The all-new 2024 Ford Mustang has just made its debut, and unlike the Dodge Charger and Challenger which will be replaced by an all-electric model after the 2023 model year, Ford is sticking to internal combustion engines for their next-generation Mustang.
Evolutionary Rather Than Revolutionary
The seventh-generation Mustang, which is codenamed S650, is the first all-new Mustang in nine years. Its styling, however, is evolutionary rather than completely rewriting the Mustang rulebook. As usual, the Mustang is available in a fastback coupe or convertible. Whichever body style you choose, the Mustang comes with tri-bar LED headlights, a reshaped grille, wider rear fenders that give it a pinched waist, and a longer roofline that Ford says makes it easier to drivers to enter the vehicle while wearing a helmet.
For this generation, it’s also now easier to identify the EcoBoost and the GT variants apart from their badges. The GT comes with a grille that’s split into three sections, a lower intake that’s been enlarged to cool the bigger 5.0-liter Coyote V8, as well as a more prominent front splitter.
A More High-Tech Interior
Moving inside the Mustang, and this is where you’ll see significant changes. Eschewing past retro-inspired styles is an interior that’s completely modern–which is highlighted by its two high-resolution screens. The driver gets a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster while infotainment duties are done through the 13.5-inch SYNC4 touch screen. Both screens are powered by Unreal Engine 3D, which is why their interfaces look very modern and crisp.
As for the rest of the interior, the materials used are more premium, while the number of hard buttons has been reduced since the climate controls have now migrated into the touch screen–for better or worse. This is a move that’s supported by existing Mustang owners, according to Ford. Elsewhere, drivers will see an overhead USB port for mounting action or dashcams, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel for a more modern look.
No Electrification To Be Found
Rumors of a Ford Mustang getting a hybrid powertrain or even all-wheel drive (AWD) are nowhere to be found here. Instead, the 2024 Ford Mustang continues to be powered by a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that Ford says comes with a dual air intake box and dual-throttle bodies. While power figures have not yet been released, Ford says that this will be the most powerful Mustang that’s fitted with a standard V8. All that power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual with rev-matching or a 10-speed automatic.
In addition to the standard Mustang, Ford also unveiled a new Mustang Dark Horse. It is claimed to be the most potent Mustang that’s ever fitted with the standard 5.0 V8. Some of its upgrades include having the same connecting rods as the Shelby GT500’s 760-hp supercharged V8, brake cooling ducts, auxiliary engine cooling, rear axle cooler, and a lighter radiator with more powerful cooling fans. While power figures have not been released yet, Ford is projecting 500 hp with its standard Coyote V8. A 6-speed Tremec manual comes as standard, while a 10-speed automatic is available as an option.
Other upgrades include MagneRide adaptive shocks, a large rear sway bar, 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, a strut tower brace and K-brace, and a set of 13.9-inch six-piston Brembo front brake calipers. For even better handling, a Handling Package adds a unique rear wing with an integrated gurney flap, stiffer suspension, larger front and rear sway bars, and unique 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Trofeo tires. You can even opt for carbon fiber wheels in the future as well.
Setting the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse from the standard models includes a revised front fascia with black trim surrounding the headlights and grille, lower side skirts, a more prominent rear diffuser, and darker quad exhausts. Inside, the Mustang Dark Horse comes with more suede upholstery, and Indigo Blue accents, while automatic variants come with anodized silver paddles. Lastly, a 12-speaker B&O sound system comes as standard.
The 2024 Ford Mustang will go on sale first in North America in the summer of 2023, which is a year from now. Therefore, a Philippine launch will most likely happen near the end of 2023 or early 2024.
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