Ford recently launched its seventh-generation Mustang muscle car with a new fighter jet-inspired cockpit, restructured styling, and a revised chassis. Most exciting, the seventh-gen Mustang will come with its turbocharged and V8 ICE engines, which is good news to Mustang enthusiasts.
The 2024 Mustang will be available in convertible and hardtop configurations to meet customers’ needs. High-performance internal combustion engines have been the American muscle cars’ staple for decades.
However, with Dodge expected to produce electric Challengers and Chevy Camaros going extinct after 2024, the 7th gen Mustang will be the last true muscle car. Although the “eMuscle cars” are likely to keep up high speeds and performance, they do not provide the thrill of resonant deep rumble from an internal combustion engine, a real thrill to grease monkeys.
The 7th Gen Ford Mustang Ditches Electrification
Ford has once again listened to the needs of their customers by renewing the 7th gen Mustang as an ICE-only muscle car. Ford’s iconic nameplate, Mustang, has transitioned into an automotive gem since its debut in 1964. Better yet, the Detroit automaker has increased the horses its Eco Boost turbocharged and Coyote V8 engines produce to have a proper last laugh.
The Mustang’s sound, performance, and looks are key contributors to owning one. Hence, electrifying the Mustang would deny its customers the thrill they deserve from driving a muscle car. The possibility of being the last American muscle car with a gasoline-powered engine will attract a new market segment of gearheads who still thirst for a V8’s engine roar in a sporty American coupe.
Ford added some desirable features and updates in the 2024 Mustang to make it more appealing to its customers. It included a new remote rev feature that can remotely rev the car’s engine using the key fob. The 2024 Mustang offers a performance electronic parking brake that doubles as a drift brake while in drift mode and resembles the traditional level-action handbrake.
The EcoBoost and GT models have an optional performance pack with larger Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, MagneRide active-dampening suspension active exhaust, Recaro bucket seats, a front strut-tower brace, and wider wheels and tires.
2024 Mustang’s ICE Engines Have More Power
The Blue Oval tweaked the engines in their 7th gen Mustangs to provide more power. Thanks to a dual-throttle body design and air intake box, the potent 4th gen 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine will deliver more naturally-aspirated power in the Mustang GT nameplate. They will work together to minimize the induction loss, enabling higher air flow rates. Ford’s Coyote eight cylinders will produce 480 ponies, 30 more horses than the 6th generation Mustang, and 420 lb-ft of torque.
The Mustang GT will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, you read that right. Having a manual transmission muscle car in the face of American muscle car electrification is electrifying – no pun intended. The top-of-the-line Mustang Dark Horse, producing 500 horsepower, will be available in either a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission to receive the full power of the eight cylinders.
Those with fuel economy in mind will have an exhilarating experience from the all-new four-cylinder turbocharged Eco Boost engine. The Mustang EcoBoost will channel the power from its peppy engine to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The inline-four engine will produce 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Will Ford Discontinue The Mustang?
Although the company has not released any official information of discontinuing the Mustang, it is highly unlikely the Detroit-based American automaker will make such a decision. Possibly, the 2024 Ford Mustang will not be the last ICE-powered Mustang.
Nevertheless, with its major competitor, Dodge transitioning to all-electric muscle cars, the 7th generation might be the last ICE-only Mustang. The company will likely produce hybrid or full electric Mustangs for its 8th gen to keep up with the competition.
When the Blue Oval ultimately transitions to producing eMuscle cars, they will surprise many with their performance. Several EVs, such as Tesla Model S Plaid and Rimac Nevera, prove that giving up a gasoline engine is not the same as giving up high speeds and performance. For instance, Ford’s all-electric SUV, Mach-E GT, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in a blazing 3.8 seconds.
Whereas people argue the Mach-E is not a real Mustang, it is safe to say that the Detroit-based American automaker has mastered the art of producing EVs. Ford Motor Company might base the electric Mustang on Mach-E’s platform, enabling it to live up to its reputation.
Since Ford has not announced any electrification plans for the Mustang, the 7th gen Mustang gives every true gearhead another chance to own an ICE muscle car.
Source: Ford
