Ford Prepares Off-Road Mustang Baja: AWD Sports Car with Increased Ground Clearance Remains in Development

Ford continues development of an unusual off-road modification of its Mustang sports car, internally code-named Baja. According to Automotive News, the project, initially shown to dealers behind closed doors, remains on the company’s production roadmap and will directly compete with the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.

The Baja Concept: A Recipe for a Rally Sports Car

The core idea of the project is not to build yet another crossover, but to adapt a classic gas-powered coupe for high-speed driving on gravel, rough terrain, and broken surfaces.

As reported by Ford Authority, the vehicle’s prototype received key rally modifications:

• significantly increased ground clearance and long-travel suspension;
• massive All-Terrain off-road tires;
• fender flares and reinforced composite underbody protection;
• an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, making the Baja the first modern gas-powered Mustang with drive sent to all four wheels.

Unlike the electric Mustang Mach-E crossover, the model will retain a traditional internal combustion engine — most likely the signature naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 Coyote or a turbocharged EcoBoost.

Why the Project Is Real: Leaks From the Dealer Network

The Baja concept was first shown to dealers at a private conference in Las Vegas. The fact that the project remains in development is corroborated by the fate of other vehicles from that same presentation.

As noted by Autoblog, most of the cars revealed back then have already hit the market or reached the road testing stage:

• a tuned Mustang variant from RTR went on public sale;
• a high-powered, uncompromising convertible debuted as the 795-hp Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible;
• and at a recent dealer meeting, Ford showcased a full physical prototype of the four-door Mustang Mach 4 sedan rather than just a render.

Parallel Development: Four-Door Mach 4 With a Hybrid V8

The expansion of the Mustang sub-brand is advancing in several directions at once. According to Carscoops, the four-door Mustang Mach 4 aims to compete with the Porsche Panamera, promising a spacious second row and 0–100 km/h acceleration in under four seconds. A V8-based hybrid powertrain is being prepared for the sedan, with its market debut expected closer to the 2029 model year.

Jim Farley’s Drive Toward Off-Road Performance

The arrival of the Baja version fits logically into CEO Jim Farley’s updated strategy. In an interview with Motor1, the executive emphasized his push to turn the company into the “Porsche of the off-road world,” relying on the engineering capabilities of the Ford Performance department.

The brand has already built a strong lineup of hardcore models (Bronco Raptor, F-150 Raptor, Ranger Raptor), and a lifted muscle car will serve as a unique niche flagship for this rally philosophy.

Official timeline details for the public premiere, engine options, and starting prices for the Mustang Baja have not yet been disclosed.