2024 Ford Mustang Has Attitude and Dash Full Of Modern Technology

• The Ford Mustang 2024 rings in its seventh generation with a more muscular style and tech-centric interior. (The 2023 model will carry over.)
• The Mustang still has the 2.3-liter turbo-four and the 5.0-liter V-8, but both engines are heavily updated for the new generation.
• Ford has also introduced exciting features that include an electronic drift brake and remotely turning the engine.

It’s been nearly 60 years since the original Ford Mustang was introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair. The rest is automotive history, with the Handlebar becoming an instant hit and essentially creating the pony-car genre. Now, after nearly six decades and countless iterations, the 2024 Ford Mustang arrives and marks the start of the seventh generation—and perhaps the last gas-powered pony.

A More Muscular, Tech-Centered Mustang

Sure, the design of the seventh-generation Mustang is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but the bodywork is completely new and feels edgier than ever. The previous generation was designed for a global audience, and the new one clearly retains the attractive proportions of its predecessor, but now gives off a more muscular vibe. The front end is more square and is said to be inspired by the original Mustang, but the new headlights, with tri-bar LED elements, are a modern twist. The triple taillights remain a signature detail, but stand out more than ever. The hips of the car are also wider, and the rear overhang is shorter.

Without a doubt, the most dramatic difference between the new Mustang and the previous version is the interior. Gone are the classic “double bubble” dashboard designs. Instead, the cockpit now contains a more driver-focused layout, dominated by digital displays. Most 2024 Mustangs have large glass panels that incorporate a 12.4-inch gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen; the base model has the same screen size, but is separate. The interior with the new look is a big break from tradition, but Ford says it’s meant to appeal to a younger demographic of people who grew up playing video games.

Video games like Forza Motorsport It also inspires animations and how users interact with the Mustang’s Sync 4 infotainment system, which Ford says has a new architecture that allows for over-the-air updates and over-customization. Among the system’s many features is the ability to choose from a different instrument panel design, including a retro dial just like the one on the ’87–’93 Mustang Fox-body. It is very cool. Too bad there’s no other choice than the old-school Mustang.

Not only did Ford make the new Mustang’s interior more tech-centric; it also upgrades ingredients, something that bothered previous generations. Not only can the dashboard and doors be wrapped in a leather-like material, and other trim pieces sport a vibrant carbon weave pattern, but all the plastic is laser-engraved with a fine grain that looks more luxurious.

Next Generation EcoBoost and Coyote Engines

The 2024 Mustang continues to be offered as a coupe or convertible. Both body styles are also still available with the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine or the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8. However, both engines have been heavily revised for the latest generation, and each can be identified by distinctive front-end details, such as the larger grille and air intakes on the V-8-powered GT model.

The EcoBoost engine has the most significant changes, which include better packaging, a new ignition and fuel delivery system, a higher compression ratio, and an updated turbocharger, among other improvements. Ford says the update makes the four cylinders more fuel efficient and improves performance. While we’re told horsepower and torque figures won’t be released until closer to launch, we expect to see a slight boost to the EcoBoost’s current rating of up to 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the four-pot is now only offered with a 10-speed automatic due to the low take-up rate for the manual transmission.

The fourth-generation Coyote engine added a dual throttle body filled by dual air intakes, an arrangement that Ford said provided better airflow and helped increase horsepower. We don’t know the exact engine output yet, but Ford says the updated V-8 is the most powerful in the Mustang, so it should exceed the current version’s 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The 5.0 also received a new steel oil pan which is said to help increase oil flow and reduce friction. The driver’s side exhaust manifold has also been updated, and the camshaft timing on the exhaust side has been revised. The V-8 still comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which Ford pairs with a new, more robust dual-mass flywheel. The 10-speed auto remains an option, and has minor updates meant to improve speed and shift programming.

One of the interesting new features that Ford introduced in the seventh generation Mustang is called Remote Rev. As the name suggests, this feature allows people to remotely turn the engine using the car’s key fob, apparently aimed at entertaining teenagers and disturbing older audiences. The Rev Remote runs with pre-programmed sound and comes with any Mustang with an active exhaust system, except for models equipped with a manual. Sad trombone signal.

Improved Steering and Stick Drift

By and large, the new Mustang shares the same platform as its predecessor, with the two sharing an essentially identical 107.0-inch wheelbase. However, Ford tweaked it by specifying aluminum for both front bottom links on all cars, changing the suspension knuckles design, and updating the rear suspension links to a unit inspired by the Shelby GT350. The Mustang also has new levels of spring and shock that are said to better match the ride and performance targets of each particular model. Most notably, the steering system has been heavily revised with new racks, faster ratios, and other changes that Ford claims make steering more responsive (20 percent, to be exact). The Mustang also now has a flat-bottom steering wheel with thicker rims and a slightly smaller diameter.

The seventh generation also has a new brake package, which is accompanied by the introduction of an electronic brake booster. Models with 19-inch wheels also have new Brembo six-piston fixed front calipers and four-piston rear clamps. More important are the new electronic drift brakes—not to be confused with the “Drift Stick” Ford offered on the Focus RS. It appears on all Mustangs that come with the optional Performance package. Although it looks like a traditional e-brake lever, when drift mode is activated, it instantly locks the rear wheels with four to five times more force than the regular parking brake. No modulation is involved. It’s a cool choice, but perhaps one that Cars and Coffee is destined for.

Back to the Performance package, available on EcoBoost and GT models. This brings extra bracing, larger radiator and cooling fans, larger front and rear brakes, Torsen limited slip diff, thicker anti-roll bars, and wider rear wheels and tires. For rubber, the Performance pack Mustang now wears Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tires instead of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires; an all season Continental set is standard. With the GT model, the Performance package also includes additional brake lines and engine oil cooler.

Regardless of what’s under the hood, choosing the Performance kit unlocks a set of Recaro front seats and MagneRide adaptive dampers. What’s interesting about the latter is that they include what Ford calls Active Holes Mitigation, which monitors the speed of shocks and dampens the system when it encounters potholes. Another new feature, and one that will definitely come in handy for those of us who live in Snowbelt.

While Ford hasn’t announced how much the 2024 Mustang will cost, we expect the price to be in line with the previous version, which currently starts at around $29,000 for the base EcoBoost model and over $57,000 for the Mach 1. The new Mustang will go on sale next summer.