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Ford Mustang (seventh generation)

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Ford Mustang (seventh generation)
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Model codeS650
ProductionMay 2023 – present
Model years2024–present
AssemblyUnited States: Flat Rock, Michigan (Flat Rock Assembly Plant)
Canada: Markham, Ontario (Multimatic)[1]
DesignerChris Stevens[2]
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformFord D2C platform[4]
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length
  • Standard: 189.4 in (4,810 mm)
  • Dark Horse: 189.8 in (4,820 mm)
Width
  • Standard: 75.4 in (1,915 mm)
  • Dark Horse: 75.6 in (1,920 mm)
Height
  • Standard: 54.9–55.1 in (1,395–1,400 mm)
  • Dark Horse: 55.1 in (1,400 mm)
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)

The Ford Mustang (S650) is the seventh-generation of the Ford Mustang 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,[5][6] initially available with either the redesigned 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with 315 HP, or the revised, 4th generation Coyote V8 with 480-486 HP in the GT and 500 HP in the Dark Horse.[7][8][9]

Background

[edit]

On September 14, 2022, Ford introduced the seventh-generation Mustang at the North American International Auto Show at a special event called "The Stampede".[10][11] At the event, several track-only models were showcased, including a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, and others. Also announced was the new “Dark Horse” series to bridge the gap between the Mach 1 and the discontinued Shelby GT350. The Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012–2013 Boss 302 Mustangs — a street legal car with enhanced performance for international road courses.

Powertrain

[edit]

Engines

[edit]

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

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

The fourth-generation 5.0 L 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 5.0 L V8 featuring a unique crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods from the sixth-generation Shelby GT500.

The Dark Horse SC and the GTD include the 5.2L Supercharged Predator V8 from the sixth-generation Shelby GT500.

Model Model year Engine Displacement Power Torque Compression Ratio
EcoBoost 2024– 137.5 cu in (2,253 cc) I4 315 hp (235 kW; 319 PS) at 5,500 rpm 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) at 3,000 rpm 10.6:1
GT (Europe) 2024– 307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8 448 hp (334 kW; 454 PS) at 7,150 rpm 397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm 12:1
GT 2024– 307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8 480 hp (360 kW; 490 PS) at 7,150 rpm 418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm 12:1
GT
(with active exhaust)		 2024– 307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8 486 hp (362 kW; 493 PS) at 7,250 rpm 418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm 12:1
Dark Horse (Europe) 2024– 307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8 453 hp (338 kW; 459 PS) at 7,250 rpm 397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm 12:1
Dark Horse 2024– 307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8 500 hp (370 kW; 510 PS) at 7,250 rpm 418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm 12:1
GTD 2025- 315.1 cu in

(5,163 cc) V8

 815 hp

(608 kW; 826 PS) at 7,400 rpm

 664 lb·ft

(900N·m) at 4,800 rpm

Transmissions

[edit]

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.[12]

6-speed Manual Transmission Gear Ratios
Gear GT

(Getrag MT82-D4)

 Dark Horse

(Tremec TR-3160)

First 3.237:1 3.25:1
Second 2.104:1 2.23:1
Third 1.422:1 1.61:1
Fourth 1.000:1 1.24:1
Fifth 0.814:1 1.00:1
Sixth 0.622:1 0.63:1
Final Drive 3.55:1 (Standard)

3.73:1 (Performance Package)

 3.73:1
10-speed Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios (Ford 10R80)
Gear Ecoboost GT Dark Horse
First 4.696:1 4.696:1 4.70:1
Second 2.985:1 2.985:1 2.99:1
Third 2.146:1 2.146:1 2.15:1
Fourth 1.769:1 1.769:1 1.77:1
Fifth 1.520:1 1.520:1 1.52:1
Sixth 1.275:1 1.275:1 1.28:1
Seventh 1.000:1 1.000:1 1.00:1
Eighth 0.854:1 0.854:1 0.85:1
Ninth 0.689:1 0.689:1 0.69:1
Tenth 0.636:1 0.636:1 0.64:1
Final Drive 3.15:1 (Standard),

3.55:1 (Performance Package)

 3.15:1 (Standard),

3.55:1 (Performance Package)

 3.55:1

Interior

[edit]
Interior photo showing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system

The traditional dual-cowl dashboard of previous models was replaced with a fighter-jet-inspired,[13] highly customizable dual-screen digital cockpit consisting of a freestanding 12.4 inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4 inch infotainment system, powered by the Unreal Engine.[14] The intent was to prioritize the digital user experience in an attempt to attract a younger demographic accustomed to high-end tech interfaces.[15]

Special models

[edit]

Mustang Dark Horse S

[edit]

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.[16]

