The Mustang ‘Mach 4’ Would Mark Ford's First Sedan in Years.

      Ford

      A recent trademark application from Ford indicates that the long-speculated four-door Mustang may actually be in development.

      Discovered by Ford Authority, the Blue Oval has filed to trademark “Mach 4.” The application, submitted on February 25 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), specifies its intended use for “motor vehicles, namely gasoline and electric automobiles, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles and their structural parts.”

      So, what might the Mach 4 be? Clearly, it's the Mustang sedan. Ford CEO Jim Farley has stated that as long as the variants “maintain all the performance and attitude of the original,” a Mustang can take any form. Last summer, reports indicated that Ford presented a Mustang sedan at a private dealer meeting featuring “Mach 4” branding.

      If and when the Mach 4 is launched, it will mark the first production sedan Mustang ever produced, and it is expected to be the first sedan in Ford’s U.S. lineup in several years. The company has not offered a sedan in the U.S. since the Fusion's discontinuation in 2020.

      The “Mach” name has a longstanding association with the Mustang, with Mach 1 representing a high-performance variant since 1969 and Mach-E being the modern electric SUV. Ford Authority suggests there is a history of the Mustang four-door. The outlet notes Ford presented a concept to its dealers in 2018, with rumors resurfacing in 2020. Despite changes in leadership since then, discussions surrounding a Mustang sedan persist. With last year’s reported live demonstration and this year’s trademark application, the pieces are finally coming together.

      When production of the Mach 4 might begin, what kind of powertrain it will feature, and other details remain uncertain. However, given that Acura officially announced the new RSX crossover just four months after a similar trademark was discovered, we may not have to wait too long.

      One thing is certain: the Mach 4 won’t turn out to be another Mustang fragrance. At least, we hope not.