Ford is reportedly developing a rally-ready vehicle, which surprisingly is not based on any of its off-road-ready SUV and pickup truck models. The Blue Oval brand is instead looking to produce the Mustang Raptor, a rally-ready version of its famous pony car.
A 3D render of the Ford Mustang Raptor by artist Oscar Vargas [Photo: @wb.artist20]
This was revealed via a report from US-based car publication Car and Driver, which went on to say that the rumored Ford Mustang Raptor might be released sometime in 2026.
Before you raise your eyebrows at this, do note that turning beloved road-going sporty cars into off-road capable rides isn’t exactly a new or far-fetched idea. Remember, the Porsche 911 Dakar rally car debuted as a limited-edition model at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. Lamborghini likewise unveiled the rally-ready Huracan Sterrato in December 2022.
The Porsche 911 Dakar exists, so why not a Ford Mustang Raptor?
The report further observed that Ford has explicitly shown a keen interest in “Raptorizing” many of its current model offerings like the US-spec Bronco Raptor and the F-150 Raptor. Another example is, of course, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor which is already sold in Australia, Thailand, and some parts of Europe.
So what kind of mechanical improvements will the rumored Ford Mustang Raptor get? Well, the most obvious ones would be a raised ground clearance and a modified version of the same Fox suspension setup already found on existing Raptor models.
It might also get some protective bits for its underchassis, a set of all-terrain tires, as well as auxiliary lights. Other possible features that might make their way to the Mustang Raptor are a set of beefier “off-road-style" exterior styling pieces like large, black-colored fender flares, claddings, and tow hooks, among others.
The seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT
The report from the same source then indicated that it might be getting a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 linked to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Being a rally-ready vehicle, it is likewise possible that the Mustang Raptor will use an all-wheel-drive system with an electronic locking differential as well.
As with most rumors, do take all these with a grain of salt. Ford, after all, has yet to officially confirm the existence of this vehicle even as a prototype.
The idea of an off-road capable Mustang, however, is no doubt titillating. So with that said, let’s keep it here on Philkotse for more news about this rumored upcoming vehicle.