The automotive world is full of legendary models but not many of them lasted as long as the Thunderbird. This personal luxury car was in production for a very long time, starting from 1954. The final version came out from the production line in 2005 and since then, we are hearing rumors about the possible comeback. Some of them can be heard even today and they suggest that the comeback could happen already in the next year, with the 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. At this point, the officials are still quiet, so the following paragraphs should be taken with a big reserve.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is how the new Thunderbird would look like. Throughout its history, this model has always been a personal luxury car, so we would expect nothing less from the revived model. This also means things like large and capable engines, luxurious interior design and loads of standard equipment. Some sources also speculate about electrification.
2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Design
So, let’s start with the most basic things. The first thing that comes to mind is the platform. At this point, there are different possibilities but in our eyes, the company’s familiar CD6 would be the first pick. This architecture underpins models like Ford Mustang and Ford Explorer and it has all the necessary ingredients for a good Thunderbird. It features an RWD layout and accommodates large engines with ease.
This particular model would probably be notably bigger than the Mustang, particularly in terms of the wheelbase. On the other hand, what’s still a mystery is the body style. Yes, we’ve named the new model 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, but keep in mind that this nameplate was used for various body styles in the past. For example, some generations were couples, others were sedans. After all, the new generation could come in more than one version in the offer.
Interior
In any case, the cabin should look luxurious. This may be a little bit tricky, considering that the Blue Oval company rather produces functional and cheap interiors in the last few decades. Most of the surfaces are covered with plastics, which isn’t something you would expect to see in a model like this. So, the new interior could be a big departure from what we used to see in Ford models. We could see a nicely shaped, clean dashboard design, wrapped up with quality soft-touch materials, and equipped with all kinds of tech features.
Most likely, the 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible will come in a 2+2 seating configuration, no matter the body style. Still, we don’t believe that the second row could be too generous with space. The same thing goes for the cargo area.
2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Engines
As we’ve just mentioned, the CD6 architecture accommodates all kinds of engine options, starting from small turbo-four units. Therefore, we presume that base models would rather come with something like a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine, which puts out around 300 horsepower. Higher grades would come with six cylinders, including a new 3.0-liter unit, which puts out around 400 horsepower. This engine would sit at the top of the offer, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, chances to see a hybrid version are pretty big as well. The Explorer already comes in such a variant, based on a 3.3-liter V6. A plug-in hybrid powertrain, based on a twin-turbo V6 is also offered in some markets.
Could New Thunderbird Be All-Electric?
These days, we are witnessing a new trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers use old nameplates for brand-new electric cars. That’s a great strategy to popularize a new all-electric model and the Blue Oval company already did something like that with the new Mustang Mach E.
So, we don’t see a reason why the 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible wouldn’t also come as an all-electric car. It that’s Ford’s plan, we presume that the new model would share most of its parts with the new Mach E, instead of riding on a conventional CD6 architecture. Also, such a design opens a whole new spectrum of possibilities regarding body styles. The all-electric Mustang came as a crossover, so no one knows what kind of weird thing the 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible could bring to us.
Of course, this model would come in multiple configurations regarding drivetrain and battery. We would expect to see different power outputs, different batteries with a different range, etc.
2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Release Date
As we’ve just mentioned, some sources suggest that the 2022 Ford Thunderbird Convertible could arrive already in the next year. However, keep in mind that this comeback is just a rumor for now. This nameplate belongs to some other era of the automotive industry and its reception in today’s automotive world leaves a huge question mark behind it. So, we believe that this model most likely won’t happen and that it will remain just a rumor.
