Is this our first look at the Ford Mustang's electrified future? Hybrid V8 petrol engine tipped for new performance hero

Images of the next Ford Mustang have leaked online, possibly giving us our first proper look at the Blue Oval's electrified performance future.

What appear to be leaked promotional images surfaced on Mustang-focused blog Mustang7G, showing a new-look front end with slimmer headlights, a wider-looking grille, and what appears to be a gaping vent on its bonnet.

But it's what hiding under that bonnet vent that's got people talking, with credible reports the new Mustang won't ditch the petrol V8, but will instead turn to electrification to keep the eight-cylinder dream alive.

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UK outlet Autocar first reported the new Mustang would still be available with a V8 engine, only fitted with an emissions-reducing hybrid system.

This new model – codenamed the S650 and set to debut later this year – will adopt the same platform as the current Mustang, and, according to US site Muscle Cars and Trucks, will use the current model's engine options initially, too.

In Australia, that means a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 224kW and 441Nm, and a 5.0-litre V8 generating 339kW and 556Nm.

But with an expected shelf life of eight years, US media is reporting a hybrid option could be added to the petrol V8 by 2025 to ensure the performance hero keeps up with the electrified times.

It's an idea that's been touched on by Ford, with executives flagging the idea as far back as 2017, and according to patents filed, the V8 petrol engine will send drive to the rear wheels, but with two electric motors added, “mounted directly to opposing sides of the engine”.

The move would keep the muscle car relevant, and free of regulatory danger, with traditional petrol V8s well and truly on the way out.

All will be revealed soon enough, with the Mustang set for official reveal a little later this year.