Mustang GTD

[edit]
Mustang GTD

On August 17, 2023, Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD, a street-version of their FIA Group GT3 race car, for the 2025 model year. The "GTD" moniker comes from the GTD class, or Grand Touring Daytona class, of GT3 sports cars raced in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This model incorporates an aerodynamic design and a supercharged 5.2L "Predator" V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted transaxle. It makes 815 hp (608 kW) and 664 lb⋅ft (900 N⋅m) of torque, and has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).[17][18]

Driven by Dirk Müller in December of 2024, The Mustang GTD lapped the Nürburgring track in 6:57:685,[19] making it the only American-made production vehicle, at that time, to complete the circuit in less than seven minutes. It later beat its own record again in May of 2025 with a time of 6:52.072.[20][21][22] In July 2025, that record was beaten by a pair of American-made, production-run, 2026 Chevrolet Corvettes; the ZR1 (6:50.763) and ZR1X (6:49.275). The ZR1X time also edged out the current Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.1) record of 6:49.328.[23][21] In an Instagram post, Ford CEO Jim Farley congratulated the Corvette team, followed with: "Game on!"[24]

Mustang GTD Competition

[edit]

On April 17th, 2026, alongside its Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Time of 6:40.835[25], Ford unveiled the GTD Competition, of which spy shots had been taken in October of 2025. The GTD Competition is currently a pre-production model, with the full list of changes not specified. Known details include magnesium wheels, and unspecified horsepower increase, more aerodynamic devices, including dive planes, wheel aero-discs, and a modified wing, and unspecified tires.[25]

Mustang Dark Horse SC

[edit]
Mustang Dark Horse SC at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow

On January 15, 2026, Ford unveiled the Mustang Dark Horse SC. It considers it to be the spiritual successor to the sixth generation Shelby GT500. It includes the 5.2L Predator V8, the same engine that powers the GT500 and GTD, which is supercharged (hence the letters "SC"), and it has 795 hp (593 kW) and 660 lb⋅ft (895 N⋅m) of torque. It is a track-focused variant of the Dark Horse.[26]

Motorsport

[edit]

Mustang GT3

[edit]
Mustang GT3 run by HRT during a pit stop at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

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 was the first customer team to run the new Mustang GT3 in the WEC. In 2025, the Ford Mustang GT3 made its debut at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. In addition, HRT team vehicles were competing in the DTM and the ADAC GT Masters.[27][28]

Mustang GT4

[edit]
Mustang GT4 at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2024

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. Built by Multimatic Motorsports in partnership with Ford, the GT4 retains the 5.0 L Coyote engine found in the road version. It utilizes Brembo brake discs and calipers, Multimatic two-way adjustable DSSV dampers and a unique rear lower control arm configured for coil-over springs.[29]

The car is eligible to compete in the GT4 America Series, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge among other championships that include GT4 cars. The car made its debut at the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona.[30][31] In its first season, KohR Motorsports and Luca Mars took the GSX Drivers' and Teams' championship in the 2024 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.[32]

NASCAR

[edit]
Mustang NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway in 2024

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.[33]

Supercars Championship

[edit]
Mustang Supercar during pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2023

At the 2022 Bathurst 1000, Ford revealed the Ford Mustang GT Supercar, which was initially built by Ford and Dick Johnson Racing, to conform to the Gen3 regulations.[34]

Dark Horse R

[edit]

In July 2023, Ford unveiled the Dark Horse R, a track-only car very similar to the Dark Horse S, but made for the single-make IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge which supports the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2024.[35]

Use as police vehicle

[edit]

After the discontinuation of sports cars and sedans from Ford, GM, and Dodge which were often outfitted as police cruisers, the seventh generation Mustang found renewed interest from police departments across the United States.[36] Ford sells the Mustang to government purchasers but it does not currently offer a factory police package, so departments upgrade the vehicles in house.[37] State police agencies in Georgia, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have added the seventh generation Mustang to their fleets.

Issues and criticism

[edit]

