The S650-generation Ford Mustang may have reached the end of its life cycle, even though it feels like it just arrived. The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) and Ford have a labor agreement specifying production schedules for different cars and factories, per this report from Muscle Cars and Trucks. According to these projections, the brand-new S650 Mustang’s production will stop in 2028 when the current UAW agreement expires.
The Drive contacted Ford for a response; we will update this article as we learn more.
If that’s accurate, the S650 Mustang’s life cycle would be brief, but it would still be significantly longer than that of its primary competitor, the Chevy Camaro. This year marks the end of the Bowtie’s pony car, but Mustang enthusiasts should be relieved that the V8-powered vehicle will continue to run until at least 2028.
But what happens after 2028? Regarding the Ford Mustang’s future after the S650 generation, Ford has not yet disclosed any intentions. The next-generation Mustang dubbed the “S750” in some speculations, will reportedly be based on Ford’s GE2.2 platform, which it will share with the second-generation Mustang Mach-E. Does this imply that after 2028 the Mustang might only run on electricity? Perhaps Ford will use a hybrid engine in the Mustang coupe? Given that its new top rival is following suit, the latter option might make sense.
It was recently discovered by The Drive that Dodge is preparing an electric and internal combustion charger. But instead of a V8, Stellantis’ Hurricane inline-six-cylinder engine will power the gas-powered Charger. Therefore, it’s feasible that Ford will follow the S650’s lead and equip the Mustang with a twin-turbo V6. Though there are now two Ford electric vehicles (the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning) and more in the works, it is also feasible that Ford will continue to produce the V8 Mustang after 2028 and still be able to comply with corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards.
In any case, if the 2028 deadline is real, enthusiasts and buyers should count themselves fortunate because it’s later than the demise of many V8-powered sports cars.
