The idea of a Ford Mustang sedan has quickly transitioned from an odd speculation to a seemingly plausible concept. Much like the Bronco, the Mustang has now become a “family” within Ford, allowing for the introduction of new variants even if they may not sit well with traditionalists. Adding a sedan seems like a natural progression, especially since Ford already possesses the ideal name for this four-door version: Falcon.
The possibility of a Mustang sedan was hard to imagine just weeks ago, but Ford CEO Jim Farley suggested that such a vehicle could be viable if it captures the right spirit. This notion gained traction after reports indicated that Ford has been testing the Mustang against Cadillac’s CT4-V Blackwing, GM’s compact sports sedan. There’s a sense that Ford is attuned to the absence of American sports sedans in the market. A Mustang four-door could effectively fill that gap and would certainly warrant the name Mustang Falcon.
You might be responding as my editor did, expressing, “You can’t call it that; those are two distinct vehicles!” However, it’s worth remembering that the Mustang was named after a warplane, specifically the P-51 Mustang, rather than a horse. While it is now seen as a pony car, its origins are more aligned with that of an F-16. In fact, one could argue that the original Mustang had a fighting spirit akin to that of a Fighting Falcon.
Years ago, Ford disclosed in documents that the Mustang was developed from the Falcon as a stylish performance coupe aimed at a younger audience, eventually evolving into something far more influential. Although the Falcon didn’t flourish in the U.S., it thrived in Australia, where it later became a prominent figure in the Supercars Championship. The legacy of the Ford Falcon as an iconic touring car is still fresh in the minds of many, and reviving its name in connection with a Mustang sedan would blend the legacies of these two classic models.
If that isn’t convincing enough, consider the cultural significance of “Falcon” compared to that of its potential counterpart, the Mach 1. The Mach 1 emerged during the jet age, a time characterized by the pursuit of speed and exploration. While the average American wasn’t capable of breaking the sound barrier, there was an ambition to reach the skies. Nowadays, our eyes are set on the stars, as emphasized by both the fictional Millennium Falcon and SpaceX’s real Falcon rockets. When these are mentioned, few think of the actual bird itself. And if anyone does, remind them that a falcon is a bird of prey—much like a Raptor.
Still not sold? Imagine the Mustang Falcon logo embodying a fusion of both creatures. If decades’ worth of quirky names from Dodge indicates anything, it’s that eccentricity can work to their advantage. Ultimately, the Mustang sedan would be stepping into the shoes vacated by the Charger. And if that doesn’t do it for you? Simply put, Falcon is a fantastic name. That’s my definitive stance.
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