When the Ford Motor Company introduced the sixth generation of the Mustang, a few people were not impressed by the EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The 2.3-liter engine doesn’t make pleasant sounds either, which is why the Active Noise Control system is programmed to pump artificial induction and exhaust sounds inside the cabin.

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It’s obvious that Ford offers the EcoBoost as a way of bringing more customers into the showroom, but the Blue Oval missed an important detail about this motor. European buyers want a bellowing V8 because the Mustang wouldn’t be American without eight cylinders and a cross-plane crank. Also worthy of note, European cars have always had small powerplants, which defeats the purpose of the Mustang EcoBoost in the Old Continent.

Better late than never, the Ford Motor Company found out the hard way that customers have the last say. Autocar and several other publications received confirmation that four cylinders are no longer available in the Mustang for the European market. As far as the United Kingdom is concerned, the take-up rate for the entry-level EcoBoost is 15 percent of all sales since 2015.

A spokesperson told the British publication that “engineering resource has to be prioritized across all car models, balancing their popularity, emissions compliance, and CO2 contribution.” Reading between the lines, the V8 may also disappear from the European lineup by 2025 when the EU-7 standard will shake up the auto industry with an outrageous target for CO2 emissions.

The Euro 7 regulation still isn’t set in stone, but automakers and trade associations dub it a “de facto ban” on fossil-fuel vehicles. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association has specifically criticized the 60- to 90-percent decrease of emissions, which is impossible to pull off by 2025.

Until the inevitable happens, the most affordable Mustang in the European Union comes in the guise of the GT with the fixed-head coupe body style. This version starts at 49,300 euros ($58,750) in Germany. The Mach 1, which is detuned in Europe due to regulations, is at least 60,800 euros ($72,460).

Reminiscent of the 1993 Triple White Fox body feature Mustang, the 2022 Ford Mustang coupe Ice White Edition gives customers the option to add even more head-turning style to the world's best-selling sports car. Ford made just 1,500 Triple White Fox body feature Mustangs - all convertibles.

Available on Mustang EcoBoost® and GT Premium fastback models, the Mustang Ice White Edition comes lacquered exclusively in Oxford White and features unique iced-out taillamps, plus heritage-inspired 19x9-inch wheels in matching Oxford White with machine-surfaced pockets. Just like on the Ice White Edition Mustang Mach-E, the Ice White Mustang coupe comes with Oxford White pony badges and fender badging.

The black and white interior features Oxford White leather seat inserts front and rear, plus Oxford White leather door panels. An aluminum appliqué on the dash and white accent stitching on the center console, door panels, shifter boot, headrests and more add to the cool cabin environment.

Ice White Edition Appearance Package-equipped Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT Premium coupes arrive at US dealers in early 2022.

Ford has already introduced some of the changes in tow for the 2022 Mustang, such as a new Stealth Edition and an optional GT Performance Package for the California Special. It looks as though there is more news on the way, and it's not good. According to a report published by Ford Authority, citing "sources familiar with the muscle car's launch," the updated 'Stang with the big V8 will have 10 fewer ponies.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the naturally aspirated 5.0L Ti-VCT is going to lose 10 pound-feet (14 Newton-meters) of torque as well. The drop in output will impact both the GT and Mach 1 flavors of the Mustang, regardless of transmission and body style. The jury is still out on why the eight-cylinder engine will be making less power for 2022, but Ford Authority believes the Coyote engine is being tweaked to meet stricter emissions regulations.

Taking into account the rumored power loss, it means the Mustang GT will be making 450 hp and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) going forward whereas the Mach 1 will have to make do with 470 hp and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm). As bad as this may seem, Europeans have it worse considering the GT on the Old Continent is rated at 453 hp (338 kW) and 390 lb-ft (529 Nm) while the Mach 1 has 453 hp and 390 lb-ft (529 Nm).

Even though the Blue Oval's website still shows the 2021 Mustang, the report goes on to say Ford has already opened the order books for the 2022MY and will kick off customer deliveries in the first quarter of next year. It could very well be the last hurrah for the S550-generation model as the seventh generation of the iconic sports car is allegedly coming for the 2023 model year.

