikes Peak, NASCAR. I can’t think of another brand that is present everywhere, so that must have an influence on our daily cars. If we’re not doing that, we are making the wrong investments. So it’s got to transition to our normal car lines globally.”
In recent months, Ford CEO Jim Farley has made it quite clear that the Mustang isn’t going anywhere, even as its chief rivals have been discontinued or repurposed into EVs or non-V8 powered models as of late. In fact, Farley has gone so far as to say that an all-electric version of the pony car (not the Mach-E) will never happen, even if that same model does eventually give birth to other variants such as an off-road-focused model.
The same can be said for the V8 engine in general, which Farley intends to continue to offer in Ford vehicles as long as he possibly can, which makes sense given the current uncertainties facing the future of electrification. In the meantime, Ford Performance is testing hybrid engines for its applications, though it still seems likely that it will one day field all-electric models in certain series – including NASCAR.
Comments
I will say this…SUV’s have definitely gotten in the way of performance, at least from a non-offroad perspective. High roll centers being one big negative. Yes, engineers can certainly improve handing and maybe braking, but these platforms are not set up to handle on road performance like a lower vehicle. I know when I head to the track for a track event, they won’t even allow an SUV on the track, and with special permission and inspection, maybe a lowered pickup. Granted, my rather myopic view of motorsports had biased my opinions, but its hard to fight physics.
I look forward to the time when Mr. Farley decides it would make great sense to make Cars again. More sporty futuristic styling on a Hybrid platform. Revving my engine into forward energy and more retail sales. I know Ford’s designers have plenty new creations in mind.