Flash Drive: 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Coyote 5.0 V8

Flash Drive: 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Coyote 5.0 V8

Fun in the Last Pony Car

Ford says people buy the Mustang for its looks. Maybe, but after driving the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and EcoBoost Performance Package, the Mustang GT V8 with the automatic and 6-speed manual, it becomes clear pretty fast they will fall in love with their Mustang for the performance. Ford is making sure the seventh-generation Mustang continues to be the American-built Pony Car motoring enthusiasts want, and maybe even need.

Ford invited members of the automotive media to drive the 2024 Mustang on the driving bucket list challenging Angeles Crest Highway, plus an autocross course and a drift experience both set-up at Irwindale Speedway. The fact it was 100º+ didn’t phase the Mustang as its power and handling made for cool and fun driving.

Here are the key specifications for the 2024 Mustang. Note: There is also a Dark Horse model that we did not drive, but it is closely spec’d to the GT.

EcoBoost and EcoBoost Performance Package

EcoBoost

• Coupe and convertible
• 2.3-liter in-line 4-cylinder with tunable exhaust
• Twin scroll turbocharger with overboost
• Port and direct fuel injection
• Rear-wheel drive
• 315 horsepower (hp)/350 foot-pounds of torque (ft.-lb.)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/33 highway/26 combined (Note: Official numbers TBD)
• Base tires: 17-inch 235/55 all-season tires (19 and 20-inch all-season optional)
• Brakes Front: Twin piston, vented disc
• Brakes Rear: Single piston, solid disc
• 10-speed automatic
• Curb Weight: 3,588 pounds (coupe); 3,761 pounds (convertible)

EcoBoost with the Performance Package

• Coupe and convertible
• 2.3-liter in-line 4-cylinder with tunable exhaust
• Twin scroll turbocharger with overboost
• Port and direct fuel injection
• Rear-wheel drive
• 315 hp/350 ft.-lb. torque
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/33 highway/26 combined (Note: Official numbers TBD)
• Base tires: 255/40 summer tires. Base wheels: 19-inch
• Brakes Front: Brembo six-piston, vented disc
• Brakes Rear: Brembo four-piston, vented disc
• Electronic Drift Brake (manual handle)
• 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters
• Curb Weight: 3,588 pounds (coupe); 3,761 pounds (convertible)

GT and GT Performance Package

• Coupe and convertible
• 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with tunable exhaust
• Port and direct fuel injection
• Rear-wheel drive
• 480 hp/415 ft.-lb. of torque
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: Not yet released
• Base tires: 18-inch 255/40 all season tires (summer tires optional; 19 and 20-inch optional)
• Brakes Front: Brembo four-piston, vented disc, power
• Brakes Rear: Brembo four-piston, vented disc, power (six-piston Brembo optional)
• Electronic Drift Brake (manual handle)
• 6-speed Gertrag manual (standard) with rev matching
• 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters (optional)
• Curb Weight: 3,827 – 3,832 pounds (coupe); 3,991 – 4,012 pounds (convertible)

Hey. wait a minute! Hasn’t the EcoBoost been available with a 6-speed manual option? Yes, but it has been dropped for the seventh-generation Mustang EcoBoost as customer demand was low. Too bad. When Clean Fleet Report reviewed it in 2021 and 2019, we loved it as it out-performed the V8 in a few ways. If you want a 6-speed manual, step-up to the GT or Dark Horse with the V8.

EcoBoost Power and Performance

The rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang EcoBoost and EcoBoost Performance Package offer different driving experiences. While both have the turbocharged 2.3-liter I4, producing a very usable 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the EcoBoost Performance Package is far sportier and allows for all the horsepower and torque to be wound-out of the engine.

We learned this first hand driving the EcoBoost over the Angeles Crest Highway, where it handled the twisty, mountainous tricky road well, but showed its limitations. The 10-speed transmission wanted to default to a higher gear for fuel economy, so it was not always in the preferred gear to put the power down in corners, and the standard brakes were not up to the repeated use on the high speed twisties. This model should be for those who commute, take long weekend road trips, but otherwise don’t plan on doing aggressive driving.

Things though changed when we got into the EcoBoost Performance Package at the Irwindale Speedway to tackle the autocross course. The true ability of this 4-cylinder engine was quickly revealed. Instructed to put the automatic transmission in manual, and then blip the right paddle shifter until a bright “3” appeared on the dash cluster, we now were ready to attack the cones with gusto. It was fun! Power was ready-and-willing for the rear wheels to accelerate hard as we negotiated the tight course. We wished we had the EcoBoost Performance Package on our Angeles Crest Highway jaunt.

Based on driving both versions, back-to-back, we suggest opting for the EcoBoost Performance Package so you will always be ready for some serious fun.

V8 Driving Pleasure

As with the Mustang EcoBoost, we drove the Mustang GT with both the 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and the 6-speed manual. First, about the engine. In a world of electric vehicles that are silent, the visceral sound of the Coyote V8 was wonderful. Is it possible to get this sound artificially produced in an electric vehicle like the Ford Mustang Mach-E? Not just yet but one can only hope.

