Summary
- The new Ford Mustang offers a modernized look, updated engines, and improved performance, solidifying its position as one of the last true muscle cars.
- While the new Mustang is characterized as "all-new," it shares many similarities with its predecessor, benefiting from slight improvements and fixes while maintaining the same platform.
The Ford Mustang has been dominating the muscle car scene for decades. It was one of the first, and as it seems, one of the last. As competitors are slowly being pulled off the production lines the Mustang is being revived for its seventh generation.
It now has a slightly different look on the outside and a very different look on the inside. Furthermore, its two engine options have been modernized and updated for added power and efficiency. The changes have led to a bit of a price jump, but that’s the case with most products nowadays. Plus, can you really put a price on what might be the last true muscle car?
There’s Plenty To Be Happy About
It is safe to say that there is plenty to be happy about with the new pony car from Ford. First and foremost, it is an all-new vehicle with an all-new production run and it somehow manages to still use a stonking V-8. As it should, of course, muscle cars must have V-8s, or else they are just EVs. But wait, the new Mustang doesn't just have a V-8. It has a V-8 that isn't hybridized or electrified in any way. It is an old-school big-engined two-door burnout machine.
The All New Mustang Isn’t All New
Before we dive into the rest of the vehicle, it is worth mentioning that even though the new Mustang has been characterized as “all-new” it hasn’t changed much. Yes, the exterior design in the front and rear ends is different and the interior has received a big makeover. However, underneath, the car is pretty much identical to the older model.
The wheelbase is the same, the chassis is the same and most suspension components are the same. But, there is nothing wrong with that. You know the old saying, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Everything has been slightly improved upon, small errors have been fixed and issues addressed. This means that the new Mustang drives better even though it still rides on the same platform.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Has Been Pushed To An All-New Level
Yes, it was just stated that the new Ford Mustang isn’t all that new. Most of its parts remain the same. However, a few small tweaks in crucial areas like the engine take an already great car to a whole new level.
The beloved Coyote V-8 has been updated for the new production run and it now pushes out 480 horsepower. The tweaks made include dual throttle bodies that lead into dual air intakes. This increases airflow and minimizes induction loss. A performance pack is also available with 486 horsepower.
Ford Mustang Power Figures
2.3 Liter EcoBoost | 5.0 Liter Coyote V-8 |
315 Horsepower | 480 Horsepower |
350 Pound-Feet of Torque | 415 Pound-Feet of Torque |
To top it all off, Ford still offers a six-speed manual transmission along with the new electronic drift brake, encapsulates the muscle car feel. The combination of the naturally aspirated V-8 and manually operated shifts provides a driving experience that can very rarely be experienced nowadays.
So, the pony car is now more powerful, more comfortable, and more modern. It is the pinnacle of the Mustang model, with the lineup now also including some proper track weapons like the Mustang Dark Horse R. Therefore, it can easily fill the shoes of the dying Camaro and Challenger, right? Well, maybe not.
The Interior Received The Biggest Update
Inside the Mustang is where one will find the most differences between the old and new generations. Aside from a different design, we also get two separate screens in lower trim level vehicles and one big cohesive unit in more expensive specs, ditching the old double-hump dashboard layout.
It must be said that the two separate screens look a bit like an afterthought. However, the graphics inside them look great. Of course, they offer the latest technology one can expect from a brand-new vehicle and tend to be responsive. A bit of lag can be observed when switching between different gauge cluster graphics but this isn’t a big issue.
Can The Mustang Fill The Shoes Of The Camaro And Challenger?
You might be aware that the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro won't be coming back for a new generation. So, with that in mind, the seventh-generation Ford Mustang might be the last true muscle car. This is a big responsibility, one that Ford must carry. Has the company made the necessary changes that lead to a Mustang so good it doesn't even matter that we no longer get other muscle cars? Well, let's take a look.
The Mustang has always done the engine, ride, noise, and drama better than the Camaro. However, the Camaro had better steering and a better chassis. Did Ford manage to bring the Mustang up to Camaro standards? Sadly not. You see, there is only so much you can do to an existing platform. Yes, improvements have been made to the steering which is supposedly a bit quicker and stiffer; however, this hasn't brought it to the same level as that of the Chevrolet.
The problem with the Mustang’s steering is that it lacks any kind of feedback. It is extremely light and remains light even when the front wheels are loaded through a corner. This is a problem as the driver does not know how much force is being applied to the front wheels and cannot calculate whether the limit of grip is near. This, of course, robs away all of your confidence when it comes to pushing the car. Sadly, the chassis and suspension are more than capable of being pushed, but the steering is stopping you from doing so.
What’s The Verdict?
So, what’s the verdict with the new Mustang? Is it a vehicle one should spend their hard-earned money on? Well, for most people the answer here is sure shot YES. Ford has perfected the Mustang recipe. As a cruiser, the new Mustang is simply amazing. It rides incredibly well and has a lot of power thanks to one of the greatest V-8s ever made.
However, if you are looking for a sports car to enjoy on the track or the canyons this may not be the correct choice for you. The simple reason for this is the fact that the steering is too numb. You can hear the tires slipping long before you can feel them and this kills your confidence when driving fast.
But, is this a problem? The heritage of the Mustang never focused on blasting through canyons are doing timed laps around a racetrack. The Mustang was a car to have fun in, and fun can certainly be had with the new model. Simply put, if you want a fast and fun cruiser and daily driver, the new Mustang is the perfect choice. If you want a full-on sports car, then you might want to look elsewhere.