Ford CEO Suggests a 1,000 HP Off-Road Supercar Might Be in the Works | Carscoops

      What the Mustang GTD represents for the track, this supercar could symbolize for off-road racing.

      Ford CEO Jim Farley has expressed interest in developing a 1,000 hp supercar designed for off-road racing, hinting that it might be electrified.

      He mentioned that this model would feature complete adjustability and wouldn’t be classified as a truck.

      The Ford Bronco Raptor is regarded as one of the top off-road vehicles available, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine generating 418 hp (312 kW / 424 PS) and 440 lb-ft (596 Nm) of torque. While these figures are impressive, they fall short compared to the Jeep Wrangler 392, which boasts a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 470 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm).

      However, Ford could consider an extravagant solution by creating a $300,000 off-road powerhouse inspired by Dakar Rally competitors. Though this idea may seem far-fetched, the Mustang GTD appears to be a success, indicating the automaker might replicate this concept in various forms.

      Farley shared this idea on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit! podcast, mentioning there isn’t a “Porsche of off-road” and expressing his surprise that people don’t recognize this gap. Although Porsche and its 911 Dakar might contest this claim, he conveyed a strong interest in pursuing the concept.

      He emphasized that no one has produced an off-road supercar, despite the existence of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, which he dismissed by stating it wouldn’t survive the Baja 500.

      Farley mentioned his vision for a 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) supercar that would be partially electric. He suggested that the vehicle would have full adjustability concerning suspension travel, damping, and ride height. Further, he clarified it would be “not a pickup truck” and would be suitable for off-road racing.

      According to Farley, this high-speed supercar would excel on gravel, sand, and dirt, but not in rock crawling scenarios. He is currently discussing the vehicle with his team but remains undecided on whether it should be a two-seater or a four-seater.

      While no final decisions have been made, he stated he is “thinking really deeply about it” and that this often leads to new developments. He noted that many modern supercars feel too similar, and this could be an opportunity to innovate.

      Not A Brand For Posers

      In addition to discussing the potential off-road supercar, Farley described Ford as a “weird brand” since it successfully sells both affordable vehicles and the 5,000 F-150 Raptor R’s priced at $120,000. He suggested that the luxury of the Mustang GTD stems from Ford’s “motorsports history,” which permits them to pursue ventures that other automakers might shy away from.

      Regarding the GTD, he stated they “don’t want posers” or individuals who would merely add it to their car collection. He more positively remarked, “Let’s not screw the people that bought these expensive cars” by overproducing them or allowing resellers to dominate the market. As he elaborated, if enthusiasts appreciate the car and do not incur financial losses, they are more likely to invest in future special models from Ford. This pattern has already been observed with repeat buyers of the Ford GT and those who have also purchased a Mustang GTD.