Last year, Ford claimed it would launch a hybrid Mustang in 2020. We’re less than a year away from that promise, so what’s the scoop?

According to AutoGuide, Ford has officially filed a patent for what looks to be a hybrid powertrain for the Mustang, although the patent is just being published.

This isn’t surprising considering that Ford released an ad last year featuring Bryan Cranston regarding the company’s future, which just happened to contain what buyers took to be a hybrid Mustang.

Is it almost here?

The Powertrain Looks to Be a V8

When the patent was revealed, Ford fans were quick to jump on the assumption that the hybrid powertrain was officially for a Mustang.

However, there’s no specification, making this patent possible for other Ford vehicles such as the F-150, of which buyers have been anticipating a hybrid version for some time.

However, it’s entirely possible that this drawing is showing a next-generation Mustang that features a hybrid engine. What’s more, the patent shows an 8-cylinder engine, which has Mustang enthusiasts excited about a hybrid version of their favorite car without compromising power.

The engine will be supported by a two-source power system (internal combustion for the rear wheels and two electric motors for the front wheels) to help maintain the Mustang’s horsepower and torque. 

Ford’s First AWD Mustang?

Thanks to its dual electrical units, if this drawing is indeed for the 2020 Mustang, this would make this car the first all-wheel-drive Mustang for Ford.

This would enable the Mustang to join Ford’s other all-wheel-drive cars including the Fusion, Focus, and the Taurus.

However, don’t get your hopes up just yet. Ford’s not given any indication what this patent is for outside of saying that filing a patent of this nature is just routine business.

Stay Tuned

Although we’re hoping more information about this Pony isn’t far away, we can’t guess at how much horsepower or torque the hybrid engine would have, let alone pricing and availability.

We’re just hoping Ford makes good on its 2020 launch year, meaning we’re just months away from learning more about this V8 hybrid engine for Ford’s iconic Mustang.

Source: AutoGuide