Patent filings can often provide clues about potential model names and new design features for current models. For example, the new reborn Ford Bronco could have a Jeep Wrangler-style removable roof, as well as a removable rollcage and seatbelt posts if recent patent filings are to be believed. These recent patent filings, on the other hand, may have revealed a new future design feature for the Ford Mustang.

The pending patent submitted to the United States Patent And Trademark Office by Ford shows a Mustang sporting a new roof design incorporating curved beams and an extended windshield and rear glass to cover most of the roof, which would improve outward visibility significantly.

According to the patent, these curved beams would attach to the car's standard roof rails. This unique roof structure could be constructed using separate pieces that are joined or use additive manufacturing to make the structure a single piece. Alternatively, Ford could use a lattice structure for the material according to the patent, which would save weight.

This raises potential safety concerns as a roof primarily made of glass could reduce the car's structural rigidity during a crash. However, Ford claims the shape of the beams distributes the forces to the roof rails during a side impact.

To further improve the structure's strength, the patent also describes how "fingers" would attach the roof sections to areas further down the pillars. Ford has used a Mustang to showcase its potential new roof design, but the automaker says it could also be applied to other models, too.

This wouldn't be the first time we've seen mainstream models feature extended windshields, as the Tesla Model X incorporates a similar design. While they offer more visibility, panoramic windshields for the Tesla Model X are notoriously expensive to replace, with owners reporting being charged repair bills costing thousands of dollars.