Ford Gran Torino.
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Unfortunately, Ford isn’t hard at work on a new Gran Torino. That shouldn’t stop us from dreaming of a possible next generation…
The illustration above shows what a future Gran Torino EV could look like if Ford was able to put forward a solid EV plan. Something sorely lacking currently. So far, we only know the current Mustang Mach-e will stop production in June 2026. With a second generation starting at the same time and including a new “Coupe” variant. Which will probably be some sleeker version of the usual 4-door Mach-E and not a new 2-door EV Mustang. At least that was the plan last year.
We also know they have been hard at work on a smaller and much cheaper to produce new EV platform. Which will be used for all-new compact electric Pickup and Crossover models.
So far the new 3-row EV SUV has been canceled and replaced by a Hybrid version. That also means the first Lincoln EV has been pushed back. I guess that also means no large Ford EV platform for a while.
Meanwhile, GM is becoming very successful with its multiple EV models of all sizes.
The Gran Torino was produced from 1968 to 1976 through 3 generations. The first generation was based on the Ford Fairlane and was just called Torino.
For 1970, the Torino and Fairlane adopted a much more modern design. With models like the Torino GT and Torino Cobra. The next year, the Fairlane name was dropped altogether and all models became “Torino”.
The 3rd generation introduced the “Gran Torino” name and part of a lineup that included a Torino, and a Gran Torino Sport as well. The car was made popular around the world by the Starsky & Hutch TV show in 1974.
Later, Ford somehow dropped the Torino and Gran Torino names, and their replacements were called “LTD II”.
I guess there isn’t that much room for a new Gran Torino today, since Ford still has the Mustang. However, we are told the Mustang will keep its ICE powertrain for years to come. Another cool 4 seater coupe could still exist as an EV. Not really competing against the Mustang.
But again, almost one buys 2 door cars these days and that body style is all but instinct.
Still. Why not…
The Gran Torino from the 70’s that I remember was a high rear fastback style 2door coupe. That design should be translatable to a modern aero version pretty easily. Again, I dont know why everyone thinks that these AI or real life redesigns of sedans and coupes all have to be sports cars or lowered beyond the use of normal humans. There’s just something F’d about that thinking.
That design rendering should instead end up as the EV Mustang! It would be a massive hit.
it is pretty cool. It reminds us nothing of a Torino. Having owned them, it is clear that Ford was not the author of the pic. It looks like a massaged Mustang. Little creativity and no remembrance of the original. The original was a predator.
I had a 1974. It was a 4 door. Ex police car. It was a golden brown.
The “Gran Torino” was not produced from 1968–1976. There was no Gran Torino until the 1972 model year. It also didn’t “somehow” loose it’s name for 1977. Torino sales were plummeting in the mid 70s so the refreshed version for 1977 was renamed LTD II complete with similar styling of the full sized LTD. The LTD II was intended to be offered as downsized LTD alternative as GM first introduced its downsized full sized cars. Sales of the LTD II were sluggish as the new 78 Ford Fairmont was closer aligned to GMs downsized midsized cars while 2-door LTD II sales were cannibalized by the 77 Thunderbird which was essentially the same car offered at a similar price while have the mystique of the Tbird name while offering exclusive design cues
Torinos built and sold in Venezuela were marketed as Fairlanes. The Fairlane switched over to the LTD II design update for 1977 while retaining the Fairlane name.
I had a 1970 Tornio 429 CJ. Loved it. Used to race it a Tri-City Dragway.
Need to read your copy before publication…big difference between “instinct” and “extinct”.
1969 cyclone 428 cj…
In 1974 a version of the Torino was the New Gran Torino Elite, in 1975 it was named Elite with a full vinyl roof and in 1976 was the last year for Elite with a half vinyl roof.
Bring it on ford good choice need something new to the line up .was a cool car back in 60 &70 had 2 gt,s love them cars .
Should spell ‘lose’ not ‘loose’,
spell check is important.
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