Throughout automotive history, few things in life are more exciting than the debut of a new generation of the Ford Mustang. Since its introduction in April 1964, the Mustang has garnered praise and adoration from people of all ages. Whether it was the 1979 Fox body, the 1994 SN95 that transformed into the “New Edge” design in 1999, or even the retro-themed 2005 model, Ford’s flagship has led the pack of Pony Cars year after year (with few exceptions). However, the latest and greatest 2024 Ford Mustang GT version may just be the best yet.
Code-named the S650, the 2024 Mustang GT has us all up-in-arms giddy because it is not only an aggressively evolved version of today’s car but the addition of even more horsepower never hurts either. As with most muscle cars, its soul begins with its engine. The 2024 GT gets a revised version of the already-awesome DOHC direct-injected 5.0 Coyote V8 engine that has also powered (in some variation or another) the amazing GT350 and GT500. In its latest iteration, this Coyote howls to the tune of 486 horsepower at an incredibly sky-high 7,250 rpm and 418 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm.
That power then gets routed through a Getrag MT-82 six-speed manual transmission that comes standard, while a 10-speed automatic is available as an option. Opt for the Performance Package and an optional Torsen limited-slip 3.73 rear axle, then sends all those ponies to the rear wheels where big Pirelli P-Zero PZ4 summer tires measuring 255/40R-19 front/275/40R-19 rear wait to grab the tarmac with alacrity. The Performance Package also adds stiffer bracing as well as a more sport-tuned chassis highlighted by MagneRide active-adjustable dampers.
At its core, the Mustang GT is about performance, and a new Mustang should mean better performance than the one it replaces. Thankfully the newest Mustang does not disappoint. With a manual transmission and the Performance Pack, the GT can sprint from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.2 seconds, while the quarter mile comes and goes in just 12.6 seconds at 113.1 mph. Despite weighing in at a substantial 3,933 pounds, big Brembo brakes can haul down the GT from 60-0 mph in just 99 feet. For some perspective, that nigh-two-ton curb weight is the heftiest non-supercharged Mustang in the brand’s history.
Inside, Ford curated the Mustang’s interior in a “fighter-jet inspired” design. A big 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is the main focus, while a digital gauge cluster and ambient lighting can both be customized to fit the driver’s taste. Ford’s Sync 4 comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Leather inserts adorn the GT’s seats, while a trick new Remote Rev feature allows the driver to simply hit a key-fob button that commands the car to rev up the engine if they want to show off from a distance.
The bad news is that the 2024 Ford Mustang GT comes at a premium of about four grand over its predecessor. Even with today’s inflated prices, the base price for the Mustang GT still comes in at a reasonable $43,090. If you want to add the amazing Performance Pack, it will cost you about $5,000 on top of that base price. But the good news is that unlike the now-defunct Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang is still here for 2024.
It seems fitting that the Ford Mustang, which was the original Pony Car that started a revolution in 1964 that rivaled The Beatles (and certainly outlasted them), now remains the last car standing on the track. For its 60th birthday, the newest Mustang GT is celebrating in high style, with a lovely facelift, and a surge of power that is now literally unrivaled.
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Photos: Ford
