Next-gen Ford Mustang on track for 2021 with AWD?

Mustang's chief designer, Darrel Behmer, promises a modular architecture won't 'bastardize' the iconic car.

An all-new Ford Mustang is reportedly slated to arrive in 2021, giving the current generation a seven-year run since its introduction in 2014.

The company is said to be considering a move to one of its five modular architecture, potentially the same platform employed by the Explorer, according to Automotive News.

Switching to the modular platform would allow the Mustang to be offered with an all-wheel-drive option, providing a direct rival to the new AWD Dodge Challenger.

"Mustang is still going to be a strong, well proportioned vehicle," said Mustang chief designer Darrel Behmer. "The modular architectures will still give us flexibility; it's not going to bastardize Mustang."

Ford is moving away from cars, but the Mustang will serve as an exception to the rule. Its design language is expected to carry over to an electric crossover by 2020, the same year a Mustang hybrid is scheduled to arrive.

The Blue Oval will be fighting to keep the Mustang's position as the best-selling muscle car in the US market.