We have a tale of two iconic pony cars taking divergent paths, with Chevrolet's Camaro and Ford's Mustang steering toward different futures.
Chevrolet's Future Vision for the Camaro
Motor Trend recently spoke with GM President Mark Reuss about the potential future of the Chevrolet Camaro. Reuss emphasized the importance of affordability, driving enjoyment, and broad appeal. He hinted at a possible MSRP similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $43,295. Factoring in a federal tax credit, this would make the Camaro's price competitive, assuming the entry-level trim delivers on performance.
However, there are a few caveats. This envisioned Camaro would be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) built on GM's Ultium platform. Additionally, it would feature four doors, as coupes are not currently as financially viable. This concept is still far from reality, with GM focusing on scaling up production of its Ultium-based vehicles, particularly mass-market models like the Equinox EV.
Ford's Stance on the Mustang
Over at Ford, CEO Jim Farley shared his views with Autocar on the Mustang's future. Farley stressed the importance of authenticity, firmly stating, "We will never build a Mustang that isn’t a Mustang." He ruled out the possibility of a small, two-row Ford SUV bearing the Mustang name. While a four-door Mustang is conceivable if it retains the original's spirit, Farley categorically dismissed the idea of a pure-electric Mustang during his tenure. However, he acknowledged the potential for a hybrid Mustang.
Farley also expressed a desire to make the Mustang lighter. Ford's current base EcoBoost coupe weighs 3,588 pounds, and the base GT coupe weighs 3,827 pounds. Farley hinted at future high-performance developments akin to the $325,000 track-focused GTD, which he described as a "down payment" on what's to come. Rumors suggest a "lite" version of the GTD priced around $100,000, and a prototype with a GTD-style trunk and dual intakes has been spotted. Additionally, an RTR version of the new Mustang is expected next year, and the GT500 might not be far behind.
The Future of Iconic Pony Cars
Whether you dream of an electric Camaro or a hybrid Mustang, both GM and Ford have intriguing visions for the future of these legendary cars. Check out the full interviews with Mark Reuss and Jim Farley for more insights from the executives who have the power to turn these dreams into reality.
Source:autoblog