All-New 2024 Ford Mustang Makes Anticipated Debut in Detroit
It was quite a shock for purists to see the Mustang logo on the new Mach-E electric crossover. And failing to upgrade the “real” Mustang for the seventh generation would have added insult to injury. However, we’re happy to report that the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang is still a Mustang.
With a potent V8 engine in GT trim, rear-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, the car retains the basic ingredients that make such a delightful recipe. But the Blue Oval has also thrown a few modern touches and tech features into the mix in order to attract new customers.
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In terms of styling, the 2024 Mustang preserves its signature lines while sporting a revised front end and more muscular fenders in the rear that sort of emulate what the competition is doing.
Power and Drifting
The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 will generate the most power ever in a Mustang GT, though the official specs will be revealed closer to launch. All we know right now is that the engine outputs around 480 horsepower and uses new components including a redesigned intake system with separate dual butterfly valves.
An upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost, which also delivers increased power, will motivate the base Mustang. Similar to the V8, we’ll have to wait a bit longer to get the exact numbers.
In addition to the standard six-speed manual transmission, a 10-speed automatic is available. Drivers will be able to choose from several drive modes including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag and Track. The chassis is essentially unchanged, but Ford assured us that key suspension components have been improved with beefier parts. Steering, meanwhile, is enhanced for greater responsiveness.
The Performance Package now includes a sway bar, Torsen limited-slip differential and MagneRide active suspension. The rear wheels and tires are wider, while the Brembo brakes use 390mm discs up front and 355mm discs in the rear. The GT Performance Package improves brake cooling and adds an auxiliary engine oil cooler.
Oh, and this pack also comes with a segment-first hand brake developed with the help of Formula Drift driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. It’s an electronic system that’s manually engaged and makes drifting easier. Ford says it can be modulated by the driver based on their experience and skills.
A Mustang For Gamers, Too
In addition to retaining the core attributes of the Mustang for the seventh generation, the automaker worked on ways to cater to the wants and needs of new customers.
Consequently, the 2024 Ford Mustang features a new, fully configurable 12.4-inch instrument cluster that is reportedly inspired by video games. Expect cool animations and sharper graphics. Also, the gauges will change depending on the drive mode. For instance, in Track mode, the look is similar to what you can find in the Ford GT. Purists will no doubt love the Fox Body appearance that mirrors the instrument panel in the third-generation Mustang.
A large 13.2-inch touchscreen is mounted right next to it to create a single digital interface—because that’s what pretty much everybody is doing these days. The screen is powered by SYNC 4 and compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ford also moved to a flat-bottom steering wheel design that offers a better grip. A few physical buttons remain so it’s not all digital, but they’re the type that provides haptic feedback.
New Dark Horse Variants
Ford also unveiled the new Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R models equipped with the 5.0-liter V8. They are expected to produce over 500 horsepower and will borrow components from the GT350 and GT500, such as the mighty carbon fibre wheels. Hardcore Mustang fans who buy a Dark Horse will also get a Tremec manual transmission, which is tougher than the Getrag unit that comes standard on the EcoBoost and GT models.
In short, the American legend that is the Ford Mustang enters its seventh generation with no major or overwhelming changes. The specs and pricing details to come should tell us whether it will be just as competitive as the outgoing model.
