• Welcome to Mustang7G!

    If you're joining us from Mustang6G, then you may already have an account here!

    As long as you were registered on Mustang6G as of March 10, 2021 or earlier, then you can simply login here with the same username and password!

Jarstang

Administrator
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Threads
197
Messages
1,904
Reaction score
2,752
Location
M7G
Vehicle(s)
Ford
We caught a Mustang test car leaving Ford’s Dearborn test track that has one subtle, but interesting detail that could signal testing of the long-rumored hybrid powertrain applied to the pony car.

The Mustang mule in question appears to be an EcoBoost model that looks like any other Mustang, except for three things: the Homer Simpson caricature drawn in the dirt on its hood, the interesting testing gear applied to the steering wheel, and a bright yellow sticker plunked prominently on its nose, dead-center above its grille. The sticker reads: “MOTO TRUCK FROM REAR ONLY.” The rear-end has a number of stickers, as well, but nothing that gives any special handling protocols. This is where the speculation begins.

MOTO TRUCK?
Let start with the term “MOTO TRUCK.” An internet search brings up no examples of this term, to get a pinpoint definition. However, it seems to us that “MOTO TRUCK” could very likley be related to a “pallet truck”, a motorized way to move heavy loads. This could be a pallet full of heavy automotive parts, but pallet trucks can also be used to maneuver cars around a garage, using a lifting mechanism and a motor to move the vehicle without starting the car. If this is what “MOTO TRUCK” is referring to, let’s go on to the rest of the note.

FROM THE REAR
The Mustang is instructing its handlers to move it “FROM (the) REAR ONLY.” Using a pallet truck—or MOTO TRUCK—from the rear would raise the rear wheels off the ground, thus rolling the front wheels only. This restriction could point to the presence of an electric motor, as pushing an EV and rolling its drive wheels is generally verboten, as it can damage the EV drivetrain, or build up a charge that could lead to a fire. For example, excerpts from the Telsa Model 3 manual states: “Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting the ground, even for short distances. Doing So can cause signficant damage.” And a later passage reads: “Do not attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3 with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a limited time and speed, and for a very short distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate Transport Mode, you must use self-loading dollies or tire skates to prevent tires from turning as you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck.”

RWD Hybrid?

Traditionally, a rear-wheel-drive car getting a performance hybrid upgrade would see an electric motor added to the front wheels, resulting in an AWD set-up. The Corvette E-Ray is the perfect example of such a transition. If there is anything to the speculation we’re applying to this Mustang prototype, Ford could be taking a completely different approach to maintain a rear-wheel-drive set-up. If this Mustang prototype can only be MOTO TRUCKed from the rear, thus lifting the rear wheels, it suggests that any EV motor would be affecting the rear wheels, keeping it rear-wheel-drive. A look to Porsche’s approach on its 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid gives one example of how Ford could add a performance hybrid assist to the Mustang and retain rear-wheel-drive.

Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid Shows RWD Hybrid Feasibility
Porsche’s hybrid approach to the 911 is unique, in that it adds two electric motors in unconventional ways. One E-motor spools up an exhaust turbocharger to eliminate lag, while a second E-motor is integrated within its transmission to apply additional power directly to the wheels, allowing the retention of a rear-wheel-drive set-up, with the option of AWD. We don’t know exactly what Ford may be plotting for a hybridized Mustang, but the Porsche example shows that a RWD Mustang hybrid is feasible, and could allow for the interesting guideline stickers present on this EcoBoost Mustang test car.

Ford executives have promised hybrid-electric options across its entire model-range in its step back from broader EV programs, so we know that Ford should be working on its plan for the electrically-assisted Mustang variants. There could be another reason for the unique handling guidelines plastered on this test mule’s nose, but the presence of an electric motor seems to be a plausible explanation, at the very least.

S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-1


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-2


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-3


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-4


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-5


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-6


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-7


S650 Mustang Hybrid Mustang EcoBoost Mule Spied? hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-8
Sponsored

 

Bikeman315

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2015
Threads
35
Messages
6,211
Reaction score
1,698
Location
Myrtle Beach, SC
Vehicle(s)
2019 Mustang GT/CS
We caught a Mustang test car leaving Ford’s Dearborn test track that has one subtle, but interesting detail that could signal testing of the long-rumored hybrid powertrain applied to the pony car.

The Mustang mule in question appears to be an EcoBoost model that looks like any other Mustang, except for three things: the Homer Simpson caricature drawn in the dirt on its hood, the interesting testing gear applied to the steering wheel, and a bright yellow sticker plunked prominently on its nose, dead-center above its grille. The sticker reads: “MOTO TRUCK FROM REAR ONLY.” The rear-end has a number of stickers, as well, but nothing that gives any special handling protocols. This is where the speculation begins.