Critics in the media pointed out that interior cabin materials still felt cheap for the price,[38] the rear seats being so cramped as to almost be unnecessary,[39] and the overall vehicle feeling more like an upgrade over previous models rather than a new generation.[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Maronese, Nicholas (August 17, 2023). "Canadian-built 2025 Ford Mustang GTD boasts 815 hp, 325-km/h top speed". Driving. CA. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  2. ↑ Simone, Clint (May 8, 2020). "We Talk To A Mustang Designer About This GT500 Sketch Becoming Reality". Motor1. US. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  3. ↑ https://www.ford.com/performance/mustang-gtd/
  4. ↑ Kennedy, Robert (January 1, 2024). "Unbridled: The Passion, Performance & Politics Behind America's Favorite Pony Car". OpenRoad. America’s Automotive Trust. p. 32. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  5. ↑ Misoyannis, Alex (May 24, 2023). "New Ford Mustang delayed to next year for Australia".
  6. ↑ "2024 Ford Mustang Production Has Begun". Ford Authority. May 1, 2023.
  7. ↑ "All-New 2024 Ford Mustang® | Engines, Horsepower, Speed, Photos & More | Ford.com". Ford Motor Company. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  8. ↑ "2024 Ford Mustang GT Makes 486 HP, EcoBoost Gets 315 HP". Jalopnik. December 15, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  9. ↑ "2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse First Ride Review: Digital But Still Visceral". MotorTrend. April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Join The Stampede: Ford Announces The Global Debut Of The All-New, Seventh-Generation Mustang In Detroit On Sept. 14" (Press release). Ford Media Center. August 19, 2022.
  11. ↑ Perkins, Chris (September 15, 2022). "The 2024 Ford Mustang Is a Tribute to Internal Combustion". Road & Track. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  12. ↑ "2024 Ford Mustang Preliminary Technical Specifications" (PDF). 2024 Mustang Tech Specs. September 14, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  13. ↑ Raymond, Charlen (March 17, 2026). "Ford Mustang Coupe Generations: All Model Years". CarBuzz. Ford completely eradicated the traditional dual-cowl dashboard and replaced it with a fighter-jet-inspired, highly customizable dual-screen digital cockpit
  14. ↑ Raymond, Charlen (March 17, 2026). "Ford Mustang Coupe Generations: All Model Years". CarBuzz. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster flows into a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered by the Unreal Engine for impressive graphics.
  15. ↑ Raymond, Charlen (March 17, 2026). "Ford Mustang Coupe Generations: All Model Years". CarBuzz. Ford was clear: they prioritized the digital user experience in an attempt to attract a younger demographic accustomed to high-end tech interfaces.
  16. ↑ "2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse S And Dark Horse R Track-Only Cars Announced". Motor1.com. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Ford Launch GT3-Inspired Mustang GTD". www.dailysportscar.com. August 18, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  18. ↑ "2025 Mustang GTD is the Fastest, Most Powerful Production Mustang ever". www.media.ford.com.
  19. ↑ Turkus, Brandon (December 10, 2024). "Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring Faster Than Any Car from an American Brand". Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  20. ↑ Oldenberger, Hannes. "Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Times Records". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  21. 1 2 Bell, Lucas (May 2025). "Ford Mustang GTD Breaks Its Own 'Ring Record, Sets 6:52 Nurburgring Nordschleife Lap". Road & Track. Hearst Autos. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  22. ↑ Irwin, Austin (August 18, 2023). "2025 Ford Mustang GTD". Car and Driver. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  23. ↑ Fitzgerald, Jack (July 31, 2025). "Goodbye, GTD: The Corvette ZR1X Is the Fastest American Car Around the Nürburgring".
  24. ↑ "'Game On:' Ford CEO Responds to the Corvette's Nürburgring Record". motor1.com. August 1, 2025. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  25. 1 2 "New Ford Mustang GTD Crushes the Corvette ZR1X's 'Ring Time and Makes America Proud". Car and Driver. April 17, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  26. ↑ Miller, Caleb (January 15, 2026). "2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Is the Shelby GT500's Successor". CarAndDriver. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Mustang GT3 Unveiled At Le Mans, Proton Becomes First WEC Customer Team". www.dailysportscar.com. June 9, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  28. ↑ Bosch, Miguel (June 3, 2025). "Ford Mustang GT3 makes Nürburgring 24 Hours debut with three-car Haupt Racing Team entry". GT REPORT. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Mustang GT4 Overview" (PDF). Multimatic Motorsports. August 5, 2024. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 26, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  30. ↑ James, Richard S. (June 28, 2023). "Ford reveals Mustang GT4 at Spa". RACER. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  31. ↑ Miller, Caleb (June 28, 2023). "Ford Mustang GT4 Revealed as an Entry Point for Aspiring Racers". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Aghakhani, Mars Seal VP Racing Challenge Titles in Winning Style". IMSA. October 10, 2024. Archived from the original on December 10, 2025. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Ford to run Mustang Dark Horse body style in 2024 Cup competition". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  34. ↑ Pavey, James (September 16, 2022). "New Gen3 Mustang to debut in Bathurst". Supercars.
  35. ↑ "Mustang Cup Announced". performance.ford.com. Ford Performance. August 14, 2024. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  36. ↑ https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2024/05/09/ford-mustang-gt-police-vehicle-speed-engine/73503149007/
  37. ↑ The Ford Mustang Interceptor Is Back
  38. ↑ Armstrong, Nadine (2024). "Ford Mustang GT 2025 Review". Some of the cabin materials still feel a little cheap
  39. ↑ Parsons, Austin (2026). "2026 Ford Mustang Review, Pricing, and Specs". Puny rear seats seem unnecessary.
  40. ↑ Ottley, Stephen (June 28, 2024). "Ford Mustang 2025 review: GT". CarsGuide.com.au. Feels like an update, rather than new-gen
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