Further down the line, Autoline Daily reported at the beginning of the year that Ford has already made plans to start production of an electric, not-an-SUV Mustang in December 2028.

Since the first 1967 model, the Shelby GT500 has stood for the pinnacle of Mustang performance and has continued to build on the legacy of Shelby performance. With a reputation for transforming Ford Mustang into dominant road racing machines, Carroll Shelby, American racer and entrepreneur, took his legendary Mustang GT350 model further in 1967 to craft the first-generation Shelby GT500 with a modified 428-cubic-inch V8 inspired by his team's 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans.

Carroll Shelby called the original Shelby GT500 "the first real car I'm really proud of." The Shelby GT500 is just as iconic today - as the most powerful and most advanced Mustang ever - as it was during its first iteration 55 years ago.

Paying homage to the original 1967 Shelby GT500, the limited run of 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition fastbacks will be finished in a classic and exclusive, Brittany Blue exterior paint with two different Wimbledon White exterior stripe options:

• Painted Over-the-Top racing stripes with unique GT500 logo (also available in Absolute Black)
• Vinyl Over-the-Top racing stripes with unique vinyl side stripe featuring GT500 logo

Designed and engineered by Ford Performance as the most powerful street-legal Ford ever built, the 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 harnesses world-class muscle and powertrain technologies to attain supercar levels of performance. Features include a first-in-class 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, race-bred control strategies and advanced drive modes.

The 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 has a starting U.S. MSRP of $72,900, (not including $1,195 destination fee and $2,600 Gas Guzzler Tax). The Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition package is available for an additional $2,140, while the GT500 Heritage Edition package with hand-painted stripes adds $12,140 to the Shelby GT500's U.S. MSRP.

Shelby American is celebrating their 60th anniversary next year and the company is marking the occasion by unveiling the new GT500KR.

Based on the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the third-generation GT500KR is the “King of the Road” as it features a 5.2-liter V8 engine that has been equipped with a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger, an intercooler, and a heat exchanger. The model also boasts a cold air intake and a Borla cat-back exhaust.

Thanks to these modifications, the engine will develop more than 900 hp (671 kW / 913 PS) at the flywheel. While final specifications are still pending, the standard GT500 has 760 hp (567 kW / 771 PS).

The upgrades extend beyond the engine compartment as the GT500KR has been outfitted with performance half-shafts, height adjustable springs, Ford Performance sway bars, and a recalibrated MagneRide suspension. The model also sports caster camber plates, hardened wheel studs, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in “performance spec tires.”

On the styling front, the model has a number of carbon fiber components including a hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, and Gurney flap. Buyers will also find rocker stripes and plenty of Shelby badging. They can also opt for a wide body kit, painted stripes, and Le Mans stripes.

Moving into the cabin, there are reupholstered leather seats, embroidered floor mats, and an individually numbered dash plaque. Buyers can also order a rear seat delete with a harness bar.

Shelby will begin accepting orders on February 1st, but the first production model will go under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction on January 29th. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

The GT500KR package costs $54,995 and can be applied to any 2020-2022 GT500. Only 180 (60 per model year) will be offered in the United States, while the remaining 45 will be available elsewhere.

We've known for some time that the seventh-generation Ford Mustang is deep into development. Occasional sightings of test mules haven't revealed much in the way of styling, but now we have our first look at the next Mustang wearing its production body.

This prototype is obviously well hidden beneath heavy camouflage, but we can still see the outline of a grille similar to present-day Mustangs behind the lighter coverings. The camouflage on the front mimics the GT500's face, but don't be concerned about the new Mustang adopting a massive grille similar to the BMW 4 Series. We can see a bumper separating the grille from the lower fascia, and we can also make out thin headlights flanking the opening. Overall, the nose looks more angular and perhaps a bit flatter and narrower compared to the sixth-generation car on sale today.
Moving to the rear, there's more heavy camouflage present but lighter areas around the taillights show the upper fascia. It's enough to see a familiar slope not unlike the current Mustang, and while those taillights don't appear to be production-spec, they maintain the traditional three-bar vertical layout. In profile, there isn't much to see other than a familiar Mustang shape, which makes sense as we believe the next pony will utilize a modified version of the current platform. Based on these images, then, we'd say the new Mustang will be a conservative evolution, at least when it comes to design.

