Get ready, sports car fans. Ford Australia has just confirmed prices and announced the local lineup details for the next-gen, S650 Mustang for 2024.
This is more than just a facelift of the S550 Mustang. It’s the seventh-generation ‘S650’ boasting revised engines and a new variant lineup. In Australia, customers are being presented with a 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder, as before, but it’s only available in the Fastback coupe with an automatic transmission.
Moving up from that is the GT, available in Fastback coupe (manual and auto) and convertible (auto only) form. And then at the top of the new range is the Dark Horse, available in coupe form only but with a manual or auto transmission.
The 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit has been overhauled and gets a new twin-scroll turbocharger, electronic wastegate, altered cam timing, and a new air intake system. Both direct and port injection are also included, resulting in a maximum output of 232kW at 5500rpm (down from 236kW at 6200rpm in the outgoing 2.3 High Performance version).
Peak torque jumps up though, from 448Nm to 475Nm, available from 3000rpm instead of 3800rpm. So, in theory, it should provide better low-end response and improved drivability in regular conditions.
Stepping up to the GT gets you a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that churns out 347kW at 7250rpm, and 550Nm at 4850rpm. Power is up from 339kW at 7000rpm, but torque is down slightly from 556Nm at 4600rpm in the outgoing model. The new unit features twin 80mm throttle bodies and direct and port injection.
If it’s outright power you want, the new Dark Horse should fit the bill. It uses a bespoke 5.0-litre V8 that produces 349kW at 7250rpm and 548Nm at 4850rpm. It uses a special crankshaft and forged conrods from the previous Shelby GT500.
Unfortunately, Australia misses out on the full 373kW and 567Nm engine tune offered overseas. But it does come with the full sports suspension package, incorporating MagneRide dampers, stiffer front springs, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The Dark Horse also comes with special 19-inch alloy wheels, hiding six-piston front Brembo brakes, with 390mm discs. The rear wheels measure 10 inches wide, up from 9.5in on the GT. Tyre sizes for Australia haven’t been mentioned for the Dark Horse, but the GT uses 255/40 front and 275/40 rear Pirelli P-Zero.
Inside, the 2024 Mustang showcases a new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with configurable displays, as well as a 13.2-inch touch-screen running SYNC 4. All variants come with a 12-speaker B&O sound system, and the full Track Apps suite with things like acceleration timer, g-force display, and Line Lock burnout function.
Buyers are being presented with a number of options packs as well, including an Appearance Pack for the EcoBoost, GT and Dark Horse, along with Recaro seats and the MagneRide suspension (if not already fitted). There’s also a Black Pack option.
Pricing for the new lineup starts from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback auto: $64,990
2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback manual: $77,002
2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback auto: $80,902
2024 Ford Mustang GT Convertible auto: $86,752
2024 Ford Mustang GT Dark Horse Fastback manual: $99,102
2024 Ford Mustang GT Dark Horse Fastback auto: $103,002
