Ford Mustang (seventh generation)

Ford Mustang (S650)
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Model code	S650
Production	May 2023 – present
Model years	2024–present
Assembly	United States: Flat Rock, Michigan (Flat Rock Assembly Plant) Canada: Markham, Ontario (Multimatic)
Designer	Chris Stevens [1]
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car (D) Muscle car (S) (EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse) Sports car (S) (GTD) [2]
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform	Ford D2C platform [3]
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2.3 L EcoBoost I4 5.0 L Coyote V8 5.2 L Predator supercharged V8 (GTD)
Transmission	10-speed 10R80 automatic 6-speed Getrag MT82-D4 manual (GT) 6-speed TREMEC TR-3160 manual (Dark Horse) 8-speed Tremec dual-clutch (GTD)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	Standard: 4,811 mm (189.4 in) Dark Horse: 4,818 mm (189.7 in)
Width	Standard: 1,915 mm (75.4 in) Dark Horse: 1,918 mm (75.5 in)
Height	Standard: 1,392–1,397 mm (54.8–55.0 in) Dark Horse: 1,402 mm (55.2 in)
Curb weight	3,588–3,741 lb (1,627–1,697 kg) (EcoBoost) 3,827–4,012 lb (1,736–1,820 kg) (GT) 3,949–3,993 lb (1,791–1,811 kg) (Dark Horse)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Mustang (sixth generation)

The Ford Mustang S650 is the seventh-generation of the Ford Mustang pony car manufactured by Ford. First shown at the 2022 North American International Auto Show, it is assembled at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant and began production on May 1, 2023, ^{[4] [5]} initially available with either the redesigned 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with 315 horsepower, or the revised, 4th generation Coyote V8 with 480–486 horsepower in the GT and 500 horsepower in the Dark Horse. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

Background

On September 14, 2022, Ford introduced the seventh-generation Mustang at the North American International Auto Show at a special event called "The Stampede". ^{[9] [10]} At the event, several track-only models were showcased, including a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, and others. Also announced was the new “Dark Horse” series to bridge the gap between the Mach 1 and discontinued GT350. The Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012–2013 Boss 302 Mustangs — a street legal car with enhanced performance for international road courses.

• 
  Ford Mustang EcoBoost Front
• 
  Ford Mustang EcoBoost Rear
• 
  Ford Mustang GT Front
• 
  Ford Mustang GT Rear
• 
  Ford Mustang GT Convertible Rear
• 
  Shelby Mustang Super Snake

Powertrain

Engines

At launch, two engines were available: a 2.3 L turbocharged I4 (EcoBoost) or a 5.0 L modular V8 (Coyote).

The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine was fully redesigned with a new twin-scroll turbocharger and an electronic waste gate. It utilizes both direct and port fuel injection.

The fourth-generation 5.0 L Coyote V8 engine received internal revisions, and utilizes dual air intakes and throttle bodies.

2024 Mustang Dark Horse Front

2024 Mustang Dark Horse Rear

The Dark Horse model received a modified version of the 5.0 L V8 featuring a unique crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods from the sixth-generation Shelby GT500.

Model	Model year	Engine Displacement	Power	Torque	Compression Ratio
EcoBoost	2024–	137.5 cu in (2,253 cc) I4	315 hp (235 kW) at 5,500 rpm	350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) at 3,000 rpm	10.6:1
GT (Europe)	2024–	307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8	448 hp (334 kW) at 7,150 rpm	397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm	12:1
GT	2024–	307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8	480 hp (358 kW) at 7,150 rpm	418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm	12:1
GT (with active exhaust)	2024–	307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8	486 hp (362 kW) at 7,250 rpm	418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm	12:1
Dark Horse (Europe)	2024–	307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8	453 hp (338 kW) at 7,250 rpm	397 lb⋅ft (538 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm	12:1
Dark Horse	2024–	307.4 cu in (5,037 cc) V8	500 hp (373 kW) at 7,250 rpm	418 lb⋅ft (567 N⋅m) at 4,900 rpm	12:1

Transmissions

At launch, three transmissions were offered: a Getrag 6-speed manual (GT only), a Tremec 6-speed manual (Dark Horse only), or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The following tables show the gear ratios for the 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions. ^[11]

