With the introduction of the all-new Ford Mustang, Ford once again issued a wake-up call for pony car fans throughout the world.

The seventh-generation model includes more modern chiseled looks to its traditional design, which aims to attract the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance.

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-inch standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT with optional 20-inch alloy wheels.

New for the 2024 model year is the Mustang Design Series, providing further customization options straight from the factory. The Bronze Design Series Appearance Package adds Sinister Bronze alloy wheels with bronze badges, and is available on both EcoBoost and GT models, with or without the optional Performance Pack. 

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-inch 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 in a true gamified style.

Mustang's default instrument gauge setting has shifted from traditional, cool blue and light grey tones to copper appearance theme also shared with Mustang Mach-E. From there, almost everything in the displays - and the ambient interior lighting - can be configured to selected tones, while instrument clusters adapt to drive mode selection.

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 wrapped and accent stitched 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.

Although it may appear that there hasn't been any changes to the base turbocharged 2.3-liter and 5.0-liter engine, Ford has made some under-the-hood modifications, despite not releasing the horsepower, torque, or fuel economy numbers for either engine. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is "all new" per Ford's claims while the 5.0 liter boasts being the fourth generation of the Coyote V8 - now with twin airboxes and dual throttle bodies.

The four-cylinder Mustang is now only available with an automatic transmission after just 10 percent of customers preferred the EcoBoost/six-speed combo in the final years of the sixth-generation Mustang. However, while the 10-speed is now standard there, the manual trans will continue to be offered as the base gearbox in the V8-powered Mustang (it represents over 40 percent of GT sales). Both transmissions send power to the back axle alone.

There's also increased enthusiast-focused technology. One of the most amusing will be remote engine revving, which allows customers to start their vehicle and rev the engine via key fob. The new electronic drift brake is only slightly more helpful. Developed in collaboration with noted Mustang fan and drift master Vaughn Gittin, Jr., it resembles a conventional mechanical hand brake but may help novices appear like experts, according to Ford.

Ford has announced that the 2024 Mustang will be arriving in dealerships in the summer of 2023. In the meantime, Ford has promised updates on the seventh-gen Mustang, including pricing details and technical specifications.

Source: Ford

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving