First Look: 2024 Ford Mustang Enters its Next-Generation

The seventh generation brings a host of new changes and improvements, from a fresh design, and more power, to new technology and an all-new high-performance model.

Canada Drives travelled to Detroit recently for the reveal of the 2024 Mustang coupe and convertible to see what the new generation has in store for consumers when it goes on sale next summer.

New “fighter jet-inspired” interior cockpit

Arguably the biggest changes the new Mustang receives compared to the outgoing model is in the cabin, where the ’24 receives a “fighter jet-inspired” cockpit with curved screens, including a new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. This screen is customizable and features different animations that are based on drive mode setting. 

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

13.2-inch multimedia screen for 2024

Ford is also tapping into the realm of gaming with the use of the Unreal Engine 3D, a software tool used in many modern video games, to render graphics for personalized drive mode settings. The car’s setup, displayed on the 13.2-inch multimedia screen, can be adjusted just by swiping the graphic to rotate the car.

Other cabin features include a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts in cloth seating, instrument panel and door trim stitching in Premium models, ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery in EcoBoost models and leather seat inserts for GT trims.

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

On the tech side, apart from the new screens, the ’24 Mustang has an available wireless charge pad, new overhead USB ports, SYNC4-powered centre stack, available B&O Sound System, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Mustang power: gas powertrains remain

For those expecting some form of electrification to arrive with the next gen Mustang, there’s bad news: there won’t be an electrified option, at least not at launch. Instead, the two gas powertrains that were available with the outgoing model, will carry over to the 2024 lineup.

V8 and 2.3L EcoBoost Mustangs

This means the 5.0-litre V8 will continue to power the Mustang GT, that can be paired with either a Getrag six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. In terms of torque and horsepower – and this applies to all powertrains – Ford has not released final numbers. 

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

During the presentation, Ford said the GT V8 should produce in the neighbourhood of 480 horsepower, but final figures hadn’t been released at time of writing. 

Same goes for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder, which will be available with a 10-speed automatic only. For comparison, the outgoing GT produces 450 hp / 410 lb-ft., while the EcoBoost puts out 310 hp / 350 lb-ft., or 330 hp / 350 lb-ft. with the Performance Package.

2024 Mustang Dark Horse

2024 Mustang Dark Horse | Photo: Ford 

A third, high-performance option, the Dark Horse, will make its debut with seventh gen. Its 5.0-litre V8 will be targeting 500 horsepower (30 hp more than the current Mustang Mach 1 we reviewed here), which will be paired with either a 6-speed Tremec manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Standard kit for the Dark Horse includes 19-inch, 6-piston front brakes with 13.9-inch (353 mm) rotors, unique front strut tower brace and K-brace from Ford Performance, Torsen rear differential, and Pirelli P Zero tires, and more.

Chassis

On the chassis front, both 2024 EcoBoost and GT models will be available with the Performance Pack, which includes items such as a front tower brace, Torsen limited slip rear differential, MagneRide active suspension, larger front (390 mm) and rear (355 mm) Brembo brakes, and wider rear wheels and tires.

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

The ’24 Mustang will also come with six driving modes: normal, sport, slippery, drag, track, and a customizable settings mode, which can store up to six unique profiles. When selected, each mode has a unique HD graphical accompaniment that appears in the instrument cluster.

Segment-first Performance Electronic Parking Brake

One feature Ford is adding is a segment-first Performance Electronic Parking Brake, which is designed to make drifting even more accessible to Mustang owners. This feature comes standard with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models.

2024 Mustang styling changes

When viewed at first blush, the 2024 Mustang’s design is very similar to that of the current model. The general proportions of the two cars, along with lots of creases and geometric shapes, are quite similar, but Ford designers have made some changes for the seventh gen. 

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

Along with new LED headlights and taillights, the ’24 Mustang also carries shorter rear overhangs and wider rear haunches for a more commanding stance. The rear LED taillights remain tri-bar, but they appear more creased than those on the current car. Same goes for the headlights, which are also tri-bar but with a different shape. 

Model differentiation is another aspect Ford is learning, with unique front ends that visually set EcoBoost and GT Mustangs apart. The GT, for example, has larger grille openings, new hood vents and a new front splitter. 

Other key features

The 2024 Mustang’s digital screens are among its most striking new features. With all the new graphical firepower the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 13.2-inch multimedia display bring to the table, thanks to the use of Unreal Engine 3D, the Mustang’s interior won’t lack pizzazz. 

Not only do both screens allow for deep customization, but they can be optioned to flow graphical displays seamlessly back and forth between them.

2024 Mustang | Photo: Ford 

Remote Rev

Two other new features that might not be the most useful or practical are also worth mentioning. First up is Remote Rev, which allows users to rev the car’s engine remotely with the key fob. Finally, the Performance Electronic Parking Brake, which is designed to help drivers hone their drifting skills is a cool feature, even if it winds up consuming a lot of rubber. 

The 2024 Ford Mustang goes on sale next summer. Pricing and fuel consumption will be announced closer to launch.