2024 is an important year for the Ford Mustang as the model has been completely renewed. With a new look, new technologies, and new versions, the American manufacturer has gone all out once again. Well, we wouldn't expect anything less, as the legendary American muscle car is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
The seventh generation of the Mustang presents itself with a square and even more muscular silhouette than the previous generation. However, the most radical changes are visible inside the car with an entirely new dashboard. There are no major mechanical changes, just some improvements here and there. Finally, the most interesting aspect is what happens alongside the arrival of the new Mustang, as Ford has taken the opportunity to develop a whole range of racing-related products. The Ford Mustang 2024 will be the queen on both the track and the road.
Range and Prices
Despite all the improvements it benefits from, the Ford Mustang 2024 starts at a price below $40,000, with $39,195 for the hardtop Ecoboost version. You'll need to add $6,200 to get the Premium version. Moving on to the GT version, it starts at $50,695. For the GT Premium version, you'll need to budget $56,595. There's a significant jump to $77,045 for the Dark Horse version and $81,560 for its Premium variant. Convertible models are also available with the Ecoboost, Ecoboost Premium, and GT Premium versions. Of course, the big news this year is the addition of the Darkhorse version, which takes the place of the Mach-1 model in a way. It's the most powerful regular Mustang ever presented by the brand. The name Darkhorse is also completely new in the Mustang family.
Coupe
Ecoboost - $39,195 Ecoboost Premium – $45,395 GT – $50,695 GT Premium – $56,595 Dark Horse—$77,045 Dark Horse Premium—$81,560
Convertible
Ecoboost – $46,095 Ecoboost Premium – $50,695 GT Premium – $62,395
Category and Competition
Although the enthusiasm for SUVs and trucks is stronger than ever, sports cars still hold an important place in the market. Several new models have arrived on the market in recent years, and some names from the past have also resurfaced. The most ironic thing in all of this is that the two biggest rivals of the Mustang, the Challenger and the Camaro, are on the verge of retirement.
Rivals: Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Mazda MX-5, Mini Cabriolet, Nissan Z, Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, Toyota Supra
Design and Technologies
Even though it's completely new, the seventh-generation Ford Mustang gives the impression of being an evolution of the sixth generation, which is clearly not a bad thing. Its shapes are more angular and sharp, making the Mustang more muscular than ever. Ford has also introduced a range of new colors for 2024. They offer vibrant paints as well as more subdued finishes, which adds an elegant touch.
Where purists will have the shock of their lives is in the interior of the 2024 Ford Mustang because it's a whole different story in there. It features a fully digital dashboard for all versions. The dashboard is now dominated by two massive square screens. To be honest, I'm not particularly impressed because it lacks a bit of design. Let's say that the classic Mustang dashboard was highly appreciated. Fortunately, Ford redeems itself with the customization options for the dashboard. You can replace the modern dashboard with a digital representation of the one from the Mustang Fox Body from the late '80s and early '90s.
As always, the seats are very comfortable, and the rear seats are almost exclusively meant for children. The trunk is spacious, and the quality of the interior finish is good. The new Mustang offers a lot of options for interior and exterior finishes.
Performance
You have three mechanical options to choose from, starting with the classic 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found in the Ecoboost version. It boasts 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 5.0-liter V8 in the Mustang GT, delivering 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the Mustang Darkhorse houses the most powerful engine, another 5.0-liter V8. We don't yet know the total power output of this new engine as of the time of writing, but we know it will exceed 500 horsepower.
Weak Points
There are no convertible versions for the Mustang Darkhorse. The new dashboard might not sit well with purists.
Strengths
The 2024 Mustang will surely turn heads wherever it goes. Its interior is ultra-modern and well-equipped. Each engine option offers strong performance, and the Darkhorse version promises to be particularly enjoyable to drive.
Signature Element
Ford has managed to infuse a touch of modernity into its new Mustang while retaining its classic appearance. It's a masterful work between engineers and designers that certainly deserves mention.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you like it or not, the Mustang is an automotive icon. This new generation will appeal to some, and others will only criticize it. It has always been this way, but the fact remains that the American muscle car is one of the most popular sports cars on the market. Personally, I'm particularly excited about the arrival of this new Mustang. Ford has shown a lot of boldness with this one, and that's what I like the most. I don't have a crystal ball, but I can tell you that this new generation will be just as, if not more, popular than its predecessors.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
