Ford Mustang (seventh generation)

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang is a pony car manufactured by Ford. First shown at the 2022 North American International Auto Show, it is assembled at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant and began production on May 1, 2023,[4][5] initially available with either the redesigned 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with 315 horsepower, or the revised, 4th generation Coyote V8 with 480–486 horsepower in the GT and 500 horsepower in the Dark Horse.[6][7][8]

Seventh generation Ford Mustang (S650)
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Model codeS650
ProductionMay 2023 – present
Model years2024–present
AssemblyUnited States: Flat Rock, Michigan (Flat Rock Assembly Plant)
DesignerChris Stevens[1]
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformFord D2C platform[3]
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length
  • 189.4 in (4,811 mm)
  • 189.7 in (4,818 mm) (Dark Horse)
Width
  • Without mirrors:
  • 75.4 in (1,915 mm)
  • 75.5 in (1,918 mm) (Dark Horse)
  • With mirrors:
  • 81.9 in (2,080 mm)
  • Mirrors folded:
  • 76.1 in (1,933 mm)
Height
  • 55 in (1,397 mm)
  • 55.2 in (1,402 mm) (Dark Horse)
Curb weight
  • 3,588–3,741 lb (1,627–1,697 kg) (EcoBoost)
  • 3,827–4,012 lb (1,736–1,820 kg) (GT)
  • 3,949–3,993 lb (1,791–1,811 kg) (Dark Horse)
Chronology
PredecessorFord Mustang (sixth generation)

Background

On September 14, 2022, Ford introduced the seventh-generation Mustang at the North American International Auto Show, in a special event called "The Stampede".[9][10] As part of its introduction, multiple track-only models were showcased, such as a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, among others. Also announced was the addition of the “Dark Horse” series. Bridging the gap between the Mach 1 and now-discontinued GT350, the Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012-2013 Boss 302 Mustangs— a street legal car with enhanced performance on road courses around the world.

Powertrain

Engines

At launch, two engines were available: a 2.3L turbocharged I4 (EcoBoost) or a 5.0L modular V8 (Coyote).

The 2.3L EcoBoost engine was fully redesigned with new twin-scroll turbochargers and an electronic waste gate. It utilizes both direct and port fuel injection.

The fourth-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 engine received internal revisions, and utilizes dual air intakes and throttle bodies.

2024 Mustang Dark Horse Front
2024 Mustang Dark Horse Rear

The Dark Horse model received a modified version of the 5.0L V8 featuring a unique crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods from the sixth-generation Shelby GT500.

ModelModel yearEngine DisplacementPowerTorqueCompression Ratio
EcoBoost2024–137.5 cu in (2,253 cc) I4315 hp (235 kW) @ 5,500 rpm350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) @ 3,000 rpm10.6:1
GT (Europe)2024–307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8448 hp (334 kW) @ 7,150 rpm397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm12:1
GT2024–307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8480 hp (358 kW) @ 7,150 rpm418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm12:1
GT
(with active exhaust)
2024–307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8486 hp (362 kW) @ 7,250 rpm418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm12:1
Dark Horse (Europe)2024–307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8453 hp (338 kW) @ 7,250 rpm397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm12:1
Dark Horse2024–307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8500 hp (373 kW) @ 7,250 rpm418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm12:1

Transmissions

At launch, three transmissions were offered: a Getrag 6-speed manual (GT only), a Tremec 6-speed manual (Dark Horse only), or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The following tables show the gear ratios for the 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions.[11]

6-speed Manual Transmission Gear Ratios
GearGT

(Getrag MT82-D4)

Dark Horse

(Tremec TR-3160)

First3.237:13.25:1
Second2.104:12.23:1
Third1.422:11.61:1
Fourth1.000:11.24:1
Fifth0.814:11.00:1
Sixth0.622:10.63:1
Final Drive3.55:1 (Standard)

3.73:1 (Performance Package)

3.73:1
10-speed Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios (Ford 10R80)
GearEcoboostGTDark Horse
First4.696:14.696:14.70:1
Second2.985:12.985:12.99:1
Third2.146:12.146:12.15:1
Fourth1.769:11.769:11.77:1
Fifth1.520:11.520:11.52:1
Sixth1.275:11.275:11.28:1
Seventh1.000:11.000:11.00:1
Eighth0.854:10.854:10.85:1
Ninth0.689:10.689:10.69:1
Tenth0.636:10.636:10.64:1
Final Drive3.15:1 (Standard),

3.55:1 (Performance Package)

3.15:1 (Standard),

3.55:1 (Performance Package)

3.55:1
2024 Mustang interior

Special models

Mustang Dark Horse S

The Mustang Dark Horse S is a track-only version of the streetcar. It has had all non-essential parts stripped away, and an FIA certified rollcage added, as well as race seats and a racing steering wheel.[12]

Mustang GTD

Mustang GTD

On August 17, 2023, Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD, a street-version of their GT3 race car, for the 2025 model year. This model incorporates an aerodynamic design and a supercharged 5.2L V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted trans-axle. It was stated that the car is targeted to make 800 horsepower.[13]

Motorsport

Mustang GT3

Mustang GT3
Mustang GT3 competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2024.

In 2022, Ford Performance announced the development of a GT3 Ford Mustang based on the Dark Horse model, built by Ford and Multimatic. It was revealed in 2023 and races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA WEC. This means the Mustang raced at Le Mans for the first time since 1997 after a 27 year absence. German Racing Team Proton Competition were the first customer team to run the new Mustang GT3 in the WEC.[14]

Mustang GT4

In 2023, Ford Performance announced at the 2023 24 Hours of Spa that a new GT4 Ford Mustang would be released for 2024, replacing the previous generation Mustang GT4. The car is eligible to compete in the GT4 America Series, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and IMSA SportsCar Challenge among other championships that include GT4 cars. The car made its debut at the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona.[15][16]

NASCAR

On November 1, 2023, Ford Performance unveiled the new Dark Horse Next Gen body style for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, replacing the sixth generation Mustang GT.[17]

Supercars Championship

Mustang Supercar

At the 2022 Bathurst 1000, Ford revealed the Ford Mustang GT Supercar, which was made according to regulations of the Supercars Championship. It has a Coyote V8 engine, which is similar to those used in some production models, with a modification to have the engine have a power output of over 600 horsepower.[18]

Dark Horse R

In July of 2023, Ford unveiled the Dark Horse R. A car very similar to the Dark Horse S, made for the single-make Mustang Challenge which supports the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2024.[19]

References