Ford announce horsepower numbers for 2024 Mustang
Ford has announced performance figures for the upcoming seventh-generation (S650) Mustang, with the good news that there are horsepower increases across the board and new benchmarks claimed for both available engine options.
On top of this, the all-new Mustang ‘Dark Horse’ variant will feature the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine ever offered in a production Mustang.
Announced in mid-December, the horsepower figures for the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 and 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engines follow initial details on the MY24 Mustang range that were released in September.
More details will follow ahead of the North American release of the seventh-generation Mustang midway through 2023 (possibly June), with an Australian release likely - but not confirmed - before the end of this year.
Mustang GT 5.0 V8
“Mustang has always pushed the envelope,” said Ed Krenz, Mustang Chief Engineer, in December’s press release. “From Mustang GT to Dark Horse, this is our best 5.0-litre V8 yet. It’s naturally aspirated awesomeness.”
The Coyote V8 was introduced in 2011 and is now in its fourth generation, with improvements applied to this latest version including a new dual intake and dual throttle body system, along with structural improvements to the block and an upgraded oil pan. These changes minimise induction loss by enabling higher airflow rates, according to Ford.
These improvements see maximum power and torque figures rise from 339kW and 556Nm in the current, sixth-generation Mustang to 358kW (480hp) and 562Nm (415lb/ft) for the upcoming seventh generation.
Even in this form, it’s the most power and torque ever offered in a naturally aspirated Mustang GT, but add the optional active-valve performance exhaust and those maximums increase to 362kW (486hp) and 566Nm (418lb/ft).
In addition to delivering more power, Ford says the free-flowing design of this optional exhaust system delivers a “custom V8 sound” that can be adjusted to reduce noise where required.
Ford adds that these new maximum figures apply regardless of whether the Mustang GT's six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission is selected.
“Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a Mustang, we know they want to feel that strong connection to their vehicle – and we’re just as invested in creating that bond,” said Suzanne Robinson, Coyote Engine Program Supervisor.
“With the increased responsiveness you get from the new dual throttle bodies, we’re wringing every ounce of performance we can out of our engine so Mustang enthusiasts can have that experience.”
Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8
To up the ante on the GT, the upcoming Mustang Dark Horse will use the same 5.0-litre V8, but additional changes to the engine for this model increase power even further, resulting in what Ford says is the most powerful non-Shelby Mustang ever.
On top of the upgrades applied for the GT, additional engine changes for the Dark Horse include strengthened camshafts, a uniquely balanced crankshaft and forged con rods. The latter was first seen on the modern Shelby GT500 and designed to handle higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds, while allowing safe revving to the engine’s 7500rpm redline.
The result is a Coyote V8 that produces 373kW (500hp) and 566Nm (418lb/ft), which Ford are claiming as a new benchmark in Mustang street and track performance, making the Dark Horse, an all-new model variant for 2024, the most powerful non-Shelby production Mustang ever.
Mustang EcoBoost
While much of the focus for the seventh-generation Mustang will be on the increased power for the GT and the new benchmark set by the V8-engined Dark Horse, the EcoBoost variant doesn’t miss out.
EcoBoost capacity remains at 2.3 litres, but Ford says the turbocharged four-cylinder is all-new, now incorporating Modular Power Cylinder architecture, a different bore to stroke ratio, both port and direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and integrated EGR and twin-scroll turbo technologies.
Performance gains are less substantial than in the Coyote V8, with the listed maximum power of 235kW (315hp) virtually identical to what’s currently available, but maximum torque does increase from 448Nm to 474Nm (350lb/ft), based on Redbook data for the MY22 Mustang EcoBoost in manual coupe form.
Regardless, Ford are claiming this as the highest performance delivered by any Mustang four-cylinder model and more than any six-cylinder Mustang, too.
Another goal with this revised engine was to improve fuel economy without compromising on the “performance that Mustang drivers expect”. While city economy is unchanged at 22mpg, the highway and combined fuel economy numbers of 34mpg and 26mpg improve slightly on the existing 32mpg highway and 25mpg combined numbers, but these are targets, not actual figures.
The 2024 Mustang EcoBoost can also be had with the same optional active valve exhaust system as the GT and Dark Horse, but what gain this delivers for the turbo four’s output has not been revealed.
Aus Numbers TBC
It must be stressed that all the new performance numbers released for the MY24 Mustang apply to vehicles for the North American market. Some changes to these figures may apply to units destined for Australia.
Further details on the 2024 Mustang lineup will be revealed as they become available.
Release of the seventh-generation Mustang will come just in time for the original pony car’s 60th birthday, so expect a special model or Anniversary package next year to mark the occasion.
