Ford is once again rubbing salt on GM enthusiasts’ Camaro-shaped wound. During the media launch for the Australian-spec, seventh-generation S650 Mustang, Ford Mustang global chief engineer Laurie Transou confirmed that the Blue Oval brand would continue to offer V8-powered Mustangs with a manual transmission as long as regulations and demand would allow. Meanwhile, GM discontinued the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro following the conclusion of the 2024 model year.
“[Ford CEO] Jim Farley has mentioned, and we agree, that we’re doubling down on our V8,” Transou told media, per Australian outlet Drive. “As long as we can possibly sell our V8, we’re going to.”
Transou added that Ford is in a unique position with Mustang, offering a variety of models, including four-cylinder EcoBoost models, the all-electric Mach-E, and of course, models equipped with the company’s 5.0L V8. By contrast, traditional Mustang rivals like the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger have all been discontinued in the name of electrification.
What’s more, Ford says it will also continue to offer the option for a manual transmission for as long as customers will buy it.
“I would say what our customers want right now is a manual transmission,” Transou said. “The pure enthusiast loves the manual transmission, so [we] continue to offer it. As long as our customers are desiring manual transmission and there’s a market for it, we would continue to offer manual transmission.”
Production of the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ended at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan late last year. The final 2024 Chevy Camaro produced was a ZL1 Coupe finished in Summit White (paint code GAZ) equipped with the GM six-speed manual transmission and ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package (RPO code A1Z). Under the hood, the sixth-generation Camaro ZL1 is equipped with the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine. Looking ahead, GM has confirmed that a new generation for the Camaro is under development, however, the exact form factor remains uncertain, with all signs currently pointing towards a new EV.
