Yes, Dearborn is apparently building a Dakar-style Mustang.The explosion in demand and popularity for off-roading is apparently so strong, it has Ford thinking of the unthinkable. New rumors recently began surfacing, suggesting Dearborn is reviving the idea of spawning an off-road version of its iconic halo pony car.Yes, you read that correctly. Ford's apparently made some big decision to make a Dakar rally racecar-style variant based on the standard Mustang.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf true, it would be the first of its kind. But more so, it would join the growing number of off-road-ified sports cars, like the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.It may just be called the Mustang BajaRumors of this far-fetched idea began surfacing years ago, but to no avail in terms of a production model. As a result, said rumors remained rumors as Ford apparently came up with the idea, though it put it on the backburner to focus on other new vehicles.Now, Dearborn's finest is apparently dusting off the idea of a rally-inspired Mustang. It's likely has product engineers revisiting the idea after off-roading and overlanding blew up in popularity over the past decade.Ford's upping the Mustang's off-roading ante, and it won't involve the Mach-E. - Credit: Chris ChinAdditionally, with Ford execs pledging to make more exciting and fun cars, the circumstances appear to be in favor of this new Baja- or Dakar-inspired Mustang.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the latest development, Ford dealers here in America were apparently treated to a sneak preview at this rally-ified Mustang behind closed doors. If there's any major takeaway from this display, it's that Ford is genuinely gauging the interest of the idea and taking the prospect very seriously.The world's first true all-terrain MustangImagine this, but with a hard top, more ground clearance, and beefy all-terrain tires. Yes, please. - Credit: FordSo far, details are sparse. But word has it this new rally-style Mustang will utilize the conventional sports car's rear-wheel-drive platform, and not the Mach-E's.Early speculation points to the use of Ford's venerable 5.0-liter Coyote V8, complete with all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic. Of course, being engineered to handle unpaved roads, said Mustang will likely incorporate the necessary upgrades to handle it all.Ford tried making a rally-inspired model based on the Mach-E EV. - Credit: Chris ChinThus, we anticipate more ground clearance, fortification of the underbody bits with extra skid plates, and beefed up suspension. The latter presumably will have softer damping and longer travel better handle the rough bits.AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.