MOTO TRUCK?
Let start with the term “MOTO TRUCK.” An internet search brings up no examples of this term, to get a pinpoint definition. However, it seems to us that “MOTO TRUCK” could very likley be related to a “pallet truck”, a motorized way to move heavy loads. This could be a pallet full of heavy automotive parts, but pallet trucks can also be used to maneuver cars around a garage, using a lifting mechanism and a motor to move the vehicle without starting the car. If this is what “MOTO TRUCK” is referring to, let’s go on to the rest of the note.

FROM THE REAR
The Mustang is instructing its handlers to move it “FROM (the) REAR ONLY.” Using a pallet truck—or MOTO TRUCK—from the rear would raise the rear wheels off the ground, thus rolling the front wheels only. This restriction could point to the presence of an electric motor, as pushing an EV and rolling its drive wheels is generally verboten, as it can damage the EV drivetrain, or build up a charge that could lead to a fire. For example, excerpts from the Telsa Model 3 manual states: “Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting the ground, even for short distances. Doing So can cause signficant damage.” And a later passage reads: “Do not attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3 with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a limited time and speed, and for a very short distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate Transport Mode, you must use self-loading dollies or tire skates to prevent tires from turning as you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck.”

RWD Hybrid?

Traditionally, a rear-wheel-drive car getting a performance hybrid upgrade would see an electric motor added to the front wheels, resulting in an AWD set-up. The Corvette E-Ray is the perfect example of such a transition. If there is anything to the speculation we’re applying to this Mustang prototype, Ford could be taking a completely different approach to maintain a rear-wheel-drive set-up. If this Mustang prototype can only be MOTO TRUCKed from the rear, thus lifting the rear wheels, it suggests that any EV motor would be affecting the rear wheels, keeping it rear-wheel-drive. A look to Porsche’s approach on its 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid gives one example of how Ford could add a performance hybrid assist to the Mustang and retain rear-wheel-drive.

Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid Shows RWD Hybrid Feasibility
Porsche’s hybrid approach to the 911 is unique, in that it adds two electric motors in unconventional ways. One E-motor spools up an exhaust turbocharger to eliminate lag, while a second E-motor is integrated within its transmission to apply additional power directly to the wheels, allowing the retention of a rear-wheel-drive set-up, with the option of AWD. We don’t know exactly what Ford may be plotting for a hybridized Mustang, but the Porsche example shows that a RWD Mustang hybrid is feasible, and could allow for the interesting guideline stickers present on this EcoBoost Mustang test car.

Ford executives have promised hybrid-electric options across its entire model-range in its step back from broader EV programs, so we know that Ford should be working on its plan for the electrically-assisted Mustang variants. There could be another reason for the unique handling guidelines plastered on this test mule’s nose, but the presence of an electric motor seems to be a plausible explanation, at the very least.

hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-1.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-2.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-3.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-4.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-5.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-6.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-7.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-8.jpg
Very interesting. Thank you for posting. Let the speculation begin…….3, 2, 1…
 


keithwalton

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
82
Reaction score
97
Location
N/A
Vehicle(s)
2024.5 Dark horse, SLC 250d
Looks more self driving assists than hybrid ...
Unless it's a mild hybrid where is the plug in port ...
Also looks quite an old mule that's done a lot of work
 

Skye

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2022
Threads
0
Messages
1,167
Reaction score
1,646
Location
≈39N
Vehicle(s)
"Skye" Mach1 N2144
Being a mule, I realize they could use any combination of parts. The mufflers and exhaust tips are different.

Maybe this is, "...new addition to the stable.", we'd heard about before.
 

Alan Applegate

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2024
Threads
12
Messages
281
Reaction score
212
Location
Roswell, NM
Vehicle(s)
2024 Mustang Eco-Boost Premium
Opinion. You might see a hybrid for the Eco-Boost (wouldn't make sense to install a 2.5 w/o boost), and maybe for the GT if the tree-huggers have their way. There is one thing you'll never see, and that's a hybrid GTD!
 

caddison524

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2023
Threads
1
Messages
5
Reaction score
2
Location
Orange Park, FL
Vehicle(s)
2016 Mustang V6 A6 & 2017 Camaro RS 2LT A8
We caught a Mustang test car leaving Ford’s Dearborn test track that has one subtle, but interesting detail that could signal testing of the long-rumored hybrid powertrain applied to the pony car.

The Mustang mule in question appears to be an EcoBoost model that looks like any other Mustang, except for three things: the Homer Simpson caricature drawn in the dirt on its hood, the interesting testing gear applied to the steering wheel, and a bright yellow sticker plunked prominently on its nose, dead-center above its grille. The sticker reads: “MOTO TRUCK FROM REAR ONLY.” The rear-end has a number of stickers, as well, but nothing that gives any special handling protocols. This is where the speculation begins.

