It’s hard to believe that Ford’s iconic Mustang is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2024. When the two-seater launched in 1964 1/2, it spawned an entire market segment called “pony cars” as the competition struggled to launch their own sporty coupes. With Chevy’s Camaro and Dodge’s Challenger officially discontinued, the Mustang — now in its seventh generation — remains the last man standing and the clear winner of the pony car wars. So, what’s new for 2024? Pretty much everything, as this year represents a complete redesign. Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
- A traditional 5.0-liter V8 engine with a tire-shredding 480 horsepower continues to be available. For the price conscious or fuel economy minded, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is also offered.
- Updated looks, refined interior, and beefed-up technology for 2024, yet still unmistakably a Mustang.
- Technology upgrades include standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster and an optional 13.2-inch infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. An optional wireless smartphone charger reduces cable clutter.
How much does the 2024 Mustang cost?
The least expensive 2024 Mustang is the EcoBoost Fastback, which retails for $32,515, including a mandatory destination charge. Now’s a good time to mention that for 2024, all fixed-roof coupes are called fastback for the continuously sloping roofline. For drivers that prefer their Mustang with potent V8 power, the GT Fastback starts at $43,305.
If you want to work on your tan while burning rubber, convertible versions of both the EcoBoost and GT are available for $43,540 and $53,110, respectively. An ultra-high-performance model called the “Dark Horse” also makes an appearance, starting at $61,080. Denizens of the race track can look forward to the exact details of that 500 horsepower beast being covered in a separate article.
How much horsepower does the 2024 Mustang have?
Mustangs with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost crank out a very respectable 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Those are figures that would have put a V8 Mustang to shame 20 years ago, but are now available in a fuel-sipping four-banger.
True performance enthusiasts will opt the 5.0-liter V8 with 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Backing up that powerful V8 are a buyer’s choice of a 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Mustangs equipped with the EcoBoost engine are only available with the 10-speed automatic, however.
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang Fast?
The all-new 2024 Mustang is definitely fast, even with the smaller EcoBoost engine. In fact, a four-cylinder version with the High-Performance package raced from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, according to a recent MotorTrend test. During that same test, a six-speed manual, V8 equipped GT Fastback sprinted to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds. Besting them both was a GT Convertible with automatic transmission that did the deed in a scant 3.9 seconds.
That just goes to prove how capable modern automatic transmissions have become. They’re officially quicker than their “stick shift” counterparts, which goes against conventional wisdom from the golden era of muscle cars when the Mustang was born. Still, we’re glad that Ford continues to offer a shift-your-own-gears option in the Mustang for the fun factor alone.
What Sort of Technology is Seen on the 2024 Ford Mustang?
In our increasingly electrified future, it would have been easy for the Mustang to ride off into the sunset like its competitors, but fortunately, that’s not the case. The all-new seventh-generation 2024 Mustang continues the classic front engine, rear-wheel drive format of muscle cars past, with a healthy dose of technology like an available drift racing-inspired Performance Electronic Parking Brake and optional 13.2-inch infotainment screen thrown in for good measure. Ford calls the interior of the latest Mustang “fighter-jet inspired.” Come on into Champion Erie Ford, hop inside a new 2024 Ford Mustang, and see if you agree.