Ford Unveils Street Performance Maverick: Lobo Variant Targets Thrill Seekers
Ford Motor Co F is expanding its popular Maverick truck lineup with a new street performance version, the Lobo, hoping to capitalize on the vehicle’s booming success. The move comes after the Maverick witnessed a nearly 80% surge in sales through the first seven months of 2024, solidifying its position as Ford’s second best-selling truck in the U.S.
Key Takeaways:
- Maverick’s Popularity: The Maverick has seen remarkable sales growth, fueled by its affordability, fuel efficiency, and versatility.
- Focus on Performance: The Lobo variant is specifically designed for street performance, targeting those seeking a thrilling driving experience.
- Expansion of Lineup: Ford is adding the Lobo to their existing Maverick lineup, which already includes the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, offering a wider range of options to customers.
- No Hybrid Option for Lobo: While the Maverick offers both hybrid and gas powertrains, the Lobo will solely be available with a gasoline engine.
A Look at the Maverick’s Rise
Across the U.S., trucks constitute a significant portion of Ford’s sales, with SUVs following closely behind. In the first seven months of 2024, Ford sold a total of 664,551 trucks, signifying a 2.2% growth compared to the previous year. The F-Series remained the company’s top-selling truck, with 421,398 units sold in the period. However, the Maverick’s impressive growth story is undeniable, marking a 80% increase in sales with 90,054 units moved from January to July. The Maverick’s success hinges on its affordability, starting at around $24,000, and the availability of both hybrid and gasoline powertrains, catering to a diverse range of buyer preferences.
Lobo: A Street Performance Beast
For the 2025 model year, Ford introduces two new Maverick variants, the Tremor for off-road enthusiasts and the Lobo, tailored for on-road performance. The Tremor starts at $39,795, while the Lobo carries a starting price of $40,495.
While the Tremor embraces off-road capability with a higher ride height, the Lobo focuses on street performance. Ford highlights the Lobo’s ability to deliver a "thrilling driving experience," showcasing its low-to-the-ground stance as a key differentiator. The Lobo boasts a lowered ride height, enhanced handling, and a more aggressive design, setting it apart from its more practical siblings in the Maverick lineup.
Missing Hybrid Option Explained
Notably, the Lobo variant will not be available with a hybrid powertrain, a decision that could raise eyebrows among some potential customers. Ford has not explicitly explained the reasoning behind this choice. The company’s focus on performance might play a role, as gasoline engines are typically favored for delivering increased power output. However, the absence of a hybrid option could impact the appeal of the Lobo for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.
Orders Open, Deliveries Expected Early 2025
Orders for the new Lobo variant are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2025.
Ford’s decision to add a performance-oriented Lobo variant to its Maverick lineup underscores the company’s commitment to catering to a diverse range of customer needs and desires. However, the absence of a hybrid option in the Lobo, coupled with its premium price tag, might require Ford to carefully consider the potential impact on sales. Whether the Lobo will resonate with performance-driven consumers and further bolster the Maverick’s success remains to be seen.
