Tooling along the canyon roads of Southern California’s Angeles Crest National Forest in the 2024 Ford Mustang GT, I have a mission: Experience the many toys the new Mustang offers in both the coupe and the convertible. That’s a pretty tall order as Ford throws everything the enthusiast driver might want at its seventh-generation pony car, as well as a healthy helping of tech, and it all improves upon an already great sports car.
Let’s start with the most exciting aspect of the new Mustang GT – its engine. Under the hood, there rumbles a good ol’ American V-8. It’s the fourth-generation Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 that’s outfitted with a new dual air intake to feed dual electronic throttle bodies. In standard form, it makes 480 hp, up from 450, and 415 lb-ft of torque, up from 410. Add the optional active exhaust system and output rises slightly to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. The exhaust costs $1,225, but it’s worth every penny just for the look of the quad exhaust tips. It sounds pretty great, too, as have Ford V-8s since the 1960s.
But power is not the only feature that sets the 2024 Mustang GT apart. The car is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen that are both powered by the Sync 4 infotainment system and the Unreal Engine that backs many games. These screens add a lot of tech to the new Mustang.
The 2024 Mustang GT I tested came with my preferred configuration: manual transmission, Performance Package, magnetic dampers, and active exhaust system. With this setup, the Mustang delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The V-8 launches hard off the line, revs willingly up to 7,500 rpm, and scoots the Mustang GT from 0-60 mph in the low-to-mid four-second range. The optional 10-speed automatic transmission performs well to keep the power on tap, but I prefer the joy of driving with a manual transmission. It makes me feel more in tune with the car and adds an extra level of connection to the driving experience.
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To enhance the performance even further, the Performance Package is the way to go. For an additional $4,995, it adds wider 19×9 front and 19×9.5 rear gray-painted aluminum wheels that mount 255/40 and 275/40 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires, heavy-duty front springs, a chassis K-brace, a strut-tower brace, a rear wing spoiler, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential with a 3.73 axle ratio, sport suspension tuning with a larger rear sway bar, and larger brakes. The brakes consist of 15.4-inch vented front discs with Brembo 6-piston calipers and 14.0-inch vented rear discs with 4-piston calipers. These performance enhancements make the Mustang handle as well as it accelerates, providing a thrilling driving experience on twisty canyon roads.
But it’s not all about performance; the 2024 Mustang GT also comes with a host of technology features to enhance the driving experience. One such feature is the optional active exhaust system, which allows the driver to adjust the sound of the Mustang through four levels, from subdued to a track-setting that belts out high decibels of exhaust noise. Another fun toy is the Remote Rev feature, which allows owners to rev the engine from outside the car using the key fob. It’s a playful addition that adds some excitement to start-ups and can impress fellow car enthusiasts.
The Mustang GT also offers some unique tech-based performance features, such as launch control and line lock. Launch control allows the driver to set the car to launch at a specific rpm, providing optimal acceleration off the line. Line lock, on the other hand, enables the driver to perform burnouts by locking the front brakes while allowing the rear tires to spin freely. These features add a fun element to the driving experience, especially for those who enjoy some spirited driving on closed courses.
Overall, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT is a true enthusiast’s car. It combines power, performance, and tech in a way that excites and engages the driver. Whether you opt for the manual transmission or the automatic, the Performance Package or the standard configuration, you’re guaranteed to have a thrilling driving experience behind the wheel of this seventh-generation pony car. With its improved engine, tech features, and performance enhancements, the 2024 Mustang GT is a must-have for any car enthusiast looking for a true American muscle car experience.
