Ford has just released the newest version of its famed pony car, the 2024 Mustang. As with any Mustang release, this also means that there's a new Mustang GT for pony car lovers to envy. In typical Ford fashion, there is plenty to help differentiate the GT model from the base model cars. For as long as it's been available, the GT model of the Mustang has been the one that enthusiasts flock to. It's the cream of the crop, the every man's performance car.
Sure, there will most definitely be some Shelby models, a GT500 variant is more than likely to be released in the near future. There's also a lot of excitement for the newly announced Dark Horse. However, as long as the Mustang has been available, the GT models have always been exciting enough all on their own.
What's Different On The S650 Mustang GT?
For starters, it's important to understand that this new S650 generation of the Ford Mustang is promised to be a huge improvement over the outgoing S550 Mustang. Ford has introduced the new car with more technology, more power, and more options than ever available in the Mustang lineup.
During the live global reveal, set on a backdrop over iconic Detroit, MI, we learned about at least three models of the new Mustang. As expected, the GT model was a huge portion of the material. What are the actual differences between the Ecoboost and the GT? For starters, there's the powertrain. While the new Ecoboost model is promised to be more powerful than the previous generation, most Mustang aficionados are still love struck with the V8. If the aficionados want a V8 in a 2024 Mustang, that means they're getting a GT.
So It's Got A V8, What Else?
The GT trim level is much more than a V8 engine. But, I'm going to mention at least one more thing about the new Mustang power plant. This fourth generation 5.0L Coyote V8 promises to be the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in any Mustang GT to date. It features a new dual intake box as well as dual throttle bodies, maximizing airflow and power along with it.
Purists rejoice, the standard transmission option on the Mustang GT is still a six-speed manual. To help bring the old transmission into the modern age, Ford has introduced a high-tech rev matching feature into the GT model. Users who opt for the optional 10 speed automatic transmission get a few more features. The selectable drive modes for example, will switch the shift points of the auto trans to better suit it for the task at hand.
There are some changes outside to let the world know that you're driving a GT. Although striking in comparison to the base model car, these changes are not purely cosmetic. The larger, more aggressive grille opening increases air flow to the Coyote V8 under the hood. An aggressive hood vent also does double duty to help keep the beast in the proper operating temperature. There's also a redesigned new front splitter, which may be more cosmetic than purpose designed, yet, I'm sure the designers could give us some numbers on how they came to this design if someone actually pressed them. Around the side, one of the most obvious differences are the GT specific, standard 19" wheels. Perfectly suited to the aggressive look of the S650 Mustang.
It's Not All Muscle, There's More Tech In This Pony Than Ever
Front and center in all new 2024 Mustangs is the massive 12.4" digital gauge cluster. Ford says that the ultra modern display will allow users to customize appearance as well as colors. The display will also change based on your selected drive modes, putting the most important information in front of the driver when they need it. Next to the impressive cluster is an equally impressive 13.2" Sync 4 center stack. The secondary point of reference for those in the driver's seat, allowing them to control things such as climate, radio functions, and vehicle settings. Ford has taken the advice of all generations of Mustang drivers, including millennial and gen-z owners, in the creation of the user interface. They're hoping to strike the balance between deleting buttons and keeping the essential functions easy. I can still see a volume knob present under the Sync screen, so they've still got the attention of this elder millennial.
Among the tech suite, there are a few party tricks that the Mustang developers baked in. There's a special lighting sequence that appears when the driver gets near the car, as well as a Mustang splash screen on the gauge cluster and center stack when it comes to life. Perhaps the most outrageous thing on the new mustang, not exclusive to the GT, is the new Remote Rev feature that allows users to remotely rev the engine of their new Mustang from their key fob. While I'm not completely sure that I understand why they've made this a feature, I’m also not sure that it matters. People who love their new Mustang will undoubtedly love being able to show friends that they can let the Coyote V8 sing remotely.