Ford Mustang's future safe, despite SUV onslaught

The Ford Mustang will live on for at least another generation, despite Ford North America's obsession with SUVs, crossovers and trucks.

Fans of the iconic two-door pony car were concerned that more profitable SUVs and the launch of the pure-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E might see the Mustang coupe and convertible take a back seat, or worse, see it cancelled altogether.

But according to Ford Mustang boss, Jim Owens, that's not the case.

In a recent interview with Ford Authority, when asked if the Mustang was on borrowed time, Owens replied: "No, not at all."

The senior Ford executive said the sports car segment remains healthy, although he admitted that despite a global launch of the sixth-generation S550, US sales still account for the majority of global volume.

"The sports car segment is still a healthy 1.2 per cent of the industry, and we’re continuing to be the market share leader with the best-selling sports car for several years running, globally and in the United States. We’re confident in the sports car market," he said.

Owens didn't confirm other details but it's believed the next-generation S650 Mustang remains on track for a debut in 2022 and will have a lifespan of eight years – two years more than the current model.

The longer lifecycle will help the Blue Oval recoup costs to make it profitable and cover the high engineering and development costs.

It's already been revealed that Ford’s all-new seventh-generation Mustang will share its platform with both the next-generation Ford Explorer and Lincoln Navigator

The new monocoque platform, developed for the Explorer and Navigator, is understood to have been engineered for both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive applications, which could see high-performance versions of both models offered in rear-drive form for the first time.

The move to a modular chassis will also help Ford launch a hybrid version of the Mustang as the platform is believed to have been engineered for both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications.

Set to be a huge technological leap forward compared to the muscle car it replaces, the next Ford Mustang will come equipped with the option of a high-output hybrid V8.

From earlier patents, it’s thought the V8 hybrid will remain mostly rear-wheel drive, but with two electric motors mounted either side of the engine to drive the front wheels.

With the aim of making it the best-handling Mustang ever, Ford Performance is thought to be engineering a sophisticated torque vectoring system that will improve the turn-in and overall agility of the big coupe.

When you’re not on your favourite country road, the hybrid system will switch off the gas-guzzling V8 and run in pure-electric mode only.

One thing that won’t change for the next-generation pony car is its unashamed retro look, with the next ‘Stang certain to be instantly recognisable.

Inside, the familiar design cues will continue, but the big Ford coupe and convertible will share much of its cabin with the battery-powered Mustang Mach-E.

It’s thought the next Mustang will also bring advanced semi-autonomous cruise control, making it able to drive itself on the highway.