Wishful thinking has tripped up many an internet user. When something looks legit, they fall for it. And not everyone’s tech-savvy enough to realize when they’re being taken for an AI-generated ride. Ford Authority is on an ongoing quest to knock out completely fake AI-generated news in the automotive sector of the internet – and this time, we’re drawing a bead on the 2026 Ford Thunderbird. Which, in case you were wondering, is 100 percent made up.
But Google’s AI overview doesn’t appear to know that. In fact, it spits out facts about the supposed 2026 Ford Thunderbird like it’s a done deal. “The 2026 Ford Thunderbird is a modern interpretation of the classic American grand touring coupe,” it says before going into its “retro styling with futuristic design elements and cutting-edge technology.” Even worse, it claims that the returning T-bird is positioned as a premium limited edition model “with a focus on performance and luxury.”
The overview then goes on to outline the 2026 Ford Thunderbird in detail, citing a very fake, very AI-generated video someone posted for clicks. It says the Thunderbird will revive tailfins, along with the stylized Thunderbird emblem to boot. Under the hood, it’s said to harness a twin-turbocharged V6 worth 400 horsepower, or a “rumored V8 option” supposedly good for 500 horses.
It’s also said to have a luxurious interior with perforated leather, brushed aluminum accents, and massaging seats. It is also said to have a “digital dashboard,” which we can only assume means coast-to-coast touchscreen. Even worse, the AI overview goes on to say that the 2026 Ford Thunderbird is a limited edition halo car priced between $65,000 and $80,000 – which leaves it ripe for some pour soul to put a down payment on a vehicle that doesn’t exist.
In case it isn’t clear, the 2026 Ford Thunderbird is not happening. While Ford Authority exclusively reported that the Thunderbird might make a comeback to rival the Chevy Corvette back in 2022, there hasn’t been a peep on the matter since then. In other words, if it is in the works, it definitely won’t be for the 2026 model year.
Comments
If Ford intended the same atrocity like with the Mach-e or the Capri, better not produce the T-Bird again. it´s nonsense that Ford resurrects classic cars if they are going to do abominations like the Mach-e or the Capri.
It always astonishes me to look back at models we thought were ugly when they first came out to realize we were right all along. (Mustang II)
I agree completely
The Ford Thunderbird will eventually return if Failure Farley and Useless Kumar Galhotra and a few more car hating executives are fired.