Rumor: Mid-Engined Ford Mustang Will Be Unveiled At Monterey Car Week

Aug. 16, 2023 12:10 PM ET byJarryd Neves Sports Cars /16 Comments

Ford has been playing around with this idea for decades.

与introduction of the S650 generationFord Mustang, there is a Mustang for everyone. But it seems the Blue Oval is preparing to grow the lineup by introducing something far more exotic: could we finally get a mid-engined Mustang to rival theChevrolet Corvette?

The automaker has teased the arrival of a "special project" with the "performance of a supercar." This mystery sports car will be unveiled at Monterey Car Week. So what else do we know about Ford's potential Corvette killer? Well, not much. As perRoad & Track, the media invitation does not mention the Mustang brand, with the only clue being a carbon fiber Mustang pony logo.

It could be Shelby GT500,touted to arrive in 2025, but there's no mention of the Shelby name. Several signs point to the unveiling of a mid-engined Mustang.

According toFord Authority, the rumored Mustang supercar has already been shown to a small group in Las Vegas. Multimatic will reportedly produce the vehicle, and while it will wear the Mustang badge, it will not be underpinned by the S650 platform.

This makes us wonder whether Ford has gone to the trouble of developing a new (and costly) platform for this rumored niche vehicle. Perhaps the company has adapted the carbon fiber monocoque used by the outgoing GT. After all, Ford's last supercar was also manufactured by Multimatic, so it would make sense. While this cannot be confirmed, sources have told the publication that the automaker considers the mid-engined Mustang a true supercar.

Ford has been toying with this idea since the late 1960s and has evenbuilt mid-engined Mustang prototypes.

While it will fall under the Mustang lineup, there's a chance Ford may distance its mid-engined supercar, much like the company did with the all-electric Mach-E crossover. It will be interesting to see where the automaker positions its rumored supercar. Will it go head-to-head with the Corvette Stingray, or will it go straight for the Z06 and E-Ray models?

Last year, we heard rumors that Ford wouldrevive the Thunderbird nameplatein an attempt to take on the 'Vette. At the time, we speculated that if the Thunderbird were to return, it would do so as an all-electric sports car or personal luxury coupe. Hopefully, there's still space for something like this in Ford's lineup.

A mid-engined Mustang would be an incredible addition. We hope we're not disappointed when Ford lifts the lid on its "special project" later this week.