FYI: The Ford Gran Torino Sport is making a thrilling comeback with a modern electric twist, keeping the muscle car legacy alive. Here’s everything you need to know.
Ford Gran Torino Sport Brings Back the Muscle Car Era
It may not have been long since the Dodge Challenger and Charger left the market, but it certainly feels like the end of the golden age of muscle cars. The Ford Mustang stands alone in carrying the torch beyond 2024. Ford once boasted several muscle cars, particularly in the ’70s when big engines and bigger cars ruled the streets. Among these, the Ford Torino never saw a revival—until now. Thanks to HotCars’ talented artist Timothy Adri Emanuel, we get a glimpse of what a modern electric muscle car like the Torino might look like.
A Modern Tribute to the Classic Torino
This new design is a nod to the second and third generations of the Ford Torino. The car’s muscular front end, elongated bonnet, and sloping rear are unmistakably inspired by the classic Torino. The rear design is almost flat, ending abruptly—reminiscent of the McLaren Speedtail. You’ll also notice cues from the last generation Dodge Challenger and the classic Torino, like the quad headlamps and inset vertical grille. The glasshouse and distinctive rear kink in the C-pillar further echo Torino’s legacy. Although it’s an EV—evidenced by the lack of a bonnet scoop—it features an external tachometer display that could show the battery level or speed. Full-length LED taillights pay homage to earlier Torino models. The front bumper includes an air intake for cooling the powertrain, with ducts on either side for brake cooling. Additionally, aero features such as a subtle front splitter and a prominent rear diffuser add to its modern muscle car aesthetic. A central rear exhaust outlet seems more decorative than functional.
Available in Two Versions: Coupe and Hatch
In the background of the rendering, you’ll spot a compact hatchback version of the Gran Torino. This model resembles the Ford Mustang Mach-E and features a design that fits today’s SUV-centric market. It’s likely that the hatchback model could serve as a fresh update for the Mach-E, which received mixed reviews upon release.
How the New Torino Sport Works as an EV
The restyled Ford Gran Torino Sport, rendered as an electric vehicle, recalls the discontinued Dodge Challenger. Its inset grille and muscle car shape bear similarities to the Dodge Charger SRT Daytona. This new Gran Torino could be Ford’s electric alternative to the Charger SRT Daytona, with a powertrain borrowed from either the Mach-E or the F-150 Lightning. The Mustang Mach-E’s powertrain can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Additionally, the F-150 Lightning’s setup could be adapted for higher torque. Below is a comparison of the base specs for these muscle cars.
Basic Specifications
-
2024 Dodge Charger SRT Daytona EV
- Engine: Dual Motor EV
- Power: 455 to 670 horsepower
- Torque: 404-627 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
-
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Engine: Single/Dual Motor EV
- Power: 290-480 horsepower
- Torque: 387-700 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
- 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
- Engine: Dual Motor EV
- Power: 452 to 580 horsepower
- Torque: 775 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
Data provided by Ford and Dodge.
The Original Gran Torino Sport: A Grown-Up Mustang
The original Ford Torino, based on the Fairlane chassis, was sold over three generations from 1968 to 1976. It was the flagship version of the Fairlane for part of its time. The third-generation, introduced in 1972, included the Gran Torino Sport, available only as a two-door hardtop or fastback "Sportroof." Featuring Coke bottle styling and large V8 engines—up to 7.5 liters—the Torino stood out compared to the Mustang. A notable 1971 model housed a 7.0-liter Cobra Jet V8 with 370 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The 1972 Gran Torino Sport included a 248 horsepower, 5.7-liter Cleveland "Cobra Jet" engine. While not as valuable as other mid-size muscle cars, Hagerty estimates a Cobra Jet-powered model averages around $20,000, making it a notable but accessible piece of muscle car history.
1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport Basic Specifications
- Engine: 7.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8
- Power: 375 horsepower
- Torque: 450 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Rear engine, RWD
- Average Hagerty Value: $20,400 (Sport Roof), $21,000 (Hardtop)
Data provided by Hagerty.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
