2024 Ford Mustang Refines the Pony, Goes Big on Tech

The seventh-generation pony car will arrive in summer 2023, once again in coupe and convertible flavors—along with a manual transmission.

(UPDATE 09.14, 22:00 EST: A Ford spokesperson has confirmed to AutoGuide that the six-speed manual will be exclusive to the V8. The EcoBoost is now automatic-only. The rest of this article continues as published.)

Here it is. After weeks of teasers, Ford on Wednesday revealed the 2024 Mustang in front of a packed crowd at the Detroit Auto Show. The seventh-generation model will launch next summer, offering buyers the same variety of pony car options as before—V8 or EcoBoost, coupe or convertible, auto or manual—with an increased focus on technology.

Yes, let’s get this out of the way now: when the 2024 model begins galloping into showrooms next summer, it will have the familiar 2.3-liter Ecoboost and 5.0-liter Coyote engine options. Alicia Agius, strategy and transformation lead for enthusiast products at Ford, told assembled journalists at a pre-reveal event that both engines are thoroughly reworked for the new model. The EcoBoost is “more powerful, more efficient than the outgoing model” according to Agius. Meanwhile, the fourth-generation Coyote gains segment-first dual throttle bodies with a dual air induction system. As is the case with the four-pot, Ford is saying this is more powerful than before, but won’t talk specific numbers yet. Will it crack the 100-hp-per-liter mark? We’ll see.

Both engines will once again be available with a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.

The design certainly falls on the “evolution” side of the fence, not least because it rides on the same platform as before. Ford’s design team has kept the general Mustangness intact, with a low and long hood, a short deck, and those three-bar taillights. The thin headlights peer out from under a pronounced front hood lip, the triple-dash LED daytime running lights mirroring the iconic look out back. Wheel sizes range from a standard 17 inches through to 20s. If the whole car looks lower, that’s because it is: the design team has dropped the beltline by around half an inch.

For the first time in the Mustang’s modern history, the front bumper design is different for I4 and V8 models. On the V8, the vents are functional, including the contrasting black one now sitting on the hood.

From launch, the seventh-gen ‘Stang will come in 11 exterior colors, including the new Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. There are now three optional brake caliper colors (black, red, and Grabber Blue), in addition to as-yet-unfinalized stripe designs. There will also be a Mustang Design Series, the first of which swaps out the wheels and pony badges for bronze items.

“Mustang means freedom for a lot of people. We heard peoples’ perceptions around freedom itself was changing,” says Agius. “When I was a teenager freedom very much came in the form of a driving license and a full tank of gas … whereas very increasingly, we’re hearing from our younger customers that freedom is delivered through technology. So we really understood if we could combine that physical freedom of hitting the open road with this digital freedom that’s enabled through technology, that’s a winning formula.”

This focus on tech is most obvious inside the redesigned cabin. Nearly all 2024 Mustangs will now feature a pair of connected high-def screens; the base model will, like the Offspring, keep ’em separated. A 12.4-inch screen sits ahead of the driver, with myriad animations and designs based on the drive mode. Not only that, Ford has included what’s easily the coolest feature: a Fox Body mode, mimicking the classic look of the ’80s model, be it daytime or the green glow of night. The stock look has moved to a copper-tinged design, borrowing the warm hue from the Mustang Mach-E. Drivers will once again be able to select their ambient lighting colors, as well.

The 13.2-inch central display runs a uniquely-skinned version of Sync 4. Ford has killed off some physical controls: say goodbye to climate control buttons, and hello to their permanent positioning on the screen itself. The main unit uses Unreal Engine 3D to model a digital example of the car, allowing owners to swipe and flick their way around the car to change settings.

Other techy options include an available wireless charger, upgraded B&O sound syste, and MagneRide active suspension. A Performance Pack will return for both engines, adding a Torsen LSD, front tower brace, wider rear wheels, larger, 15.4-inch and 14.0 (390- and 355-mm) brakes, and the afore-mentioned MagneRide suspension. The manual Mustang GT also includes rev matching.

Ford’s team highlighted the improved material quality in the pre-production examples we saw ahead of the reveal. This includes the brand’s ActiveX faux-leather, plus a new carbon-like weave.

Continuing the techy, game-like features list, the Mustang will come with a Remote Rev feature, allowing owners to rev their pony car from their key fob. Neighbors will love it. There’s also the Performance Electronic Parking Brake, standard with the Performance Pack, which is meant to make getting sideways even easier.

Ford says it will build the 2024 Mustang at its Flat Rock assembly plant once more. Sales for the new model will start in summer 2023.

Discuss this story on our 7th generation Mustang forum.

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