In an interview with Top Gear, Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted, “We’re in the middle of creating something... Should Ford make an off-road supercar?” He emphasizes that this concept wouldn’t be a mere variant of an existing model but rather a standalone supercar. Currently, the company is deep in discussions, weighing the potential of this super utility vehicle.
- Platform Speculation: Rumors suggest that this new vehicle might not share the Mustang's platform. Instead, a dedicated super-vehicle platform indicates that it won’t simply be a new Raptor variant, though it could carry some Raptor branding.
- Design Influences: With Ford's history in Dakar and projects like the GT, this vehicle could resemble either a rugged truck or a lifted supercar, depending on their desired performance image.
- Mustang vs. Utility Focus: Will the supercar elevate the Mustang brand or enhance Ford's utility vehicle lineup? This strategic decision could significantly shape its market appeal.
- A Stylistic Challenge: For Ford's design teams, this presents an exciting challenge—finding the right balance between supercar aesthetics and off-road durability.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance's global director, states, "We infuse motorsport into our offerings... The Raptor T1+ at Dakar teaches us a lot, so stay tuned for more." The team at Ford is aligning on a cohesive vision for this project, looking to expand beyond existing models like the F-150, Bronco, and Ranger Raptor.
As Ford embarks on this ambitious venture, expectations are running high, especially given the substantial price tag of models like the Mustang GTD. The automotive world is eagerly watching to see Ford's next move in performance engineering.
Summary: Ford is contemplating the creation of an off-road supercar, with ambitions to innovate beyond its successful Raptor lineup. This venture, highlighted by insights from Ford executives Jim Farley and Mark Rushbrook, represents a potential new chapter in the brand’s off-road performance aspirations. Fans and industry experts are eagerly awaiting further developments, as Ford hints at a bold vision for the future.
