Ford CEO Says The Mustang Needs To Get Lighter

Key Takeaways

Ford’s CEO believes the Mustang needs to be lighter and focused on its core strengths.
The newest Mustang isn’t significantly heavier than previous models, starting at 3,500 lbs.
He also said the V8 engine will stay and that a four-door sports sedan is a possibility.

Ford CEO Jim Farley is a massive Mustang fan, and he knows the model needs to focus on improved mechanics and less weight if it wants to continue punching at the top of its class. Speaking to Autocar at Goodwood recently, the CEO and race car driver discussed many of his plans for the model. These include finding ways to keep the V8 alive as well as finding ways to shed a few pounds where it counts.

2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

Base MSRP: $41,710
Engine: 5.0L V8 Gas
Horsepower: 480 hp
Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

“We owe it to those great engineers that their work continues and gets perfected. I always want us to major on stuff we do very well, like suspension damping, steering feel, brake feel and so on. And we have got to get our cars lighter – and that includes our Mustang versions.” – Jim Farley, CEO, Ford

The Mustang Isn’t As Heavy As You Think

Making sports cars lighter has long been the development priority at every company, but Farley’s comment comes from a place of true understanding. He’s stretched the Mustang’s legs on many an occasion. Farley has been behind the wheel of the Mustang GT4 factory race car during a few IMSA events, and he’s personally entering the Dark Horse series this year, which consists of four different hour and a half races. This man knows what a sports car needs to feel like, and the race car driver in him knows shedding weight is key.

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Despite what many think, the newest mustang isn’t that much heavier than previous models, with a curb weight starting at a little over 3,500 lbs and topping out at just under 4,000 lbs. Late sixties fastback and hardtop models could run around 3,500 lbs, and this has been fairly consistent during the model’s lifespan. Yes, 4,000 lbs isn’t great in a sports car, which is why Farley believes the vehicle needs improvement despite being more powerful and driving better than ever.

The V8 Is Staying, But Two Doors May Not

They aren’t getting rid of the coupe, at least not yet, but the company recognizes there’s a growing market out there for four-door sports sedans that could fit the Mustang aesthetic and make it an even better selling model. Just look at brands like Porsche and BMW. Four-door sports cars add versatility that consumers love, and tacking on two extra doors doesn’t need to make the vehicles any worse to drive than two-door only ones.

New Ford Mustang Will Race Around The World From NASCAR To Le Mans

Ford plans to take the new Mustang racing EVERYWHERE.

With the Mustang Mach-E, this gives buyers plenty of Mustang options, but don’t think for a second that the V8 will be kicked to the curb. The company is exploring hybrids and sustainable fuels for its lineup so it can still keep the V8 engine for enthusiasts. Farley knows Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford simply won’t let the V8 die and that turning the classic muscle car into an electric is not on the table.

“If I were to tell him we were looking at an all-electric Mustang coupe, he’d tell me he was looking at a new CEO…” said Farley. The lineup will evolve and change with the goal of improving performance and adding new customers, but the classic V8 muscle car is going nowhere under Ford’s watch.