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Mach-e won't transition to the skunkworks platform


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14 hours ago, akirby said:


So basically we'll be getting the cd6 edge replacement that was started then stopped, but with Mustang styling and performance.  Edge ST was very popular.  

Wow, that’s the missing piece…..

not many people would be aware of that.

Edited by jpd80
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16 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:

...A CE1 MME would be nothing more then CE1 Escape with a new tophat d improved performance, much how the current one is a C1 turned into an EV

 

Make that C2 derived....

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GE1_platform

 

Quote

Global Electrified 1 (GE1) platform is an electric vehicle platform developed by Ford under its dedicated global battery electric vehicle team named Team Edison. It is a heavily modified version of the C2 platform.

 

Wondering if "Team Edison" is still around now that "Skunk Works" has taken the lead.

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14 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:


Where did I say that the CE1 MME would be first before CE1 Escape?!!

 

I just have my doubts that ford is going to actually pull the trigger on a Mustang ICE crossover, given their track record with things and we’ve been talking about a Mustang Sedan for over 10 years now. 

The plans have been all over the place. It feels like the last 10 years have been hearing about products, but not seeing anything manifest. The mustang sedan like you mentioned is something that's been right around the corner for 3 mustang generations now. I personally believe they're waiting to transition the coupe to cd6 or some other platform that'll make adding a sedan to easier to engineer. We know trying to use the s650 chassis to make a sedan would be a pain so they're probably not gonna do that. 

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21 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

The plans have been all over the place. It feels like the last 10 years have been hearing about products, but not seeing anything manifest. The mustang sedan like you mentioned is something that's been right around the corner for 3 mustang generations now. I personally believe they're waiting to transition the coupe to cd6 or some other platform that'll make adding a sedan to easier to engineer. We know trying to use the s650 chassis to make a sedan would be a pain so they're probably not gonna do that. 


You haven't been paying attention.

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9 minutes ago, akirby said:


You haven't been paying attention.

What do you mean? I'll I said is we've heard about getting a mustang sedan for several generations now, sn197, s550, s650, and it's yet to manifest. Likely because they're trying to find a way to use a platform that can underpin both the coupe and sedan while keeping engineering costs down. 

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9 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

What do you mean? I'll I said is we've heard about getting a mustang sedan for several generations now, sn197, s550, s650, and it's yet to manifest. Likely because they're trying to find a way to use a platform that can underpin both the coupe and sedan while keeping engineering costs down. 


 

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1 hour ago, ExplorerDude said:

Don’t confuse platform code and product code, they are two different things.

 

The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

I have to confess that I am now more confused than I thought I was. But I found this which maybe helps clarify assuming this information is accurate:

 

CD6 Platform

 

And this quote was interesting:

 

Quote

Future Models

Although nothing has yet been confirmed by Ford, rumor has it that the next-generation Ford Mustang will also ride on the CD6 platform. There were also talks of using it for the next-generation Lincoln Continental, but as we write this, it's not certain the car will carry on after its current generation.

 

Edited by Texasota
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Posted (edited)

 We're both in agreeance that the sedan and coupe will share a platform. You and I are essentially saying the same thing, that platform sharing makes the most sense. 

 

Where we differ is I'm not entirely convinced we're gonna get a mustang sedan for this generation. The timeline just doesn't add up. The mustang is scheduled to get a redesign around 2029, we're likely not gonna see the sedan until at least 2028. They're pretty much guaranteed to share sheet metal apart from the rear doors and roof to keep costs down. So I see Ford holding off on the sedan until the next gen coupe releases. Rather than releasing an s650 based sedan for a year or two and then redesigning it to match the new mustang coupe generations looks. 

Edited by DeluxeStang
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3 hours ago, ExplorerDude said:

Don’t confuse platform code and product code, they are two different things.

 

The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

So will whatever replaces s650 just be kinda another mild redesign like s650 was, or will it be more radical? Learning d5 is being reused isn't terribly surprising, a little disappointing, but I get it from a cost standpoint. I just hope they're able to do something fresher than s650. Not that s650 is bad, it's just a pretty mild redesign. 

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13 hours ago, ExplorerDude said:

Don’t confuse platform code and product code, they are two different things.

 

The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

D5? WTF is a D5?

 

Typo? Coupe variant of the CD6? 

Not mad, just joking :)

 

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13 hours ago, ExplorerDude said:

Don’t confuse platform code and product code, they are two different things.

 

The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

11 hours ago, DeluxeStang said:

 We're both in agreeance that the sedan and coupe will share a platform. You and I are essentially saying the same thing, that platform sharing makes the most sense. 

