Unveiling the Roaring Beast: Ford Mustang’s Dark Horse Chapter of 2024
Ford has released the seventh chapter of its iconic Dark Horse Mustang muscle vehicle, including updated but familiar looks, overhauled chassis hardware, an all-new interior, and two better powertrains. While the new pony is well-equipped for the future with numerous enhancements, the long-term prospects of its closest competitors, the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, are not as promising.
The new-generation automobile is still powered by a 5.0-liter V-8, but this time it produces 480 horsepower. A 315-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost is an improvement over the previous model, but only modestly. Both powertrains include a 10-speed automatic transmission, however only the V-8 can be equipped with a six-speed manual. Hardtop coupe and soft top convertible body variants are also available.
What’s New in Dark Horse Mustang 2024
The Mustang is entering its seventh generation. The new appearance gives the Mustang Dark Horse some much-needed improvements. Among its many stylistic and powertrain upgrades is a new lineup of options for individuals with a genuine need for speed. Both the Mustang GT and EcoBoost vehicles will have an available Performance Pack equipment package.
The Performance Pack includes a front strut-tower brace, a Torsen limited-slip differential, bigger rims and tires, larger Brembo brakes, and MagneRide active damping suspension. For the performance-minded, Recaro bucket seats and an active exhaust are available as options. Ford also provides a Performance Electronic Parking Brake, which resembles a typical lever-action handbrake and is intended to make the Mustang simpler to slide.
An all-new Dark Horse Mustang track-ready model has also been added to the lineup, with a more menacing 500-hp Coyote V-8 engine and direct access to the Ford Performance parts bin for leaner and meaner equipment upgrades. A GT California Special look option for Mustang GT Premium coupes and convertibles was added a few months after the new Mustang’s initial sale. The GT/CS package pays homage to the original 1968 car, with characteristic blue highlights on the front grille and unusual wheels.
Let’s have a greater look on the specs of Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2024
Prices and Variants of Mustang 2024
The Mustang’s base engine remains a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost, while the GT variant gets a V-8. Even if your wallet says go with the four-cylinder, our emotions say acquire the V-8-powered GT with the six-speed manual. While the GT coupe costs over $10,000 more than a base four-cylinder, you can add a GT Performance package for an additional $5000. That includes 19-inch wheels, large Brembo calipers, a 3.73-geared Torsen differential, and some nice visual upgrades.
Engine, Transmission & Performance of Dark Horse Mustang
The 2024 Mustang has an updated turbocharged 315-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which is marginally more powerful than its predecessor but still falls short of the previous-generation EcoBoost Performance variant. The Mustang GT retains its 5.0-liter V-8 engine and standard six-speed manual transmission. The new Coyote V-8 generates 480 horsepower and provides better steering feel. An optional performance exhaust increases output to 486 horsepower. Both the GT and EcoBoost models amaze with their rapid acceleration, with the GT reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the EcoBoost in 4.5 seconds.
The Mustang Dark Horse, a track-focused variation, features a 500-hp 5.0-liter V-8 and a Tremec TR-3160 transmission, resulting in excellent performance numbers such as a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and exceptional braking capabilities.
Fuel Average & MPG of Dark Horse Mustang
The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder Mustang gets 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, with small drops with the optional Performance Package (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway). The V-8 Mustang maintains its fuel efficiency statistics from the previous generation, with 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (automatic transmission).
The Mustang GT with a manual transmission gets 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the Dark Horse model has slightly lower figures: 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. During highway testing, the GT manual got 24 mpg, while the EcoBoost automatic achieved 32 mpg. For further information, see the EPA’s website.
Dark Horse Mustang Interior & Comfort
Ford’s “fighter-jet inspired” design can be seen in every element of the 2024 Mustang, including the driver’s seat. Surprisingly comfortable, the seats provide adequate support. The standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster is a substantial improvement, with adjustable colors, gauges, and a “calm” screen that displays important information.
The ambient lighting and driver display adapt in response to the drive mode selected. Base models have fabric seats with microsuede vinyl inserts, while Premium models have stitched details throughout. The Mustang GT gets leather inserts. Ford introduces the Remote Rev function, which allows engine revving with a click of the key fob, allowing you to enjoy the engine’s sounds from outside the car.
Infotainment & Connectivity of Dark Horse Mustang
The 2024 dark horse Mustang’s interior technology is a significant improvement. A 13.2-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s Sync 4 software flows from the gauge cluster to the center of the vehicle behind a curved glass panel. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and an optional wireless smartphone charger allows drivers to avoid the clutter of charging cables.
Amazon Alexa and Ford Streaming enable voice requests to replace knob-turning or button presses, and every Mustang includes Ford Power-Up software, which allows for over-the-air updates for future software and vehicle function improvements.