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.
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Thank you, Jim Farley.
Looking forward to adding a s650 GT Performance Pack next to my 6th Gen Camaro.
Building Mustangs the way the SHOULD be.
I'm essentially anti ford, except in this case. Bravo to them
I’m a 65 year old GM guy to the bone, but I’m very close to Mustang and/or Bronco purchase because GM stupidly fails to build what customers want.
Just do it and leave the gm loyalty thing in your past. I certainly did for a host of reasons.
Will we get a mustang with a Godzilla then?
Unlikely. Why would they put a heavier iron block, truck tuned engine in there?
Because it's a cam swap away from 650HP and is lighter and cheaper than a predator engine.
Correction 750 HP with CAI, high flow exhaust and cam swap. Difference between it and the predator engine is 2lbs
Correction 750 HP with CAI, high flow exhaust and cam swap. Difference between it and the predator engine is 2lbs.
The best anti- theft deterrent ever ! The manual transmission ! 😃
Coyote is quite proven to handle some serious power. Ford is not going to go out of their way to engineer an all aluminum Godzilla based V8 to replace Coyote. And they sure aren't going to shove a 100lbs+ heavier iron block there. Godzilla is a high torque, low RPM truck engine.
Ford will continue but they will make the car more and more expensive. With Sales Volume near the Corvette at 50K units per year they will have to increase pricing as sales volumes continue to be this low.
I also expect many special editions to add more income. Ford needs every dollar they can get. They are not in good shape. Truck sales and profits are not what they used to be and it hurts.
I am currently looking for a mustang convertible but none on lots. It's the 60th anniversary. WTH
Let’s hope it doesn’t become a loss-leader for them.
Preserving heritage AND making a favorable return is the challenge.
Similar to Harley-Davidson’s struggles….IMHO.
Bravo Jim Farley, I’m a GM guy but will consider the mustang because of the Manual and v8 !!!
GM makes zero performance cars with a manual and likely never will again.
The Corvette is Auto-Only and the New Camaro will be EV.
Ford will own this market until they die or the Feds outlaw ICE vehicles.
If you hate Mustangs you better love Automatic Vettes or imports…
cadillac still has the ct4 / ct5 bw with manual at least
Expensive & 4 doors. Both turnoffs to the V8 coupe crowd that love that style like me.
I have a 2023 Camaro SS convertible.
Hoping GM will soon introduce a Camaro EV convertible.
Glad to see Dodge Challenger EV about to be introduced. But, not as a convertible.
EV torque is incredible.
I’m a gm guy and always have been. It breaks my heart to see the Camaro discontinued. Gm should build a bronco competitor. The bronco has been very successful in my area.