 

Where we differ is I'm not entirely convinced we're gonna get a mustang sedan for this generation. The timeline just doesn't add up. The mustang is scheduled to get a redesign around 2029, we're likely not gonna see the sedan until at least 2028. They're pretty much guaranteed to share sheet metal apart from the rear doors and roof to keep costs down. So I see Ford holding off on the sedan until the next gen coupe releases. Rather than releasing an s650 based sedan for a year or two and then redesigning it to match the new mustang coupe generations looks. 

 

So lets clear this up a bit:

Current Mustang platform name is the D2C and the current product code is S650

 

Going by what ExplorerDude has said:


The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

The S650 was first shown in 2022 and in production 2023

 

So that means it gets replaced in 2028 or 2029

 

I'm not sure what he means by D5 platform, but assuming it will be the D2C platform with new tophat.

 

Still no facts on what exactly what the sedan or CUV would be based off of, CD6 is being branded about for the crossover and I'd assume it would be coming from Chicago with the Explorer/Aviator, if that is the case. 
 

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11 minutes ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

 

So lets clear this up a bit:

Current Mustang platform name is the D2C and the current product code is S650

 

Going by what ExplorerDude has said:


The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

The S650 was first shown in 2022 and in production 2023

 

So that means it gets replaced in 2028 or 2029

 

I'm not sure what he means by D5 platform, but assuming it will be the D2C platform with new tophat.

 

Still no facts on what exactly what the sedan or CUV would be based off of, CD6 is being branded about for the crossover and I'd assume it would be coming from Chicago with the Explorer/Aviator, if that is the case. 
 

 

11 minutes ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

 

So lets clear this up a bit:

Current Mustang platform name is the D2C and the current product code is S650

 

Going by what ExplorerDude has said:


The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

The S650 was first shown in 2022 and in production 2023

 

So that means it gets replaced in 2028 or 2029

 

I'm not sure what he means by D5 platform, but assuming it will be the D2C platform with new tophat.

 

Still no facts on what exactly what the sedan or CUV would be based off of, CD6 is being branded about for the crossover and I'd assume it would be coming from Chicago with the Explorer/Aviator, if that is the case. 
 

I could be completely wrong, but I believe d5 is the platform name for s650. On an exciting note, if Ford sticks to 2028/29 for the next gen, that probably means they're close to finalizing the design in the studio, and we'll hopefully get leaks about what it'll look like. Explorerdude said they might pull styling inspiration from new edge, but I'm hoping they stick with the muscle car look personally. 

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3 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

Explorerdude said they might pull styling inspiration from new edge, but I'm hoping they stick with the muscle car look personally. 

 

There was a reason why the new Edge styling didn't last long, it looked horrible and it didn't age well. 

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8 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

 

I could be completely wrong, but I believe d5 is the platform name for s650. On an exciting note, if Ford sticks to 2028/29 for the next gen, that probably means they're close to finalizing the design in the studio, and we'll hopefully get leaks about what it'll look like. Explorerdude said they might pull styling inspiration from new edge, but I'm hoping they stick with the muscle car look personally. 


Some interesting stuff here, first time I've seen D5 used for the Mustang

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/hmmm-so-what-is-the-major-diff-between-the-s550-and-s650.156051/page-3

 

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57 minutes ago, Sherminator98 said:


Some interesting stuff here, first time I've seen D5 used for the Mustang

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/hmmm-so-what-is-the-major-diff-between-the-s550-and-s650.156051/page-3

 

 

Props to the dude on them Mustang forums who answered the question as follows:

 

The difference between the S550 and the S650 is 100.

 

So the difference between D2C and D5 is three cee. 😄

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1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

There was a reason why the new Edge styling didn't last long, it looked horrible and it didn't age well. 

I didn’t mind the new edge styling. The Mach 1, Bullitt, and Cobras from that generation were some of my favorite mustangs. 
 

Seems like that is the styling trend again these days when you see what’s coming out from jaguar and Audi now.

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On 6/19/2026 at 7:01 PM, Zestyg said:

I feel like the design isn’t aging that great. It was a great car for Ford to make, and it had to happen but its ultimately limited (like the F-150 Lightning). 
 

It’s irrelevant but I’m still baffled by that one guy on the Mach E forum who said Ford focusing on affordability was a “big miss” for UEV. 

 

I think the design is aging fine, but could use a refresh of some sort.

 

On 6/20/2026 at 8:38 AM, akirby said:


I don't think they do that with profitable products.  Certainly not F series.

 

I think there is a difference between rot on the vine and longer refresh cycles.   They do tend to stretch refresh cycles on everything except F series but that's not rot on the vine.  Take Focus.  Even when brand new it wasn't profitable so why would a refresh change that?  Why spend time and money just to break even?

 


They don't have the resources to do that and the other 3-4 vehicles at the same time, and those cheaper vehicles will sell better than a more expensive performance EV.   The ICE mustang crossover should sell better and should be more profitable and they can add an EV down the road.  It's just timing and priorities.

