Earlier this year, Ford introduced an all-new S650 Mustang with a launch date set tentatively for summer 2023. Even in the midst of a huge push for all-electric cars, Ford recognized that a segment of its customers still crave the sound and feel of an internal combustion engine. However, news is trickling down the pipe that Ford plans to cease production of the S650 Mustang by 2030, well short of its expected eight-year lifecycle. According Ford Authority, which sourced a report AutoForecast Solutions, Ford has already set an end date.
Will This End The ICE Mustang Era Earlier Than Anticipated?
Although not confirmed, Ford, according to the AutoForecast Solutions report, is planning to shut down production of the S650 Ford at the Flat Rock Assembly plant precisely on April 27, 2029. Speculation abounds already regarding what this could mean regarding the production of the pony car in the future. Could Ford be shutting down the S650 to introduce an all-electric version of the Mustang (not to be confused with the Mach-E SUV), or could it simply mean a new generation 'Stang will be introduced to kick off the new decade? So far, the automaker is mum about just exactly what the next move will be.
The Mustang S650 will not enjoy the eight years of production that previous generations have seen if this report holds true. But we do know the highly anticipated S650 Mustang set for release in 2024 could be the last version powered by an internal combustion engine. The upcoming revamp of the S650 updates both the interior and exterior of the current Mustang. Plus, Ford announced it would be upgrading the infamous Coyote V-8 engine for the S650 (as well as modernize the turbocharged Ford I-4 EcoBoost powertrain). Some enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the Dark Horse model of the Mustang's Coyote motor, which is set to produce 500 horses under the hood of the S650.
The Future Of The Mustang - An EV Pony Car?
With both state and federal governments pushing for an all-electric fleet of vehicles, car enthusiasts will have to say goodbye to traditional muscle cars powered by an internal combustion engine. The S650 Mustang may be the last ICE pony car on the market regardless of whether its production ends in 2029 or beyond. Dodge is already making the switch to EV power by ending production of its Challenger and Charger models.
Ford is already saying adios to the GT500, which was set to end production at the end of 2022. The Mach 1 version of the Mustang will continue through this year, but an S650 version of the GT500 will reportedly re-enter the Mustang lineup in 2026.