We look at the 2024 Ford Mustang GT as a clear step forward that still respects what made this car matter. We keep the proven bones, improve the weak spots, and move the design and tech ahead without losing the V8 focus. We believe this car shows Ford’s choice to protect affordable V8 performance.
We share what changed, what stayed familiar, and how it feels on the road. We focus on real updates to style, power, comfort, and driving feel, all at a price that keeps the GT within reach.
Key Takeaways
- The car blends familiar roots with meaningful updates.
- The V8 delivers strong power with modern control.
- The cabin and drive feel more advanced and focused.
Overview of the 2024 Ford Mustang GT
Roots and Ongoing Change
We are looking at the seventh generation Mustang, but it keeps strong ties to the past. Ford chose to carry forward what worked and refine it instead of starting over. That choice reflects a clear belief in keeping V8 power affordable and alive.
Updated S550 Foundation
Underneath, this Mustang still rides on the S550 bones we know. It keeps the same wheelbase and fully independent suspension, but Ford made smart updates where needed. The result feels familiar while offering better power, sharper styling, and more driver-focused features.
Key carryover and updates include:
- Same basic platform and suspension layout
- Improved powertrain with higher output
- New interior tech shaped by Ford Performance drivers
Commitment to V8 Power
We get a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and that matters. The engine now uses dual throttle bodies and makes 480 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. With the Performance Pack, output rises to 486 horsepower, close to the Dark Horse.
V8 and drivetrain details:
- 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
- Under 4,000 lb in coupe form
- 0–60 mph in about 4.3 seconds
- Quarter mile in roughly 12.5 seconds
Ford clearly stands by the idea that a Mustang GT should sound, feel, and drive like a true V8 car.
Exterior Design
Front-End Shape and Lighting
We see a sharper nose that still keeps the S550 look. The new headlights include approach lighting and sequential turn signals, which match the rear pattern. The front also looks more aggressive, helped by available splitters and Ford Performance and RTR parts.
Track-Focused Package Details
This car has the Performance Pack, and it adds real function, not just looks. We get parts aimed at harder driving, including aero pieces and cooling upgrades. The package also changes small details that make this GT stand apart.
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes
We ride on 19-inch wheels that stand out without looking flashy. The car uses a fully independent setup with MagneRide, which works very well. Huge Brembo brakes handle stopping power and feel ready for track use.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 19 inches |
| Suspension | Independent with MagneRide |
| Brakes | Large Brembo system |
Unique Visual Touches
We keep the familiar 5.0 badge, but Ford updated its look. This car also has a black roof, black mirrors, and keyless entry. The rear quarter panels look squared and muscular, and they leave room for wider tires than the 275s shown here.
Rear Styling and Details
Out back, we get a performance spoiler that adds purpose. The taillights keep the classic three-bar design but use sharper angles. On Performance Pack cars, the rear badge reads GT Performance, which makes each car feel more personal.
Powertrain and Performance
Coyote V8 Engine Details
Under the hood, we get a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8. Ford updated this engine with dual throttle bodies, which helps it breathe better. In GT form, it makes 480 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
With the factory performance package on our car, output rises to 486 horsepower. That puts it just below the Dark Horse trim.
Manual and Automatic Gearboxes
We can choose between two transmissions:
- MT82 six-speed manual
- 10-speed automatic
The manual can feel stiff during hard shifts, but it works fine in normal driving. The automatic shifts faster and gives quicker straight-line acceleration.
Straight-Line Performance Numbers
In coupe form, the Mustang GT weighs under 4,000 pounds. From the factory, we see strong performance:
- 0–60 mph: about 4.3 seconds
- Quarter mile: around 12.5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
These numbers improve slightly with the performance package.
Factory Performance Package Enhancements
Our car includes the performance package, which adds more than cosmetic changes. We get:
- An upgraded exhaust system
- A rear strut tower brace
- A small horsepower bump to 486 hp
The package also brings visual details, like a unique GT Performance badge.
Exhaust Note and Character
The V8 delivers a deep, aggressive sound that fits the car’s character. The upgraded exhaust on the performance package makes the engine louder and sharper. It sounds strong without feeling forced.
Fuel Use and Efficiency
Official EPA Figures
We get clear numbers from the EPA for the Mustang GT. These ratings match what we expect from a V8 coupe.
| Driving Type | Mileage |
|---|---|
| City | 14 mpg |
| Highway | 23 mpg |
| Combined | 17 mpg |
Our Driving Results
We drove the car in mixed conditions with a heavy right foot at times. We still stayed close to 17 mpg during our time behind the wheel. That lines up well with the EPA combined rating.
Driving Range per Tank
The car uses a 16-gallon fuel tank. With our average mileage, that gives us about 272 miles before we need to refuel. This range feels expected for a V8 GT.