 

Meh, except the longer refresh cycles often lead to rotting on the vine...."oh sales are down, let's just cut it".

 

On 6/20/2026 at 9:49 AM, ExplorerDude said:

The MME is supposed to get a refresh for MY27 but I don’t know the status of whether that is still happening or if it was canceled. Refreshed front and rear end, tweaked dash and a significantly improved battery with a longer range. I’d give the current MME until 2030ish at the latest.

 

The 2-row RWD CD6 based “replacement” is still coming.

 

Interesting...

 

On 6/20/2026 at 10:44 AM, DeluxeStang said:

Unless, hear me out, the plan is to have like an evolved, tweaked version of cd6 that's more flexible and capable, and that becomes the basis for all of Ford's ICE RWD and AWD unibody products. You could potentially build a mustang sedan, coupe, and crossover all on the same platform, making them all more profitable, but also potentially being able to reduce prices for consumers. I just hope that doesn't make said products heavy or numb to drive. 

 

It was Fields' plan all along to put all the RWD models on CD6 (Explorer, Aviator, Mustang, sedans, etc) but when he was canned, Hackett canned that plan too.

 

On 6/20/2026 at 8:10 PM, DeluxeStang said:

I'd love that, but I'm highly skeptical. If Ford decides to do that, it would be an excellent halo model for the platform. But it would have to be a vehicle that came along after the platform was optimized for cost so it could be profitable, even with low volume. 

 

Edit (Sorry, I thought you said coupe, but my brain completely skipped over the CUV part of your comment for some reason, my apologies. My head has been all over the place since my father passed on Wednesday, just can't focus). 

 

Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you!

 

15 hours ago, ExplorerDude said:

Don’t confuse platform code and product code, they are two different things.

 

The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

2 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

D5? WTF is a D5?

 

Typo? Coupe variant of the CD6? 

Not mad, just joking :)

 

1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

 

So lets clear this up a bit:

Current Mustang platform name is the D2C and the current product code is S650

 

Going by what ExplorerDude has said:


The S650 will only last 6 years. But the D5 platform will be used again for the next gen.

 

The S650 was first shown in 2022 and in production 2023

 

So that means it gets replaced in 2028 or 2029

 

I'm not sure what he means by D5 platform, but assuming it will be the D2C platform with new tophat.

 

Still no facts on what exactly what the sedan or CUV would be based off of, CD6 is being branded about for the crossover and I'd assume it would be coming from Chicago with the Explorer/Aviator, if that is the case. 
 

1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:


Some interesting stuff here, first time I've seen D5 used for the Mustang

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/hmmm-so-what-is-the-major-diff-between-the-s550-and-s650.156051/page-3

 

 

Yeah, this is the first I've heard of "D5" too.

 

Essentially, sounds like they're soldiering on with the same platform, but somehow stretching it for a sedan, which was supposedly not doable before...

 

I know it's long paid for, but you'd think they'd want to update the platform at some point...

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2 hours ago, rmc523 said:

 

 

Essentially, sounds like they're soldiering on with the same platform, but somehow stretching it for a sedan, which was supposedly not doable before...

 

I know it's long paid for, but you'd think they'd want to update the platform at some point...


The long term plan for a new merged platform probably took more resources than are currently available and the viability of the sedan is somewhat unknown.  So get the sedan and crossover out the door quickly (relatively speaking) then move everything to a new platform which might involve updating Flat Rock.

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1 hour ago, akirby said:


The long term plan for a new merged platform probably took more resources than are currently available and the viability of the sedan is somewhat unknown.  So get the sedan and crossover out the door quickly (relatively speaking) then move everything to a new platform which might involve updating Flat Rock.

 

Aka in another 30 years lol.

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5 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

There was a reason why the new Edge styling didn't last long, it looked horrible and it didn't age well. 

Couldn't agree more. I'm just concerned that designers are gonna get wrapped up in this wave of 90s nostalgia we're seeing right now, and try to create some rounded, bubbly design that loses the mustang car look in favor of being a new edge throwback. 

 

I believe Ford should take more of the 911 approach. Not being as conservative in visual changes as Porsche is, but I mean sticking to the general shape and lines that have made the mustang such an iconic muscle car. Making it look iconic and timeless instead of trying to cash in on trends. 

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3 hours ago, fordmantpw said:

 

Sorry for your loss.  Prayers for you and your family.

 

3 hours ago, twintornados said:

image.png.0c06a49064cfecd65770831a6a851986.png

 

@DeluxeStang sorry for your loss.

Thanks guys, it happened the day after my severely disabled brothers birthday as well. It's been a rough week to put it mildly, but it's getting easier as time goes on. 

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