Ford has already said the upcoming Mustang Hybrid will be “all about delivering V8-like performance with more low-end torque” and now we’re starting to learn how much power the model could actually have.
According to Motor Trend, the Mustang Hybrid will likely be equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This isn’t too surprising but the publication goes on to say an electric motor will be sandwiched in between the engine and the car’s transmission. Speaking of the latter, the model could have a ten-speed automatic gearbox instead of a continuously variable transmission like the Fusion Hybrid.
The magazine goes on to suggest the model will be a conventional hybrid instead of a more advanced plug-in hybrid. If this is correct, the car would only be able to travel short distances at low speeds on electricity alone.
As for performance specifications, the publication speculates the model could have around 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS) and “well over” 400 lb-ft (541 Nm) of torque. Needless to say, those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. However, they would enable the model to have the promised “V8-like performance” as the Mustang GT has 460 hp (343 kW / 466 PS) and 420 lb-ft (568 Nm) of torque.
If everything pans out, the Mustang Hybrid could accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. That’s pretty quick but the model won’t encroach on the Mustang GT which can accomplish the same task in under four seconds thanks in part to its Drag strip mode.
Unfortunately, the focus on performance likely means the Mustang Hybrid won’t be much more efficient than the Mustang EcoBoost. That model is rated at 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined when equipped with the ten-speed automatic transmission.
Regardless of final performance figures, we can expect some styling changes. Speculation suggests the modifications will be minor but include hybrid badging and a revised instrument cluster with hybrid-specific displays.