The V8 engine is smooth, predictable and responsive, as you go through the gears on the 6-speed manual transmission or the automatic. For the latter, sliding the gear lever into manual and then using the paddle shifters produced quick and smooth shifts and led to a pleasant rumble when downshifting at high rpms.

The gear shifter for the manual is perfectly located for angle and grip size, whether for slow or hard shifting. The clutch, with a good feel and smooth engagement, produced shifts that delivered the horsepower and torque seamlessly to the rear wheels.

The 6-speed manual allows the Mustang GT to be driven in a civil manner, including the option of leaving it in 2nd or 3rd gear to get around town. However, when it was go-time, the eight cylinders were ready-and-able to spin the rear tires, with the throaty exhaust note offering a satisfying grumble that increased when ramping-up to full throttle.

Both the EcoBoost and GT, when equipped with the Performance Package, come with an electronic drift brake that allows for great tire-smoking, sideways and reverse driving fun. Just pull-up on the handle and the rear brakes lock and your skill at car control will become apparent, real fast. Fair warning that playing with the drift brake is addictive so set-up a separate bank account for new tires. Interested in smoking the rear tires? The Line Lock feature locks the front brakes so you can kill a few mosquitos.

Fuel Economy

Initial EPA estimates rate the EcoBoost at 22 mpg city/33 highway/26 combined, while the GT V8 is 14 city/23 highway/17 combined. Our time driving each engine and transmission combination was limited, so real world fuel economy isn’t known. Check back in late 2023 at Ford.com/Mustang for more details.

Redesigned Interior

Ford gave the 2024 Mustang an all-new interior with the cockpit having its first curved display, totaling 25.6-inches. This display could be considered a radical step for Ford, but one that brings the iconic Mustang into the 21st century. The digital instrument panel, measuring 12.4-inches, is customizable with 3D graphics. The gauges default to the same look as the Mustang Mach-E, but It can be configured to several different looks that change with the driver-selectable drive modes.

The second part of the curved display is the 13.2-inch screen that houses the Sync 4 technology with voice recognition, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, navigation and personalization that can actually learn your driving patterns.

The 2024 Mustang interior has a welcoming feel with all controls within easy reach of the driver. Depending on which model, the seats can be trimmed in cloth, micro suede, vinyl, synthetic or real leather. The power front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats are best for those of a smaller stature.

The optional 12-speaker B&O sound system includes SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. USB ports with iPod connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and hands-free phone capability complete the system.

The Classic Mustang Look

Chris Walter, Mustang exterior design manager, told us the 2024 Mustang is a “modern interpretation of an icon…heritage inspired…with a modern perspective.” With 12 wheel options, 6 interior and 11 exterior colors (including new for 2024 Yellow Splash and Vapor Blue), and the GT front end designed to “look menacing”, the classic long hood with a short trunk lid sums-up the classic Pony Car design. Make sure to look at the rear window of the coupe for Easter Eggs of all seven generation Mustang profiles.

Pricing

The 2024 Ford Mustang is available in nine models. These base prices include the mandatory $1,595 destination and delivery charge. The 2024 Mustang is scheduled to be on sale in late 2023.

• EcoBoost Fastback – $32,515

• EcoBoost Premium Fastback – $38,040

• EcoBoost Convertible – $40,615

• EcoBoost Premium Convertible – $43,540

• GT Fastback – $44,090

• GT Premium Fastback – $48,610

• GT Premium Convertible – $54,110

• Dark Horse – $60,865

• Dark Horse Premium – $64,860

Warranties

The 2024 Ford Mustang comes with these warranties:

• Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles

Observations: 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and GT with Coyote V8

Does every Mustang need 480 horsepower to have any fun? After spending time in the 2024 Ford Mustang, the answer becomes quite apparent that you do not need to. That, of course, is if you opt for the EcoBoost Performance Package where the turbocharged 4-cylinder can really show its stuff. However, if choosing the GT with the V8, then never question what the last remaining Pony Car will deliver.

Laurei Transou, Mustang chief engineer, said the 2024 Mustang is “fast, fun and for everyone” when summing-up what Ford wants drivers to understand about the seventh-generation Mustang. Having the opportunity over two days to drive the Mustang with two different engines and transmissions, we agree completely.

This is a fun car with affordable performance and attractive styling. The EcoBoost Performance Package offers performance that was more than adequate for a sporty drive, whether on mountain curves or cruising leisurely down your favorite highway or road. In Southern California, the convertible is a very frequent sight on Pacific Coast Highway or in the desert, where going topless is as de rigueur as anything else considered cool in the Golden State.

Jim Owens, Mustang brand manager, conveyed “Mustang owners’ experiences and personal stories, of how important and how much fun they had owning a Mustang, is what continues to sell the car.” On a personal note, in the summer of 1968 I owned a 1965 Mustang GT with a 289 V8 and the 4-speed manual. I loved that car for many reasons and thus became one of the former Mustang owners Jim Owens is talking about with nostalgic memories.

When visiting your Ford dealer, tell the rep you want to drive the EcoBoost Performance Package and the GT with the automatic and 6-speed manual. If you have the time and the dealer the patience, drive both the coupe and convertible. This way you will know which of the iconic Mustangs could be right for you.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Ford.

The Last Pony Roundup:

Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Road Test: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe

Road Test: 2015 Dodge Challenger

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.