Next Ford Mustang set for all-wheel drive V8 hybrid

Ford's next-generation Mustang will get the option of a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive V8 hybrid powertrain when it lands in 2022.

According to

That's not due to the upcoming Mustang Mach-E – which shares only its name with the iconic coupe and convertible – but because the Blue Oval is secretly hatching plans to launch a new mild-hybrid version of the current S550 Mustang later this year.

There are no details on what engine will be electrified, but the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder seems a likely contender, since a more powerful yet more efficient version of that engine could be shared with the Focus ST now the RS version has been canned.

The next Mustang, meanwhile, will once again be available in right-hand drive following its success in Europe and Australia, says the Brit mag.

News that the V8 will live on will be music to the ears of diehard Mustang fans who feared stricter emissions would kill-off their beloved bent-eight.

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 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 full-electric mode only.

It's thought Ford is considering swapping the Mustang from its current platform to the same CD6 platform that underpins the new Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator.

That might sound like a disaster but the CD6 architecture apes Volkswagen's MQB platform and features interchangeable sections, making it applicable for both mid-size and large cars, plus SUVs.

The CD6 is so versatile it can support front wheel-drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, and packaging of the engine longitudinally or transversely.

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.

This year's mild-hybrid Mustang and the all-new Mustang V8 hybrid are both part of Ford's plan to launch 18 mild-hybrid and full-hybrid models between now and 2022.