Even the Ford Mustang is bound to go electric at some point if it wants to stick around in the future (yes, we mean the pony car, not the Mach-E crossover). One designer, Tyler Kwon, has given us his take on that with his Mustang E1, a study that both reimagines the Mustang in a new smaller segment and branches the name off into its own sub-brand.
Kwon’s experience includes an electric Ram pickup proposal for automotive giant Fiat Chrysler as well as multiple projects for legendary design firm Pininfarina, so he knows what he’s doing.
See Also: Roll Like Automotive Royalty With Henry Ford II’s 1966 Mustang Convertible
His more compact Mustang E1 draws its primary inspiration from the 1962 Mustang I, one of the original concepts for the Ford Mustang. The aluminum-bodied car featured a roofless design and was powered by a mid-mounted 1.5-liter V4 engine. Yes, you read that right: a V4.
Read More: This 1,000 HP Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Makes The Standard Model Seem Underpowered
While that car was a mid-engined gas-powered speedster, Kwon’s E1 is a hardtop convertible EV. These might sound different on paper, but the study does borrow a number of styling cues. Things like the E1’s pointed nose, roll bars and wraparound windshield, all hearken back to the original concept while still keeping a modern feel. Additionally, the E1 also includes design details from some more modern Mustangs like the hood bulge, muscular rear fenders, and signature triple taillights.
Overall, the E1 is a really interesting look at a possible future of the Mustang and makes you think what could become of the iconic pony car in the industry’s inevitable transition to electric vehicles over the next decade.
Note: These renderings were created by Tyler Kwon and are not related to or endorsed by Ford