2024 Ford Mustang. A Car Enthusiast’s Perspective.
The seventh generation of the  Ford Mustang continues the legacy of this iconic American muscle car, embodying the perfect blend of modern technology,  and exhilarating performance. As a car enthusiast, getting behind the wheel of the new Mustang is an experience that truly resonates with the soul of driving.

Design and Styling
It was a privilege to travel to Detroit and learn all the details of this all-new sports car from the designers themselves. I like that it stays true to its roots with a design based on the original 1965 version, but it is now aggressive and technologically advanced.  The front fascia features a bold grille and a sharp three-headlight package, giving it a menacing look. The rear showcases the signature tri-bar taillights, and the wider fenders give it a muscular stance. The newest version includes hardtop coupe and soft-top convertible body styles.

Driving the 2024 Mustang is a thrilling experience. The new cockpit immediately stands out with its driver-focused layout, featuring a large digital display and intuitive controls. The digital dash has been designed to attract younger buyers as it resembles a video game in features and colors.  You can customize how the car runs and feels, and the interior ambiance can be changed through the interior lights to your taste.  The upholstery features multicolors and stitching that creates a premium feeling.  The GT also has a unique finish on the paneling, making it look race car-like.

Test Drive Notes
Thanks to our friends at Ford Motor Company, I had the unforgettable experience of driving the high-powered GT and Dark Horse models. But first, I had to drive Ford’s 2 million dollar simulator. This sim was the same one that NASCAR drivers use during the week to train before the races. The simulators’ advantage is that they allow you to get familiar with a race track ahead of time.  My racetrack experience included 120 miles per hour runs and different speed corners, allowing me to find the car’s limits in a way you could never do on the street.

The new Mustang has two engine options. The base model comes with the proven 2.0 Turbo Ecoboost 4 cylinder. This is a 315 HP motor that is more powerful than the previous generation V6 engines. The GT version is the “true” Mustang, as it comes with a 32-valve DOHC, dual throttle bodies,  and an aluminum Coyote V8 that puts out 486 HP. The Dark Horse version delivers 500 HP. If that was not enough, there is also an “R” version, which is a track-ready racing car, and even a GTD racing machine of over 800 HP that you can buy from the dealer to go racing around the world.

What is most noticeable is that the steering and suspension are precise. The engineers have developed a package capable of handling not just the power but this pony car’s weight and cornering abilities.  I drove the Yellow Splash Metallic Tri-coat car on a loop from Wrightwood to Valyermo,  Gorman, Arvin, Tehachapi, Mojave, Kramer junction, and back to the village in San Bernardino mountain.  This loop includes 7,000 feet of altitude mountain roads and 100-degree desert roads. You can feel that this car is well-tuned to provide a perfect balance between handling and ride comfort. The lower gears provide a lot of acceleration from corner to corner. The brakes are solid and stop the car in a dime.  The minimal roll of the body in the corners makes you feel at ease. Best of all is the roar of the V8 motor. When pushing the Mustang bit through corners, it remains composed.

The six-speed manual transmission provides an engaging driving experience, while the ten-speed automatic offers smooth and quick shifts. The higher gears are tuned to save gas. You can cruise at freeway speed in tenth gear with the engine idling. The GT is equipped with a performance-oriented suspension that enhances handling without compromising ride quality.

The upgraded GT and Dark Horse engines deliver impressive power, making every drive an adrenaline-filled adventure.

The Ecoboost model starts at around $32,000, the GT around $48, and the Dark Horse is in the sixties.  I recommend the GT as it has the best of both worlds, and you get a lot of power at a minimal cost.  The GT model is the quintessential muscle car. The one that, for over sixty years, has created millions of fans around the world.

The new Mustang’s combination of modern technology, classic styling, and exhilarating performance makes it a car that every enthusiast should experience. Whether you’re cruising down the highway, driving a twisty backroad, or attacking corners at a racetrack, the 2024 Mustang delivers a very rewarding driving experience.