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2024 Ford Mustang: Newly chiseled powerhouse

The all-new, 7th-generation, 2024 Ford Mustang lineup includes some nip-and-tuck design changes, the most powerful 5-liter V8 ever, and the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. Besides the standard, GT, and convertible, there's a very cool and mysterious Dark Horse variant too.

Mustang GT is now powered by an advanced, 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. The fourth-generation engine is set to deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT thanks to an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design that helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission available.

Mustang owners who want that fun-to-drive feeling with fuel efficiency benefits can opt for the EcoBoost (standard) model, powered by an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter powertrain. This option now comes only with an automatic transmission.

In both engine options, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track plus, and a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles. As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.

Mustang GT and EcoBoost models are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-mm front and 355-mm rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro seats and active exhaust.

Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine rpm when the clutch is engaged. This retains peak torque between manual gear changes, delivering even more precision, thrill, and better refinement. Quicker steering ratios and minimal compliance from steering wheel to tire significantly enhances the car's cornering dynamics, with increased straight-line power.

A segment-first electronic drift brake takes new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability of Mustang with the visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical hand brake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake comes standard with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models, engineered for novice drivers to learn and improve their drift skills while also providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

The 7th generation also adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design.

Its low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the upper grille design shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang's classic lighting signature. Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance, and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.

The roofline is optimized for driver entry and exit (even if wearing a helmet), and an extended rear deck houses a new crisp signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned diffuser for improved aerodynamic balance in the rear.

Each model in the Mustang lineup carries its own unique front end. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings engineered to allow increased airflow and reflecting the increase in power and performance. The car's aerodynamics are optimized further with the addition of new hood vents and a redesigned front splitter.

Mustang convertible continues its drop-top legacy offering maximum open-air freedom. A simple, one-touch activation with a single-handle center latch opens and closes the fully lined and insulated fabric roof. The compact roof design and independent rear suspension also contribute toward segment-leading trunk space that can accommodate up to two golf bags.

The all-new Mustang launches with 11 exterior color options including two new shades, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash, complemented by new stripe colors and designs. Customers also can choose from three Brembo brake caliper color options (Black, Red, and Grabber Blue) plus an all-new lineup of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-in. standard size on base models to 19-in. for GT with optional 20-in. alloy wheels.

Inside is the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customized to show information the driver wants or needs to see.

The car's 12.4-in. digital instrument cluster can be customized to display different animated designs and new drive-mode-dependent visuals. Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games, when choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car's current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually.

Mustang's default instrument gauge setting has shifted from traditional, cool blue and light grey tones to an ultra-modern, copper appearance theme also shared with Mustang Mach-E. When choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car's current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings.

An all-new race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel provides more space when getting seated.

Outside the vehicle, animated welcome lighting greets drivers as they approach and, upon entry, Mustang splash screens come to life. For those who enjoy the sound of a revving engine, Mustang introduces Remote Rev, providing the ability to rev the car's engine remotely using the key fob.

VIDEO: 2024 Ford Mustang full reveal.

Mustang has a standard cloth interior featuring all-cloth seats with optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts and black seat belts, while premium models benefit from upgraded wrapping and accent stitching across the instrument panel and door trim. EcoBoost models feature Ford's ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery with multiple color options, while GT models gain leather seat inserts.

Higher series models offer an upgraded, full-leather steering wheel, as well as a choice of color accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts, complemented by color-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts. The available B&O Sound System is optimized for the car's interior.

The new Mustang comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 features, including Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist. Another key feature is Active Pothole Mitigation, included with the Performance Package, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering, and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.

Owners can stay connected with their car via the FordPass app in other ways, utilizing free remote features such as remote vehicle start and stop, door locking and unlocking, scheduling a start time, locating the vehicle, and vehicle health and status checks. The FordPass app provides important vehicle information available to users, including fuel and oil levels, service history. and warranty information.

The all-new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. starting in the summer of 2023. Pricing was not released, but estimates put the starting price around $30,000.

Learn more at ford.com/cars/mustang/2024/.

Special Dark Horse variant: Built for street and track

A special team of Ford engineers, designers, and experts worked for more than three years to create Mustang Dark Horse. With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-liter V8 -- the most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever, projecting 500 hp -- Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup and sets a new benchmark for American street and track performance. Mustang Dark Horse is the first new performance name for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001.

The heart of Mustang Dark Horse is its unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, specially modified with piston connecting rods first introduced in the 760-hp Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Dark Horse will deliver the highest level of performance in the all-new Mustang family. Visually differentiated from any 5.0-liter V8 before it, Mustang Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille.

Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose Ford's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting from the highway to the race circuit.

Additional powertrain enhancements were made for performance at the track. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability, and more powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery.

The Mustang Dark Horse provides unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars, and heavy-duty front shocks. Stopping is courtesy of 19-in. Brembo front 6-piston brakes with 13.9-in. rotors. Steering response and grip are further enhanced with a new lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace for even better handling and feedback. It puts the torque down without losing traction through a Torsen rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO (PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-in. x 9.5-in. front and 19-in. x 10-in. rear).

Mustang Dark Horse offers standard MagneRide shocks capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per sec, optimizing performance based on driving surface or driving mode.

The available Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars, and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires.

Customers can equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution. It's the first time carbon fiber wheels have been available for a Mustang beyond Shelby GT350 and GT500.

Dark Horse also includes unique badging and graphics inside and out, and a special Blue Ember metallic paint. An optional Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.

Pricing not available yet.

Learn more at ford.com/cars/mustang/2024/.

Source: Ford Motor Co.

Published September 2022

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