Beneath the design is where things could get interesting. Rumors say the next-gen car (known internally as the S650) could feature both a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. Those would be firsts for the Mustang, and then there's the possibility of an all-electric Mustang in the near future. It will happen eventually, as Ford will electrify its entire lineup within the next decade or so. The question is whether it will happen for the seventh generation, or wait until the eighth-generation model. In the meantime, the Coyote V8 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines should endure for the near future.

How near is the Mustang's future? The latest rumors have the seventh-generation Mustang entering production in 2023 as a 2024 model. That means a debut could take place later this year.

​​​​​​​The quintessential style of west coast America has crossed the Atlantic as the Ford Mustang California Special arrives in Europe for the first time.

Embodying the free-spirited ethos of the 1968 original, the new California Special is offered exclusively in convertible body style with a folding soft-top for classic looks and open-air thrills. A special-edition design package with unique badging, detailing, 19-inch alloy wheels and special "colour shift" California Special decals delivers distinctive style, and Ford's charismatic 450 PS V8 petrol engine provides the power for effortless cruising.

Inside, the Mustang California Special is designed to help liberate all the fun of the open road whatever the weather, with bespoke California Special detailing adding exclusive appeal. Standard comfort technologies include heated and cooled front seats, a 12-inch customisable instrument cluster, and advanced SYNC 3 connectivity that enables drivers to call up their favourite road trip soundtrack or find directions to the nearest beach using just their voice.

"The California Special is a huge part of the Mustang's legacy in America and it symbolises so much of what Mustang stands for: The joy of driving and the freedom of the open road. Those ideals resonate just as strongly with driving enthusiasts in Europe, so it's about time customers here got to experience the unique California Special blend of style, performance and driving fun," said Matthias Tonn, Mustang chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe.

Classic design reinvented

When the now iconic Ford Mustang first hit the streets in 1964, owners' clubs sprang up across America, with many regional dealers creating their own personalised designs. One - inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype - came to be called the California Special.

That original version featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights and a side racing stripes that ended ahead of new rear side air scoops, as well as a Shelby-inspired spoiler. Impressed, Ford put a limited number of California Special cars into production for 1968.

The newest interpretation - available only as a folding soft-top convertible in homage to the famously Mediterranean-like climate of "the Golden State" - reflects the original with a honeycomb front grille finished in Ebony Black and featuring a GT/CS badge in Race Red, as well as lower side stripes finished in black, red and grey. Incorporating GT/CS logos, the stripes run from the front to rear wings and feature a hidden "California Special" script that is almost invisible in low light conditions but becomes much more prominent in stronger sunlight.

Like the original, aerodynamic enhancements hint at V8 performance, with a larger front splitter and optional rear side air scoops. At the rear, a California Special faux filler cap sits above quad tailpipes. Unique five-spoke alloy wheels add to the exclusivity. Front 19 x 9-inch and rear 19 x 9.5-inch wheels are finished in Carbonised Grey to complement the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser. Under the bonnet, a strut tower brace features a California Special badge.

Nine exterior colours include signature Grabber Blue and Cyber Orange, contrasting with the black roof that folds to transform the coupe profile into a sleek convertible in eight seconds.

Further unique design touches and comfort features inside the Ford Mustang California Special highlight its special-edition status. Standard heated and cooled front seats help occupants stay comfortable with the roof down in summer or winter. The leather seats and door inserts are part-finished in grey Miko® suede - an ecological, synthetic material made from recycled polyester - with red stitching. Seats and floor mats are embossed with the GT/CS logo, and the instrument panel is finished in Carbon Hex aluminium with a unique Mustang California Special badge.