Interior Features and Technology
Cabin Design and Build Quality
We see a fresh layout that no longer mirrors the driver and passenger sides. The cabin feels solid and more modern, with a cleaner shape across the dash. Some trim uses hard plastic, but the main touch points feel well finished.
We also notice a carbon-style trim that looks and feels textured, even though it is not real carbon fiber. It adds visual interest without trying to feel flashy.
Seats and Everyday Comfort
We get supportive front seats with strong side bolsters. They look similar to the seats in the Dark Horse and hold us in place well. Ford equips them with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, which helps on long drives.
The seats feel comfortable enough for daily use and longer trips. The steering wheel also feels good in hand and includes heating.
Screens and Media Controls
We interact with two displays that sit under one glass panel.
| Display | Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Digital gauge cluster | 12.4 inches | Speed, drive modes, vehicle data |
| Center touchscreen | 13.2 inches | Media, phone, vehicle settings |
The gauge screen changes with drive modes, and we can adjust it manually. It even includes a Fox Body-style display with green lighting at night. The center screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and pairs with a 12‑speaker B&O sound system that delivers clear audio.
Climate and Daily Use Features
We do not get physical climate buttons in the center stack. Instead, most controls live on the touchscreen. Ford keeps climate shortcuts in a fixed lower bar, so we can adjust temperature and seat settings at any time.
Physical buttons remain for key functions like engine start, hazards, volume, and max climate. This mix keeps the layout simple while staying usable.
Personalization and Driver Setup
We can tailor the digital gauges to match how we drive. The screen layout shifts with drive modes, or we can choose a simpler view. These options let us focus on performance or keep things calm for daily driving.
The interior setup gives us flexibility without adding clutter. Everything stays easy to reach and quick to understand.
Performance Technology and Driving Modes
Digital Gauge Display
We use a 12.4-inch digital gauge screen in front of us. It changes layouts based on how we drive or what we select in the menu. We can also switch to a retro-style display that turns the gauges green at night.
Drive Settings and Personal Setup
The gauge screen reacts to different driving settings. We can also adjust the layout ourselves, depending on what we want to see while driving. This gives us control without digging through deep menus.
Track Tools and Drift Functions
Ford built some interior features with help from Ford Performance drivers. These tools focus on performance driving and track use. We interact with them through the screens rather than physical buttons.
Launch Features and Shift Support
We control performance-related functions through the digital system. The car uses screen-based controls instead of traditional switches. This keeps key functions within easy reach while driving.
Safety and Driver Support Systems
We manage driver-related features through the same digital interface. Important controls stay accessible on the displays. This setup reduces clutter and keeps the cabin simple.
Driving Experience
### Ride Control and Road Feel
We drive on the same S550 bones, with the same wheelbase and fully independent setup, but the tuning feels tighter. Our car uses MagneRide, and it works very well at keeping the ride smooth while still feeling planted. The large Brembo brakes slow the car fast and with confidence.
- Fully independent suspension
- MagneRide adaptive dampers
- Large Brembo brake setup
### Gear Changes and Power Delivery
We use the MT82 six-speed manual in this car. During normal driving, shifts feel fine and easy to manage. Under hard acceleration, it can still resist clean shifts, which remains a known issue.
The 5.0-liter V8 pulls strong and sounds excellent. With the Performance Pack, power increases slightly, and the engine feels eager across the rev range.
### Steering Input and Driver View
The steering wheel feels solid in our hands, with good grip and clear controls. The seating position feels natural and easy to settle into. We feel comfortable placing the car on the road, especially with the wide tires and stable chassis.
### Driver Involvement and Daily Use
The car weighs under 4,000 pounds in coupe form, which helps it feel quick off the line. We see about 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a quarter mile around 12.5 seconds, right out of the box. The car stays composed at speed and feels ready for spirited driving without needing changes.
Fuel use stays around the EPA average of 17 mpg in mixed driving, even when we drive it hard. That matches our real-world experience and feels honest for a V8 like this.
Conclusion
We see this Mustang as proof that Ford chose careful progress instead of a full reset. We keep the strong S550 base, fix weak points, and add more power, sharper looks, and better tech without losing the V8 focus.
We drive a car that still feels mechanical and familiar, yet more refined. The upgraded Coyote V8, available manual or automatic, and real performance hardware show clear intent.
What stands out to us:
- Naturally aspirated V8 power with up to 486 hp using the performance pack
- Modern interior tech with dual screens and flexible layouts
- Track-ready hardware like MagneRide, Brembo brakes, and cooling features
- Affordable pricing for V8 performance, starting under $43,000
We sit in a cabin that blends comfort and function. Heated and ventilated seats, usable tech, and solid driving controls make this car easy to live with, even on long trips.
We view this Mustang as a clear commitment to keeping V8 performance alive, while still moving the car forward in design, tech, and usability.
