The Ford Mustang has been around for nearly 60 years now, and big changes to it don't come often. In fact, in those 60 years, it's only been redesigned five times. For 2024, the Mustang is all-new - for only its sixth time.
First and foremost - if you're wondering if the new Mustang has metamorphosed into some sort of EV - thankfully, it has not (but if that is what you were hoping for, you can always look at the Mustang Mach-E). The all-new 2024 Mustang retains its traditional layout - a front engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe with a good-ole fashion internal combustion engine. The new platform it rides on is the S650 - an updated version of the previous Mustangs S550 platform.
The exterior carries the same theme as the previous Mustang, but is more angular, especially around the edges. The taillights, which continue as three vertical lights on each side (as has always been the tradition for the pony car), and the trunklid form a sharp concave V, giving the new Mustang a somewhat exotic look from the rear. The overall effect is a car that still retains its classic long hood and short deck shape, making it easily recognizable as a Mustang, but with a fresh, modern, aggressive look.
Inside, it's a mixed bag. If you're a purist and like Mustang tradition, you'll be disappointed to see that the double-brow dash is gone. Instead, the new Mustang incorporates modern technology with a new dash that houses a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen that blends into a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is customizable, allowing you to choose different modes - one of those modes being a Fox-body inspired look for the gauges that will bring back memories from the '80s.
As before, the powerplant under the hood is determined by the trim level. Base models get the EcoBoost turbo 2.3-liter four, cranking out 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque while the GT gets the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 GT that delivers 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both use a 10-speed automatic, but the GT allows for the option of a six-speed manual. The tester arrived as a GT model decked out with a Rapid Red exterior and the manual transmission.
A V8 in a Mustang is tradition, so it's nice to see the Coyote engine continue. And not only that, but the double-overhead-cam, 32-valve V-8 gets enhanced by the addition of a second throttle body, resulting in 480 horsepower. Add the optional performance exhaust, and the GT's output rises to 486 horses. In comparison, the prior Mustang GT made 450 hp.
Behind the wheel, the new Ford Mustang GT is great to drive. It's fast, the exhaust sounds amazing, and it handles well. And most important - it's fun to drive, thanks in part to the six-speed manual gearbox. Rowing your own gears not only allows you to better control the Coyote's broad power band, but also how the Mustang sounds. At low-end, there is that deep burble, rev up to the engine's midrange and it starts to get barky while going all-out to the engines 7500 redline and the exhaust just gets nasty and raspy. While all these sounds are being emitted from the cars exhaust, the Mustang is sprinting to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and clipping the quarter-mile at 12.5 seconds.
Adding to the driving experience are front seats that are comfortable (although the optional Recaro seats are hard to get in and out of), an easy-to-use infotainment system and a usable trunk. The backseats, on the other hand, are useful only for short trips or for small children - as has been the case for most previous Mustangs.
Pricing for the Mustang starts at $32,515 for the base model with the EcoBoost engine. The GT starts at $43,555 but can quickly escalate. No price was included with the tester, but I estimate the price of it being just over $60,000.
With the Camaro gone, the Challenger s future unknown and the Charger, well, nothing like it once was, we are lucky to have today's Mustang. And one that has three pedals, a V-8 and rear wheel drive, the all-new Mustang GT is a treat we will take any time.