Ford's SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system is designed to always be ready for a spur of the moment road trip, enabling drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions with conversational voice commands and a central 8-inch touch screen. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at no extra cost and connectivity is provided on the move by a standard FordPass Connect modem.

Standard driver assistance technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keeping Alert help make every day driving less demanding, with the ultimate in stress relief provided by the folding roof, creating unlimited headroom.

Good vibrations

The Ford Mustang California Special's 5.0-litre Ford V8 engine - delivering 450 PS and 529 Nm of torque - provides the performance and soundtrack befitting a special-edition Mustang.

Combined with Ford's six-speed manual transmission featuring rev-matching technology for seamless gearchanges and an even sportier character, the model accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds. Ford's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission delivers 4.5-second 0-62 mph acceleration.

The automatic transmission also optimises performance depending on the selected Drive Mode. Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet modes deliver the appropriate driving experience whether on Route 66 or the A6. Good Neighbour mode can automatically limit the exhaust's noise output at pre-programmed times of the day.

Traction and cornering grip are maximised by a standard limited-slip differential and an available MagneRide® suspension system. It monitors conditions one thousand times per second and uses an electronically-controlled fluid to match damping resistance to the driving scenario.

The Ford Mustang California Special expands the European Mustang family that includes the Mustang GT fastback and convertible, the track-ready Mustang Mach 1, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and Mustang Mach-E GT.

Mustang Mach-E combines the style, character and performance of the iconic sports car with an energy-efficient, battery-electric drivetrain capable of delivering up to 610 km WLTP pure-electric driving range. Mustang Mach-E GT delivers Ford's most exhilarating all-electric production vehicle driving experience yet, with a specially tuned all-wheel drive powertrain offering 487 PS and 860 Nm for 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds.

Ford said this morning that it would invest $3.7 billion in U.S. plants to build the seventh-generation Mustang and the next Ranger pickup. Part of that announcement consisted of a simple graphic image with the words "7th Generation. The all-new Ford Mustang" with the horse logo. Not so subtly hidden in the image was a 6-speed manual shift gate pattern in the "O".

The option of a stick shift wasn't in serious doubt, but it wasn't a forgone conclusion, either. Sports car after sports car have jettisoned what was once called the "standard" transmission. See the Corvette C8, BMW M5, Audi TT, Toyota Supra (though that will soon be rectified), and everything from Ferrari. These days, manuals are so rare that carmakers make big pronouncements about their mere existence. See the Nissan Z, Acura Integra, and now the next Mustang.

Previous rumors have had the next Mustang, debuting in 2023 for the 2024 model year (also its 60th anniversary), powered by possible hybrid drivetrains. These have pointed to hybridized versions of both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a Coyote V8. An electrified Mustang would be powered by a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In April, Ford’s vehicle director for icons and Ford Performance, Ali Jammoul got real in an interview with Australia's Wheels. “You know, eventually it’s going be phased out, right?" Jammoul added, "As long as there’s a market for it and customers still want that higher performing feel, it’ll stay, but clearly you can deliver a lot more [from an automatic], especially from EVs." He added, "It’s clear there will be more electrification, and manual gearboxes will not be around in the future.”

So, even if the manual gearbox lives to shift another Mustang generation, it might very will be the last.

Ford is recalling a specific subset of Mustangs from the 2019 to 2021 model years built from January 8, 2018 to December 16, 2020. The automaker added rev matching as standard to the 2019 Mustang GT with a manual transmission, and it seems the transmission gear position sensor isn't getting along with the powertrain control module (PCM). On occasion, the PCM doesn't like the gear position data the sensor sends, so the PCM considers the data a "degraded signal." In case of such signals, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the PCM "may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light, and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions."

Ford's investigations found that the degraded signals happened during driving that included "clutch slip [and] extended reverse driving," and on cars with aftermarket mods ... which describes the duty cycle of just about every Mustang ever. There have been around 200 claims related to the matter, but Ford says it knows of no crashes nor injuries. The recall covers 25,032 potentially affected Mustangs, all of which can be fixed with a trip to the dealer for updated PCM software. While they're at the dealer, owners might as well make sure the other recall affecting 2019 and 2020 Mustangs with a manual, concerning a potentially blank instrument cluster, is fixed as well.

