However, not all manufacturers are on board with the switch. Some sports cars remain sacred and untouched by electrification, while certain brands hesitate to fully embrace battery power just yet. In fact, several renowned sports car makers vow to keep petrol enthusiasts satisfied with roaring V8s and V12s and the unmistakable scent of exhaust fumes.
This commitment to traditional engines is partly fueled by a slowdown in demand in the premium EV segment, with notable names like Aston Martin and Ferrari reporting virtually no interest in high-performance electric models. Ford CEO Jim Farley told Autocar in 2024: “One thing I can promise is that we will never make an all-electric Mustang.” Since its 1964 debut, the Mustang has become Ford’s longest-lasting model and remains the world’s best-selling sports car. To muscle car fans, the Mustang represents everything gas-powered cars should be and embodies the untamed spirit of the American West.
Interestingly, the Mustang already has an electric incarnation: the Mustang Mach-E, launched in early 2021. While not a direct replica, this crossover delivers 480bhp and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Ford described it as bringing the "freedom, performance, and iconic character" of the Mustang to electric vehicle buyers. Nonetheless, social media shows some confusion over whether the Mach-E truly bears the Mustang name.
British coachbuilder Morgan also intends to keep internal combustion engines in their cars "for as long as we possibly can," as CEO Matthew Hole told Top Gear. Morgan’s lineup, including the Plus Four and Supersport, currently uses petrol engines from BMW and Ford. While Morgan is exploring electric options with a parallel program, it sees solid-state batteries as essential before fully transitioning away from combustion power.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, the performance division of Toyota, has reaffirmed its commitment to internal combustion engines. President Tomoya Takahashi said, “There may be a time when engines are banned, but internal combustion engines aren’t the enemy—carbon is,” emphasizing continued investment in future ICE technologies. Toyota favors a multi-pathway approach, blending hybrids with synthetic fuels rather than switching entirely to electric.
Aston Martin has delayed its first electric vehicle launch to 2030, partially due to mixed customer feelings about EVs. CEO Adrian Hallmark highlighted that many loyal customers "hate EVs with a deep-rooted passion" because they fear losing V12 and V8 engines. The brand is weighing whether to electrify an existing model or introduce a new incremental EV. Meanwhile, for the near term, Aston Martin will continue producing internal combustion models beloved by petrol enthusiasts.
Lamborghini finds itself in a similar situation. The launch of its first EV, based on the 2023 Lanzador concept, was postponed from 2028 to 2029. CEO Stephan Winkelmann suggested that the vehicle might not even be fully electric and could instead be a plug-in hybrid, depending on market readiness. Moreover, the Urus SUV’s next generation will remain a plug-in hybrid rather than a full EV. Lamborghini intends to wait until customers are ready to embrace electric sports cars before fully committing.
While many automakers are diving headfirst into electrification, several revered sports car brands are delaying, adapting cautiously, or resisting full adoption of electric powertrains. They are preserving the legacy of combustion engines for enthusiasts who cherish the sound, feel, and essence of petrol-powered driving, at least for the foreseeable future.