MOTO TRUCK?
Let start with the term “MOTO TRUCK.” An internet search brings up no examples of this term, to get a pinpoint definition. However, it seems to us that “MOTO TRUCK” could very likley be related to a “pallet truck”, a motorized way to move heavy loads. This could be a pallet full of heavy automotive parts, but pallet trucks can also be used to maneuver cars around a garage, using a lifting mechanism and a motor to move the vehicle without starting the car. If this is what “MOTO TRUCK” is referring to, let’s go on to the rest of the note.

FROM THE REAR
The Mustang is instructing its handlers to move it “FROM (the) REAR ONLY.” Using a pallet truck—or MOTO TRUCK—from the rear would raise the rear wheels off the ground, thus rolling the front wheels only. This restriction could point to the presence of an electric motor, as pushing an EV and rolling its drive wheels is generally verboten, as it can damage the EV drivetrain, or build up a charge that could lead to a fire. For example, excerpts from the Telsa Model 3 manual states: “Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting the ground, even for short distances. Doing So can cause signficant damage.” And a later passage reads: “Do not attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3 with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a limited time and speed, and for a very short distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate Transport Mode, you must use self-loading dollies or tire skates to prevent tires from turning as you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck.”

RWD Hybrid?

Traditionally, a rear-wheel-drive car getting a performance hybrid upgrade would see an electric motor added to the front wheels, resulting in an AWD set-up. The Corvette E-Ray is the perfect example of such a transition. If there is anything to the speculation we’re applying to this Mustang prototype, Ford could be taking a completely different approach to maintain a rear-wheel-drive set-up. If this Mustang prototype can only be MOTO TRUCKed from the rear, thus lifting the rear wheels, it suggests that any EV motor would be affecting the rear wheels, keeping it rear-wheel-drive. A look to Porsche’s approach on its 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid gives one example of how Ford could add a performance hybrid assist to the Mustang and retain rear-wheel-drive.

Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid Shows RWD Hybrid Feasibility
Porsche’s hybrid approach to the 911 is unique, in that it adds two electric motors in unconventional ways. One E-motor spools up an exhaust turbocharger to eliminate lag, while a second E-motor is integrated within its transmission to apply additional power directly to the wheels, allowing the retention of a rear-wheel-drive set-up, with the option of AWD. We don’t know exactly what Ford may be plotting for a hybridized Mustang, but the Porsche example shows that a RWD Mustang hybrid is feasible, and could allow for the interesting guideline stickers present on this EcoBoost Mustang test car.

Ford executives have promised hybrid-electric options across its entire model-range in its step back from broader EV programs, so we know that Ford should be working on its plan for the electrically-assisted Mustang variants. There could be another reason for the unique handling guidelines plastered on this test mule’s nose, but the presence of an electric motor seems to be a plausible explanation, at the very least.

hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-1.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-2.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-3.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-4.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-5.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-6.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-7.jpg


hybrid-mustang-ecoboost-mule-spied-8.jpg
Hybrid RWD sounds sick. Especially when comes time to get around the EPA/state crap in 2035. Especially with a 5.0 V8.
 

MAT1955

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
265
Reaction score
319
Location
K6V4T5
Vehicle(s)
2024 Mustang GT
@Jarstang .... looks like the propane gas hook-ups that were popular years ago but could be a new application oh hydrogen hybrids. Toyota is apparently betting its future on them.
 

93_SVT_3503

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
106
Reaction score
18
Location
Nebraska
Vehicle(s)
2013 King Ranch Expedition, 1967 Ford Bronco half-cab, 1993 Mustang Cobra, 1967 F250 Highboy
The camera and the belt attached to the steering wheel with the steering wheel extension looks like they're trying to record and mimic real world steering wheel inputs.
 

roket

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2022
Threads
57
Messages
1,704
Reaction score
2,488
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
roketgamer.dev
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
props to the artist who drew Homer in the dirt on the hood. looking forward to them opening for commissions!
jokes aside, a hybrid EcoBoost would be pretty neat, and if the F-150 Powerboost is anything to go by, insanely fast, but not quite "this is stupid but fun" fast of an EcoBoost Transit
 

kagemusha2662

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2024
Threads
6
Messages
218
Reaction score
232
Location
Idk
Vehicle(s)
Blue Ember Dark Horse Premium
Gonna get hate for this, but hybrid v8 would be a great compromise with the EPA. Similar to the E-Ray hybrid tech, where it's electric for low speeds/X amount of miles before the V8 kicks in.
Sponsored

 
Last edited:
 





Top