Ford Mustang Hybrid: reports indicate electrified Mustang won’t happen at launch

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The next-generation Ford Mustang was expected to be packing a hybrid powertrain – as well as a traditional V8 – but reports out of the United States indicate the electrified engine won’t happen. At least not now.

According to respected industry publication Automotive News, the new Mustang is not likely to depart dramatically from the current ‘S550’ sixth-generation pony-car, with the publication claiming that the hybrid Mustang project has been scrapped, according to Ford insiders. 

The report also indicates that the long-rumoured all-wheel drive version of the Mustang might not happen and will instead remain rear-wheel drive in classic Mustang tradition.   

The next-generation Ford Mustang is due to be revealed to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on September 14 US time, or the morning of September 15 in Australia. 

Where did Mustang Hybrid rumours come from?

An earlier leak from a Ford engineers’ LinkedIn page indicated that both a hybrid 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder and a electrified 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine were in development at Ford HQ. 

Ford filed a patent back in 2017 for an all-wheel drive hybrid V8 petrol engine that was equipped with two electric motors. 

This could still be a possibility for a flagship high-performance Mustang, however nothing has been confirmed just yet. 

The S650 Ford Mustang is very likely to be the last petrol-powered Mustang before it goes electric for the following generation. The current sixth-generation Mustang was on sale from 2015 to 2022, so expect the eight-generation Mustang sometime around 2029.

Can I buy a Mustang right now in Australia?

Locally, all Ford Mustang orders have been paused, according to Ford’s website, meaning that even if you wanted a new Mustang, you can’t get one. 

“We are pausing any new orders for Mustang until we can get through the existing customer order bank. We understand this is frustrating and we will re-open for orders as soon as possible”. 

Ford Australia told Chasing Cars that there is “no news on when order books will reopen, but we will provide an update when the situation changes”. 

While there are plenty of Ford Mustangs on the second-hand market, those wanting a brand-new Mustang will need to be very patient. The California Special Mustangs were announced in December 2021 and have been on sale here in Australia since May. 

Ford Mustang 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 2.3L High Performance manual: $52,590
• 2.3L High Performance auto: $55,590
• 2.3: High Performance auto convertible: $61,890
• 5.0L GT manual: $65,290
• 5.0L GT auto: $68,290
• 5.0L GT auto convertible: $75,990
• 5.0L California Special manual: $67,290
• 5.0L California Special auto: $70,290
• 5.0L California Special auto: $77,990