When it comes to surviving in an increasingly
unpredictable automotive industry, anything is fair game, and Ford knows that
all too well. After all, the Blue Oval announced earlier this year that it would
discontinue all its sedans in North America, leaving the Mustang as the only
passenger car from the current lineup to get a successor.
But will the Mustang survive in the true sense of
the word? We already know a hybrid Mustang is coming, as is a four-door Mustang
electric crossover that might use the iconic Mach 1 nameplate. Chances are the
pony car will have to keep up with the times if it wants to survive.
What better way to do that than cross over to
another Ford territory, the performance off-road vehicle? Credit for the idea
goes to an old acquaintance, X-Tomi Design, who imagined a high-riding Mustang
Raptor that’s ridiculous and awesome at the same time. Better said,
ridiculously awesome.
It combines the Mustang GT’s iconic shape with
rugged design elements from the tough-looking F-150 Raptor. Surprisingly, the
Raptor grille with Ford lettering doesn’t look out of place. Furthermore, the
off-road front bumper complete with a silver skid plate somehow suits the
Mustang quite well.
The massive ride height, wheel arc extensions, and
humongous off-road wheels don’t look that great, but they need to be there
since this is a Raptor, right? To avoid any confusion about the car’s identity,
there’s also a Raptor decal on the rear fender. Now add the Mustang GT’s 460-hp
V8 into the equation and you have one bad S.O.B. of an (imaginary) off-roader.
