Ford CEO Pushes for Lighter Mustangs While Keeping Iconic V-8 Engine

Ford CEO Jim Farley wants lighter cars, including Mustangs, without losing the V-8 engine, despite stricter emissions rules and growing vehicle weights.

As the years pass, many people tend to gain weight, and the automotive industry mirrors this trend with cars becoming larger and heavier. This increase in vehicle size and weight is largely due to stricter safety regulations and the desire to incorporate as much technology as possible. Ford’s CEO believes this trend needs to change.

In an interview with Autocar, CEO Jim Farley acknowledged that the Mustang and other Ford models need to shed some pounds: «We have got to get our cars lighter—and that includes our Mustang versions.» Currently, the base EcoBoost coupe weighs 3,588 pounds, while the GT Convertible with an automatic transmission weighs in at 4,012 pounds.

This weight reduction must be achieved without eliminating the V-8 engine. Ford is confident it can retain the 5.0 engine despite stricter emissions regulations, as the company manages to meet emissions standards through its fleet.

«Most of our lowered emissions standards are achieved by fleets, so I believe we can still sell some special cars if the fleet business is strong,» Farley explained.

Interestingly, Ford’s leadership has somewhat dismissed the idea of making a «Mustang that’s not a Mustang,» seemingly overlooking the Mach-E SUV. As for electric vehicles, Farley stated that an all-electric pony car is not in the plans, despite Ford introducing the electric Mustang Lithium concept at SEMA in 2019, which featured 900 horsepower and a manual transmission capable of handling 1,000 pound-feet of torque.

Farley also expressed skepticism about the European Union’s proposed 2035 ban on new cars with harmful emissions: «Are you sure [it’s still going to happen]? I don’t think we know.» Earlier this year, Porsche Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke suggested that the ban might be delayed.

While an electric Mustang isn’t on the horizon, Farley hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a four-door sedan with a gas engine. Additional body styles are being considered, but only if they maintain the «performance and attitude of the original.»