Ford says it will begin notifying owners on June 13. Mustang owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332 and refer to internal recall number 22S37. They can also get in touch with the at 888-327-4236 and refer to campaign number 22V382000.

Another day, another teaser for the next-generation S650 Ford Mustang. While the last teaser made a cryptic hint about "Performance," this one plays no games — it's even posted by the Ford Performance Twitter channel. A brief audio clip plays what sounds like the cockpit of a race car, which in this case would be the Ford Mustang GT3 racer that will campaign in the IMSA series in 2024. There's a cabin clearly lacking sound insulation, an exhaust note far fiercer than the V8 audio clip from a previous tease, and straight-cut gears shifting faster than anything else in the Mustang lineup short of the seven-speed dual-clutch in the Shelby GT500.

The two factory-backed Mustang racers competing in the GTD Pro class will use a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 developed by Ford Performance, built Ford of Europe's motorsports partner M-Sport. Known mostly for World Rally Championship entries with Ford, the English motorsport company developed a V8 for Bentley that won the 2020 Bathurst 12-Hour race. Canada's Multimatic is also involved with the Mustang GT3 car, possibly helping develop and fine tune features like the rear-mounted transaxle and short-long arm suspension. Although the car won't start chasing victories until 2024, we suspect some close-up views will be had in the lead-up to next January's Rolex 24 at Daytona. In keeping with GT3 class rules, Ford will offer 20 examples of the Mustang GT3 to customer teams, so there could be a whole herd of horses stampeding for the line in 17 months. There will also be a new-generation GT4 competition car, and a version headed to Australia for that country's Supercars Series.

The stampede to the launch of this car at the Detroit Auto Show is less than a week away.

Codenamed S650, the long-awaited successor to the S550 has leaked mere hours before its premiere in Detroit at the so-called Stampede. The seventh generation’s world debut will be livestreamed from 8:00 pm ET.
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@cochespias leaked the pictures on Instagram, pictures that include a fastback-bodied EcoBoost, a fastback-bodied GT, and a convertible GT. Pictured in gray, the four-pot Mustang is that little bit sharper than the outgoing model. The GT levels up in terms of exterior design with a more serious front grille and a heat extractor in the hood. These styling elements are shared between the fixed-head fastback and the rag-topped convertible.

There are, however, subtle differences between the V8-engined ponies. The convertible appears to be a well-equipped GT with a six-speed manual transmission, black-and-white upholstery, keyless entry and start, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system integrated into the same panel as the instrumentation.

As for the coupe, the only picture of the interior clearly shows Recaro-branded front seats with extra bolstering. The car’s exterior also flaunts different wheels, blue-painted brake calipers, black badging, black mirror caps, a black-painted roof with a shark-fin antenna, and a black rear wing.

The photos are too low quality to zoom in on the GT badge. Ford has recently teased a GT badge with Performance written into the horizontal line that connects the G to the T. Most likely a go-faster package, the GT Performance may be related to the outgoing GT Performance Package. The $6,700 option consists of many goodies, starting with a larger radiator.

The list of upgrades further includes a K-brace, heavy-duty front springs, a strut tower brace, a Torsen differential with 3.73 rear-axle gearing for the manual or 3.55 for the automatic transmission, unique chassis tuning, unique software tuning for the safety nannies, an upsized rear sway bar, a front splitter, a rear wing, a gauge pack, an aluminum instrument panel, Brembo six-piston front brake calipers in black, 255/40 R19 and 275/40 R19 summer-only tires, and 19- by 9- and 9.5-inch Ebony Black wheels.

It's too early for us to spill out the beans on the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo and 5.0-liter Coyote naturally-aspirated V8. In the meantime, here's a reminder that said engines develop anything from 310 to 332 horsepower and from 450 to 470 horsepower in the outgoing Mustang.

Ford once again sounds a wake-up call for sports car lovers around the world with the introduction of the all-new Ford Mustang. The seventh generation is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to new advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet timeless exterior design.

"Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles," said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. "Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars - all in the Ford Blue family - on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026."

The new Ford Mustang adds another chapter to an icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the world's best-selling sports coupe for seven years running. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options at multiple price points and performance levels.

A completely rethought interior

Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customized to show information the driver wants or needs to see.

The car's 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster can be customized to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent visuals. Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games, when choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car's current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in a true gamified style

"We're taking advantage of every pixel," said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. "We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges or even a 'calm' screen where only minimal details are displayed."

Mustang's default instrument gauge setting has shifted from traditional, cool blue and light grey tones to an ultra-modern, copper appearance theme also shared with Mustang Mach-E. From there, almost everything in the displays - and the ambient interior lighting - can be configured to selected tones, while instrument clusters adapt to drive mode selection.

When choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car's current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in true gamified style.

This digital instrument cluster can be optionally configured to flow seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack behind a single piece of integrated glass that's angled toward the driver.

"We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit," said Ricardo Garcia, Ford interior design manager. "Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display was popular in research with Millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike."

Beyond the screen, an all-new race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel provides more space when getting seated.

Outside the vehicle, animated welcome lighting greets drivers as they approach and, upon entry, Mustang splash screens come to life. And for those who enjoy the sound of a revving engine, Mustang introduces Remote Rev, providing the ability to rev the car's engine remotely using the key fob.

Mustang has a standard cloth interior featuring all-cloth seats with optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts and black seat belts, while Premium models benefit from upgraded wrapped and accent stitched across the instrument panel and door trim. EcoBoost models feature Ford's 'ActiveX' synthetic leather upholstery with multiple color options, while GT models gain leather seat inserts.

Higher series models offer an upgraded, full-leather steering wheel, as well as a choice of color accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts, complemented by color-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts.

The center console can also incorporate an available wireless mobile phone charging pad while new overhead USB ports are installed above the cockpit, conveniently placed for track cameras and other devices, helping prevent wires from draping across the cabin.

The available B&O Sound System is optimized for the car's interior, contributing to the visceral experience of Mustang ownership. Customers can share the ultimate driving playlist through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are fully compatible with SYNC 4.

Amazon Alexa Built-In with Ford Streaming allows music and podcasts to be played with simple voice commands. Like the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, the all-new Mustang features Ford Power-Up software update capability.

Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customization

The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out to appeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet.

Its low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the upper grille design shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang's classic lighting signature. Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.

The roofline is optimized for driver entry and exit without removing their helmet on the track, and an extended rear deck houses a new crisp signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned diffuser for improved aerodynamic balance in the rear.

Each model in the Mustang lineup carries its own unique front end. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance. The car's aerodynamics are optimized further with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter.

"Both the EcoBoost and Mustang GT have unique styling cues that deliver on their promise of Mustang Performance," said Christopher Walter, Ford Mustang design manager. "The new Mustang is more chiseled and edgier, leaning into Mustang's classic brawniness and timelessness."

Ford Mustang convertible continues its drop-top legacy offering maximum open-air freedom. A simple, one-touch activation with a single-handle center latch opens and closes the fully lined and insulated fabric roof. The compact roof design and independent rear suspension also contribute toward segment-leading trunk space that can accommodate up to two golf bags.

The all-new Mustang launches with 11 exterior color options including two new shades, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash, complemented by new stripe colors and designs. Customers also can choose from three Brembo brake caliper color options: Black, Red and Grabber Blue, plus an all-new lineup of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-inch standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT with optional 20-inch alloy wheels.

New for the 2024 model year is the Mustang Design Series, providing further customization options straight from the factory. The Bronze Design Series Appearance Package adds Sinister Bronze alloy wheels with bronze badges, and is available on both EcoBoost and GT models, with or without the optional Performance Pack.

Most Advanced and Athletic Engines Ever

The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes customers want to get in the driver's seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new and advanced engine technologies.

It starts with Mustang GT, now powered by an advanced, 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. The fourth-generation 5.0-liter is set to deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Ford Mustang GT thanks to an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design, that helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates.

