High-Power Desert Speedster Could Be Ford's Most Daring Innovation Yet

In the world of automotive manufacturing, Ford is gearing up for an exciting new project — a supercar designed for high-speed desert running. The man at the helm of this venture is none other than Ford CEO Jim Farley, a seasoned racing enthusiast who has overseen the Ford Mustang's return to circuit racing.

Jim Farley's passion for racing extends beyond the executive suite. He has participated in several racing events himself, demonstrating a personal connection to the thrill of the race.

Matt Crisara, a contributor to this article, is another racing aficionado. With a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, Matt has previously worked as a contributing writer for Motor1, an intern at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track, and at Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. A native Austinite, Matt shares Jim's passion for cars and motorsports.

The details of the developer responsible for the hybrid drive of Ford's supercar, aiming for a staggering 1,000 horsepower, remain undisclosed. However, it's worth noting that Ferrari's SF90 Stradale features a similar hybrid system, but there's no direct link between Ford's project and this model.

The supercar, if realised, could result in a Baja-ready Ford Mustang. This off-road powerhouse is expected to feature adjustable suspension for on-the-fly tweaks, customizable driver settings, and race-ready models for competition.

Ford's off-road racing pedigree is impressive. The brand has won major events such as the Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, Rebelle Rally, Mint 400, and NORRA 1000. The Ranger Raptor pickup truck, for instance, successfully crossed the line in the Baja 1000 in just over 26 hours, requiring only routine maintenance during fuel stops. The truck was equipped with a snorkel at the front, basic off-road lights, a roll cage, a fire extinguisher inside the cockpit, plexiglass rear windows, a 160-gallon fuel tank in the truck bed, and 17-inch forged-alloy wheels.

Jim Farley has hinted at a hybrid powertrain for the supercar project, but the specific engine remains a mystery. The CEO believes that the supercar market is oversaturated and aims to build exciting automobiles instead of maximizing shareholder value. The final product, if realised, is expected to be a paradigm shift in the off-road supercar market.

When not working, Matt Crisara enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors, reflecting the shared enthusiasm for motorsports among the team working on this ambitious project.

The project is still in the idea stage, but with Jim Farley at the helm and Matt Crisara contributing to the story, it's clear that Ford is aiming to make a significant impact in the world of off-road racing.