America’s favorite pony car is entering its seventh generation, making the 2024 Ford Mustang significantly improved over what’s come before. The changes made to the Mustang run the gamut and include a more modern exterior design, new paint colors, and an upgraded infotainment system. But of course, this being the Mustang, the most exciting announcements have to do with performance. Mustang drivers are looking for thrills behind the wheel and top-tier handling, and the new generation does not disappoint. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of these exciting new features and how they can revolutionize your driving experience.
Mighty Coyote V8
Let’s kick things off with the most important component of any performance vehicle: the engine. Two engines were updated for the Mustang’s lineup for the 2024 model year. The first is a new version of the EcoBoost, a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that now delivers 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, with an all-new Modular Power Cylinder structure that helps it work smarter and harder. This is the standard engine on the most affordable trim levels, so it’s good news for budget-conscious driving enthusiasts that Ford has taken the time to optimize it for the new generation.
If you’re looking for the most power possible, of course, you’ll have to set your sights on the higher trim levels. That’s where you’ll find the 5.0L “Coyote” V8 engine. This is the fourth generation of this engine, and it uses an innovative design to increase airflow and churn out plenty of power. How much power? Up to 418 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 500 hp. That gives you the ability to zoom from zero to sixty miles per hour in as little as 3.7 seconds so that you can be the envy of everyone else at the track.
Electronic Drift Brake
Giving a new Mustang a more powerful engine is undoubtedly exciting, but it’s also a no-brainer. The new Performance Electronic Parking Brake is an innovative new feature that lets you channel that extra power in fun and exciting ways. Don’t be fooled by appearances: this advanced new feature looks like an ordinary hand brake that you might use to keep any old car from rolling away when you park on a hill. But under the surface, it combines traditional parking brake technology with electronic hardware in a way that makes it easier to drift. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced racer, this electronic drift brake can help you improve your skills on the track, leaving your competition in the dust at every turn.
Immersive Digital Cockpit
If you’re going to perform well, you don’t just need a powerful engine and great hardware; you also need to keep track of what your vehicle is doing and what’s going on around you. The Mustang’s new digital cockpit is inspired by fighter jets, so you know that it means business. Everything about the cabin’s design puts the driver first, like the pair of displays that are curved to make them easy to see in a variety of situations, so you won’t get distracted by glare while you’re driving at high speeds.
The visuals on those screens change depending on which drive mode you choose and can be further customized so that you’re only looking at exactly what you want to see. Whether you want to keep track of several stats in real time or focus on just a few details, there’s a setup that works for your driving style. There are advanced modern settings, like the ability to view a 3D rendering of your car’s current setup on screen—simply swipe the screen to rotate the image. But if you’re feeling old school, you can always switch to a digital recreation of the classic Mustang gauges for a more familiar look and feel.
Remote Rev
It’s easy to show off the performance power of the 2024 Mustang when you’re behind the wheel doing laps at your local track. But what if you want to show off your pony car from a bit of a distance? Well, with the new remote rev feature, you’ll be able to let loose the roar of the car’s engine by simply pressing a button on the key fob. Impressing your friends has never been easier.
How to Get the Best Features
If you want to make sure that your Mustang comes loaded with these and other amazing performance features, you’ll want to get it properly configured. Between trims and packages, this can be a bit confusing for some buyers. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered here at Future Ford of Sacramento. Let’s take a look at how you can make sure that you get the thrilling features you’re looking for.
If you want a particular engine, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting the right trim. All models that come with the turbo-four EcoBoost engine under the hood helpfully have “EcoBoost” right in their name, followed by modifiers like Fastback, Premium Fastback, Convertible, or Premium Convertible. Upgrade to a GT model and you’ll get the 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 engine, which delivers up to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. To get the top-tier 5.0L DOHC Coyote V8 that provides 500 hp, you’ll need to get a Mustang Dark Horse.
The electronic drift brake is only standard on Dark Horse models, but you can still get it on lower trims by adding a performance package. For EcoBoost models, the High-Performance Package adds the drift brake as well as other excellent performance equipment, like heavy-duty front springs, 19″ Brembo brakes with white Logo brake calipers, and a limited-slip rear axle. There are also styling upgrades, like a carbon black grille and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The GT Performance package also includes the drift brake, heavy-duty front springs, and Brembo brake system. On top of that, it adds a limited-slip differential, a raised rear wing, unique chassis tuning, a K-Brace, and a Black-Painted Strut-Tower Brace.
Many of these features come standard on Dark Horse models. You don’t need any extra package to get a K-Brace, limited-slip rear axle, heavy-duty front springs, or Brembo brakes when you get a Mustang Dark Horse. However, the Handling Package available for this trim still brings plenty to the table, like adjustable strut top mounts, a performance rear spoiler with a gurney flap, and revised chassis tuning. This package also gets you a magnetic damping system that keeps your ride consistent and smooth no matter what road conditions you run into.
No Matter How You Configure It, the New Mustang Is Ready to Roll
Of course, getting a top-tier Mustang that comes loaded with all of these features and more is an exciting prospect. But you don’t have to pull out all the stops to get a fantastic Mustang. The new and improved EcoBoost engine provides more power to entry-level trims, which also come standard with the 12.4″ digital cluster and 13.2″ center touchscreen. The performance pack lets you get plenty of other great features without needing to upgrade to a higher trim. Put all this together, and it’s clear that you can get a powerful Mustang that’s ready to deliver thrills no matter your budget. The innovative new features introduced across all models prove that even though the Mustang will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, you can teach an old pony new tricks.