"This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet," said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer. "Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to drive modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension and steering controls, we're now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favorite roads to their local track."

Ford has saved the manual transmission for a new generation and the 5.0-liter V8 continues to offer a standard six-speed manual transmission for customers who want an uncompromised connection to eight-cylinder power. Ford's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission is available, and it almost instantaneously reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected drive mode.

Customers who desire Mustang's fun-to-drive feeling with fuel efficiency benefits can opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter powertrain.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they take control of how the car behaves.

On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver's view ahead of them. As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.

Mustang GT and EcoBoost models are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen® Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-millimeter front and 355-millimeter rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro® seats and active exhaust.

Ford Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged. This retains peak torque between manual gear changes, delivering even more precision, thrill and better refinement.

Quicker steering ratios and minimal compliance from steering wheel to tire significantly enhances the car's cornering dynamics, with increased straight-line power.

A segment-first electronic drift brake takes new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability of Mustang with the visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical hand brake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake comes standard with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models, engineered for novice drivers to learn and improve their drift skills while also providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

More Available Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies

The new Mustang comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™ features, including Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. Another key feature is Active Pothole Mitigation, included with the Performance Package, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.

Owners can stay connected with their car via the FordPass™ app in other ways, utilizing free remote features such as remote vehicle start and stop, door locking and unlocking, scheduling a start time, locating the vehicle, and vehicle health and status checks. The FordPass app provides important vehicle information available to users, including fuel and oil levels, service history and warranty information.

The all-new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. starting in the summer of 2023 and is assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-liter V8 - the most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever, projecting 500 horsepower - Ford Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup and sets a new benchmark for American street and track performance that could only come in a Mustang.

A special team of Ford engineers, designers and experts worked for more than three years to create Mustang Dark Horse, a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all the capability sports car lovers expect, right down to the available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). Mustang Dark Horse is the first new performance name for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001.

"For decades, Mustang has competed against the most premium brands on the greatest world stages and won," said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. "We surprised everyone, and we're going to surprise them again with a track-capable Mustang that puts a new level of performance, styling and American engineering in the hands of everyday customers who still want the thrill and excitement of a V8 sports car."

Unique 5.0-liter V8 with Even More Athletic Performance

The foundation for Ford Mustang Dark Horse starts with the all-new 2024 Mustang, which has been transformed with a digitally immersive cockpit, new engines and styling to make it the most exhilarating and fun-to-drive Mustang ever.

"We've taken the all-new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-liter V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tires, steering and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes beyond any 5.0-liter Mustang before it," said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer.

The heart of Ford Mustang Dark Horse is its unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, specially modified with piston connecting rods first introduced in the 760-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Dark Horse will deliver the highest level of performance in the all-new Mustang family.

Visually differentiated from any 5.0-liter V8 before it, Mustang Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille.

Ford Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose Ford's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting - from the highway to the race circuit.

Additional powertrain enhancements were made for performance at the track. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse provides unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars and heavy-duty front shocks. Stopping is courtesy of 19-inch Brembo front 6 piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. Steering response and grip is further enhanced with a new lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace for even better handling and feedback from Mustang Dark Horse. Mustang Dark Horse puts the torque down without losing traction through a Torsen® rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO™ (PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-inch-by-9.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-10-inch rear wheels).

Mustang Dark Horse offers standard MagneRide® shocks capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second, optimizing performance based on driving surface or driving mode.

For ultimate street-legal and track performance, the available Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires and 19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels.

Finally, for no compromise track performance, customers can equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). It's the first time carbon fiber wheels have been available for a Mustang beyond Shelby® GT350® and GT500.®

Driver-Focused Immersive Digital Cockpit

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse infuses even more performance style and functionality into the all-new seventh-generation car's technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit.

A thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede and finished with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching incorporates anodized silver paddle shifters on models ordered with the 10-speed automatic transmission and a dedicated drive mode button is at thumb's reach, allowing drivers to quickly choose the desired driving setup. This sits in front of a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable screens including a variety of drive modes.

This digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack behind the same piece of integrated glass, angled towards the driver. Together, these screens create a fully immersive digital experience that emulates a fighter jet cockpit - but in a real-world sports car.

Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats, gear shift gaiter and center console lift the ambiance of the cabin, enhanced further by unique blue seatbelts. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse Appearance Pack adds Deep Indigo Blue seats with a unique seat perforation, emitting further hints of blue below the surface.

Interior trim, bezels and vents are finished in Black Alley - a dark metallic gloss replacing the familiar bright silver shades of other Mustang trim levels.

Mustang Dark Horse also comes with the latest B&O® Sound System, providing crisp audio through 12 speakers and a subwoofer.

Sophisticated and Sinister Functional Styling

Mustang Dark Horse carries the most striking visual cues of any new road-going Mustang.

"It's more than a new name. Dark Horse brings a new design language to Mustang that is refined yet perfectly suited to its dual purpose of street and track performance," said Joel Piaskowski, global director, Ford Design. "The visual changes, both inside and out, message that Dark Horse has a directed performance focus. The mechanical changes reinforce the purpose of Dark Horse, providing the driver with increased confidence and competence."

At the front, a bold, shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED headlamps, which compliments a unique, gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and Mustang Dark Horse-unique lower front bumper with high gloss 'fangs.' Lower side skirts and, to the rear, a fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser and darkened quad exhaust tips demonstrate the car's track-focused design cues.

New Mustang Dark Horse badges were designed for this performance version of Mustang to visually separate it from other models. The badges are placed on the fenders, trunk and door sills, while a dark, anodized version of the famous pony stays on the front. Inside, unique Mustang Dark Horse badging is featured on the instrument panel and digital display screens, and each car features an individual chassis number.

"This is the first time for Mustang that we've ever had a forward-facing horse," Piaskowski said. "It's aggressive, a bit sinister and it's coming from the shadows head-on to win."

Unique to Mustang Dark Horse is Blue Ember metallic paint, a cool, dark shade that emits a warm glow when it catches the light, setting the tone for the car's overall look. A choice of applied or painted feature graphics along the roof and down the hood are also available in a variety of colors and styles. The optional Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.

Back in 2018, Ford introduced a magic lever that turned you into Ken Block. It was called the Drift Stick, and it was essentially an electronically-controlled hydraulic handbrake for the Focus RS. But the Focus is dead, and the Drift Stick is now merely a faint, warm memory in the heads of snow-drifting enthusiasts. At least, it was — until Ford brought it back for the 2024 Mustang.

The Drift Stick, that baton of electrical sorcery, was a complicated piece. It had to play with the Focus’s ECU, tricking its ABS system into sending thousands of pounds of hydraulic pressure to the rear calipers without letting up when the wheels locked and the tires slid. It also had to disconnect the RS’s center differential, allowing the rear end to freewheel to prevent a stall. But the Mustang is rear-wheel-drive only — its Drift Brake can be a little simpler.

The Mustang, like many modern cars, splits its parking brake off to a second, electronically controlled rear brake caliper. But it seems Ford’s performance engineers took a look at that split rear setup and went, “Hang on. Formula Drift cars have dual rear calipers. We can do something here.”

That “something” was to bring Vaughn Gittin Jr. on board, to help develop a drift brake that Ford claims is a “competition-ready system.” That’s a lot to live up to, especially when the dual rear calipers on FD cars are far more powerful than a little single-piston e-brake, but maybe the Blue Oval meant competitions at your local grassroots event.

Flick the car into Track Mode, and that brake handle becomes an unlatched lever tied straight to the secondary rear pistons — one that won’t lock itself in the engaged position mid-slide. You’ll likely still need to hold in the clutch, but the electronic setup means you won’t have to go out and buy a drift button.

Ford’s been invested deep into drifting for years now, but it’s interesting to see that tech finally start to hit the Mustang. Just, be warned — the Drift Brake isn’t meant for street use. Find an empty parking lot before you go full Ken Block.