Rumor has it that Ford is venturing into uncharted territory with the development of a rugged, off-road-capable Mustang. This departure from the traditional muscle car formula is inspired by the success of high-performance models like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.
According to insider sources, Ford is working on a model dubbed the Mustang Baja. This all-wheel-drive beast is said to feature lifted suspension, chunky tires, and a more adventurous spirit. The company’s recent promotional clip showcasing a four-wheel-burning Mustang hints at the possibility of such a model.
While the Mustang Mach-4, a four-door coupe, is still in the rendering phase, dealers have been shown a look of the Mustang Baja. Unfortunately, details about the long-awaited hybrid powertrain remain scarce. Raj Nair, Ford’s former CTO, revealed plans for a hybrid powertrain at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.
While specifics were limited, it seemed likely to combine an EcoBoost engine with electric motors, potentially driving the rear and front wheels, respectively. However, dealers were instead treated to a high-performance convertible with V8 power, a manual transmission, and styling reminiscent of the previous Shelby GT350 and GT500.
This unexpected display raised questions about its true identity. Could it have been a prototype for the upcoming Shelby GT500? Spy shots of a GT500-like convertible with carbon-fiber wheels have been circulating, but the manual transmission poses a challenge.
Ford’s 5.2-liter Predator V8, known for its immense torque in the F-150 Raptor R, might struggle to find a suitable manual gearbox. The previous Shelby GT500’s reliance on a dual-clutch transmission further complicates matters.
Speculation has turned towards the possibility of this being either a convertible Dark Horse or a successor to the Shelby GT350. The return of the Voodoo flat-plane crankshaft V8, potentially with Coyote Gen 4-like dual throttle bodies, remains a tantalizing prospect.
