Ford unveils 2024 Mustang
Ford have unveiled images and details of the next generation Mustang, with the successor to the S-550 to go to market next year as a 2024 model.
Australia has been locked in to receive the new Mustang, with a local launch in late 2023 to include a special edition ‘Dark Horse’ variant that features a tuned V8 engine and is said to be street and track capable.
Ford are describing the seventh-generation Mustang as all new, with a fresh, but familiar exterior design applied to both the fastback coupe and convertible, while the interior is said to be inspired by the cockpit of fighter jets, with two large screens in place of a traditional instrument pod and console screen.
Powertrains are also familiar, in the form of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four and 5.0-litre Coyote naturally aspirated V8, but Ford says both engines have been updated.
“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company.
“Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars, on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”
External Makeover
Outside, the seventh-generation Mustang retains some familiar styling touches, like the ‘long-bonnet, short-tail’ treatment, broad grille opening, muscular flanks and taillights in groups of three.
The most obvious difference is at the rear, with a sharply concave treatment of the tail light panel, while the headlights are flatter, squarer and sit lower in the front end than the current model. Both front and rear indictors are now sequential, with the former occupying a strip above the headlights.
The roofline on the coupe is said to be optimised for driver entry, even when wearing a helmet, while the convertible features one-touch operation for the lined and insulated fabric roof that’s compact enough to allow two golf bags to be stored in the boot, according to Ford.
Overall, the new styling features greater width around the rear wheels, a lower look to the front end and more chiselled edges for what Ford says is a style that will appeal to the broadest customer base yet.
A key styling change is the introduction of specific front ends for the EcoBoost four and GT V8 models, making it easier to identify each variant without looking for badges. The GT has larger, more aggressive grille openings, which are functional as well as aesthetic, as they allow more air into the engine bay. The GT also gets a new-look bonnet vent and redesigned front splitter.
Driver-Focussed Interior
Inside the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford have created what they say is the most driver-centric cockpit to date, defined by two digital screens for the instrumentation and centre console.
Using technology from video games, both screens can be customised, with the instrument cluster offering several options depending on drive mode, including a retro option with analogue-look gauges.
“We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative, showing necessary driving information, yet also give the driver control to decide how to display everything, from selecting colours to classic Mustang gauges to simply creating a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed.”
While the pair of broad screens are the key interior difference over the outgoing S-550, other changes include a flat-bottom steering wheel, overhead USB ports for neater integration of a dash cam and a wireless charging pad in the centre console.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fully compatible with Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system, while the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system is said to be optimised for the new Mustang’s updated interior.
Advanced, Athletic Engines
While the current Mustang’s engines will carry over to the new version in terms of size, capacity and overall configuration, both have been updated with new technologies to deliver what Ford says is “an even more exciting drive experience”.
The GT will still be powered by a 5.0-litre V8, and while no figures have been released, the fourth generation of this engine is said to offer the most horsepower ever without a turbo or supercharger. The 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the EcoBoost Mustang is said to also be updated, but no numbers have been provided on that, either.
Transmissions are unchanged at six-speed manual and ten-speed automatic, with the former offering a rev-matching function and the latter finely tuned to match the selected driving modes.
The five available drive modes, plus a custom option, adjust throttle response, auto transmission response, steering input and ESC intervention, with the new digital instrument panel highlighting each mode.
Ensuring drivers can get the most from these refined engines, the new Mustang promises more standard driver assistance and safety technologies, including intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality (on automatic transmission Mustangs only), Lane Centreing Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist and Speed Sign Recognition.
Coming Next Year
Australian release of the seventh-generation Mustang is scheduled for late 2023 as a 2024 model, with more details, full specifications and further information on the special edition Dark Horse to be released by Ford closer to local arrival.
