Ford’s mid-engine recipe has proven the American automaker’s ability to produce high-performing mid-engine supercars. But as the American speed and performance landscape evolves with every new advancement in modern tech and functionality, the race between manufacturers to capture the market becomes more competitive, as having the biggest engine is no longer enough to outsell top brands.
With Ford retiring their mid-engine icon, the Ford GT, the potential for a new model to occupy the mid-engine slot on the Ford roster grows. And where there’s potential, there’s speculation.
Speculation only became more convincing as the Blue Oval recently trademarked the long-discontinued Thunderbird name. For illustration, the Thunderbird was originally set to compete against the Chevrolet Corvette in the mid-50s, actually outselling Chevrolet’s legendary coupe 23:1 on release.
Chevy’s recent transformation of the popular Corvette from front-engine to mid-engine beginning with the eight-gen Vettes was received well by the speed community and supercar fans alike. Watching the C8 Corvette adopt an entirely new appearance and engine layout with the great success gave way to ideas involving other performance vehicles making the mid-engine switch. Among those, is the Thunderbird.
The trademarking of the Thunderbird name and discontinuing of the GT, as well as Chevy converting the Corvette to mid-engine, adds fuel to the rumors of a modern mid-engine potential face-off between the rival automakers in the near future.
Ford's Dominant Mid-Engine Recipe
Ford’s mid-engine design proved to be a groundbreaking innovation when introduced in the 1960s, with the Ford GT40 dominating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When introduced to the public in the form of the 2005 Ford GT, the initial responses were mixed, with the high-dollar price tag putting a barrier between the average consumer and the product.
Nevertheless, the mid-engine icon went on to become one of the most beloved and sought-after supercars of the 21st century. The prospect of a mid-engine Mustang or Thunderbird could remove the barrier presented by the Ford GT by offering a more accessible and affordable mid-engine sports car, potentially drawing the same amount of attention, and sales, as the popular C8 Corvette.
The mid-engine Corvette has captured the attention of enthusiasts, with its many trim levels offering a wide array of optional and standard features, many of which improve driving experience.
Meanwhile, Ford’s most recent performance model, the seventh-generation S650 Mustang, hit markets with upgrades of its own, including a race-oriented Dark Horse Model boasting aftermarket brakes, tires, dampers, gearbox, and suspension, among others.
Notable 2024 Mustang Dark Horse Aftermarket Upgrades:
- Brembo six-piston front brake calipers
- Brembo four-piston rear brake calipers
- MagneRide damping system
- TREMEC six-speed manual transmission
- SelectShift ten-speed automatic transmission (optional)
- B&O 12-speaker sound system
- RECARO sport seats (optional)
The Mid-Engine Mustang Would Challenge The C8 Corvette
Though it’s not highly likely that Ford will convert the Mustang to a mid-engine layout, the Dark Horse’s naturally aspirated fourth-gen Coyote engine could potentially outpace the C8 Stingray’s 495-horsepower LT2 engine, if given the proper environment (i.e., Ford’s proven high-performance touch).
And while the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter unit in the 2023 Ford GT pumps out 660 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, for Ford to truly improve its mid-engine recipe enough to compete with the competition, a less exotic engine option would need to be considered, at least for an affordable base mid-engine model trim.
As observed in the eighth-gen Corvettes, the mid-engine layout accommodates more engine room, particularly engine height, meaning the idea of an even bigger naturally aspirated mill, possibly even a variant of the 3.5-liter V-6 featured in the 2022 Ford GT, in a mid-engine Mustang, or Thunderbird, isn’t out of the question.
Renderings of a mid-engine Mustang inspired by the Ford GT bring the idea to life as familiar features from both icons shine through this futuristic design. Resembling the supercars of today, including the C8 Corvette, Ferrari 360 Modena, and of course, the GT, this rendering gives us a potential platform in which to build speculation about the attributes of a future mid-engine Ford.
The active aerodynamics in the rendering call back to Ford’s innovative designs that have been refined over decades of wind tunnel testing, including the famous teardrop body style, the large air dams, and aggressive diffusers. Though not exclusive to the Blue Oval, the race-inspired functional design of the body is something that Ford excels at.
Powertrain-wise, Ford’s mid-engine powerhouse design is far and above the most refined of any American automaker, with the GT consistently outperforming top American competitors including the C8 Corvette.
That’s not to say that a mid-engine Mustang or Thunderbird would instantly capture the top spot, however, the inspired design and forward-thinking nature of Ford’s high-performance department almost guarantees a seat at the table.
When talking about realistic Ford mid-engine candidates, the Thunderbird name rises above the chatter. With Ford recently taking interest in the discontinued name, along with track testing the mid-engine C8 at their test facilities in 2021, enthusiasts and internet sleuths have pieced together speculative signs of a Thunderbird revival, possibly mid-engine.
The Future Of Ford's Mid-Engine Options Could Include Thunderbird
Whether Ford moves forward into the future with their refined Mid-engine recipe is all speculation at this juncture, yet many can’t help but visualize the direction they’d take.
With the mid-engine Mustang, the idea of converting such a familiar front-engine muscle car to a mid-engine layout is enough to put Ford in the headlines. And with the Thunderbird, speculation, and evidence of Ford’s interest in reviving the name has the internet re-imagining the discontinued model as a modern mid-engine weapon.
And though the Thunderbird, before its dissolution, took the luxury route, many speculate that if Ford moves forward with the mid-engine layout in mind, the future Thunderbird could emerge with an entirely different attitude and purpose.
Ford’s modern accessories, including aftermarket performance upgrades and top-of-the-line tech, could take their mid-engine recipe to the next level, as many of the modern amenities offered by the competition are omitted from Ford’s mid-engine GT to put focus on the performance. Many of the complaints surrounding the GT are of passenger space and lack of creature comforts.
Some speculate that, with premium amenities and optional upgrades, such as those offered in the latest seventh-generation Mustangs, Ford’s decked-out mid-engine option would attract more consumers looking for a proper daily driver and a weekend track weapon, similar to the Corvette fan base.
Even though the interest is real, everything involving the mid-engine Mustang and Thunderbird revival is all speculation for now. Regardless, the potential for a new mid-engine model from Ford continues to draw in enthusiasts, each with their own take and opinions on the matter.