font size
Ford’s all-new seventh-generation Mustang.
Courtesy Mustang
Brand new Mustang from
Ford
Yes gentleman, this one is not battery powered though. But it’s electric, though.
ford
(ticker: F) unveiled the seventh-generation Mustang at the Detroit Auto Show later Wednesday. This sports car lives up to its brand heritage.
That is saying something. There’s a lot going on with any new Mustang. This is a 60-year-old American Idol. A green machine even stars in “Bulitt,” with Steve McQueen behind the wheel. Today, there’s even a battery-powered model, the Mach E, in tens of thousands of showrooms after its launch in late 2020.
Ford plans to race to secure this version’s place in the Mustang pantheon. “We’re going back to Le Mans again with this Mustang,” Ford executive chairman Bill Ford said at his company’s launch. (movie ford v
Ferrari
,
Of course, detailing Ford’s early days at Le Mans. )
The new model is gasoline-powered with a classic 5-liter V-8 that produces up to 500 naturally aspirated horsepower and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a dizzying 4 seconds.
For those drivers who like to be in control or at least feel in control, Ford offers this car with a six-speed manual transmission.
There’s also something greener…or something that saves gas. Ford is selling the car with a smaller 2.3-liter turbo engine called EcoBoost. Turbochargers help deliver more power using less gas.
Don’t think this Mustang isn’t high tech just because of its classic engine and shift options. There are many digital enhancements, from advanced driver assistance and customizable driving modes to over-the-air software updates and even a key fob that lets owners start the engine remotely.
Now, let’s talk about the styling of the car.Roofline and rear scale reminder Barron– just a little – or a
Ferrari
(race) Roman. The front grille is larger and more chiseled, reminding buyers of Mustangs of yesteryear. The 5-liter GT version also features hood vents.
“Both the EcoBoost and Mustang GT have unique styling cues that deliver on their promise of Mustang performance,” Christopher Walter, Ford Mustang design manager, said in a statement.
Investors can get excited with car buyers. The Mustang is still selling well, but sales of Ford’s gasoline-powered models are down. The new styling and features should help get on the gas.
In the U.S., Ford sold about 52,000 gasoline-powered Mustangs in 2021, down from about 61,000 in 2020. Ford has sold about 33,000 gasoline-powered Mustangs this year, down from about 38,000 in the same period in 2021.
The automaker’s overall sales fell last year. U.S. sales totaled 1.91 million, down from 2.04 million delivered in 2020.
A new Mustang could give the stock a small boost — and Ford could use all the help it can get.The stock is down about 30% this year; this
S&P 500
and
Dow Jones Industrial Average
down 17% and 14%, respectively.
The losses reflected investors’ legitimate concerns. They’re happy with Ford’s lineup, but they can’t get away with everything that comes with high inflation — especially rising interest rates.
Inflation has the potential to squeeze profit margins through higher costs. Most cars are purchased with financing. Higher rates threaten new car demand by raising monthly car payments.
Reality: Even with its beautiful new Mustang, Ford is still in a rough patch.
Write to Al Root at allen.root@dowjones.com