6-speed Manual Transmission Gear Ratios

Gear	GT (Getrag MT82-D4)	Dark Horse (Tremec TR-3160)
First	3.237:1	3.25:1
Second	2.104:1	2.23:1
Third	1.422:1	1.61:1
Fourth	1.000:1	1.24:1
Fifth	0.814:1	1.00:1
Sixth	0.622:1	0.63:1
Final Drive	3.55:1 (Standard) 3.73:1 (Performance Package)	3.73:1

10-speed Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios (Ford 10R80)

Gear	Ecoboost	GT	Dark Horse
First	4.696:1	4.696:1	4.70:1
Second	2.985:1	2.985:1	2.99:1
Third	2.146:1	2.146:1	2.15:1
Fourth	1.769:1	1.769:1	1.77:1
Fifth	1.520:1	1.520:1	1.52:1
Sixth	1.275:1	1.275:1	1.28:1
Seventh	1.000:1	1.000:1	1.00:1
Eighth	0.854:1	0.854:1	0.85:1
Ninth	0.689:1	0.689:1	0.69:1
Tenth	0.636:1	0.636:1	0.64:1
Final Drive	3.15:1 (Standard), 3.55:1 (Performance Package)	3.15:1 (Standard), 3.55:1 (Performance Package)	3.55:1

Special models

Mustang Dark Horse S

The Mustang Dark Horse S is a track-only version of the streetcar. It has had all non-essential parts stripped away, and an FIA certified rollcage added, as well as race seats and a racing steering wheel. ^[12]

Mustang GTD

Mustang GTD

On August 17, 2023, Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD, a street-version of their FIA Group GT3 race car, for the 2025 model year. The "GTD" moniker comes from the GTD class, or Gran Turismo Daytona class, of GT3 sports cars raced in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This model incorporates an aerodynamic design and a supercharged 5.2L "Predator" V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted transaxle. It makes 815 hp (608 kW) and 664 lb⋅ft (900 N⋅m) of torque, and has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). ^{[13] [14]}

Driven by Dirk Müller in December of 2024, The Mustang GTD lapped the Nürburgring track in 6:57:685, ^[15] making it the only American-made production vehicle, at that time, to complete the circuit in less than seven minutes. It later beat its own record again in May of 2025 with a time of 6:52.072. ^{[16] [17] [18]} In July 2025, that record was beaten by a pair of American-made, production-run, 2026 Chevrolet Corvettes; the ZR1 (6:50.763) and ZR1X (6:49.275). The ZR1X time also edged out the current Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.1) record of 6:49.328. ^{[19] [17]} In an Instagram post, Ford CEO Jim Farley congratulated the Corvette team, followed with: "Game on!" ^[20]

Motorsport

Mustang GT3

Mustang GT3 run by HRT during a pit stop at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Main article: Ford Mustang GT3

In 2022, Ford Performance announced the development of a GT3 Ford Mustang based on the Dark Horse model, built by Ford and Multimatic. It was revealed in 2023 and races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA WEC. This means the Mustang raced at Le Mans for the first time since 1997 after a 27 year absence. German Racing Team Proton Competition was the first customer team to run the new Mustang GT3 in the WEC. In 2025, the Ford Mustang GT3 made its debut at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. In addition, HRT team vehicles were competing in the DTM and the ADAC GT Masters. ^{[21] [22]}

Mustang GT4

Mustang GT4 at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2024

In 2023, Ford Performance announced at the 2023 24 Hours of Spa that a new GT4 Ford Mustang would be released for 2024, replacing the previous generation Mustang GT4. The car is eligible to compete in the GT4 America Series, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and IMSA SportsCar Challenge among other championships that include GT4 cars. The car made its debut at the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona. ^{[23] [24]}

NASCAR

Mustang NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway in 2024

On November 1, 2023, Ford Performance unveiled the new Dark Horse Next Gen body style for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, replacing the sixth generation Mustang GT. ^[25]

Supercars Championship

Mustang Supercar during pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2023

At the 2022 Bathurst 1000, Ford revealed the Ford Mustang GT Supercar, which was initially built by Ford and Dick Johnson Racing, to conform to the Gen3 regulations. ^[26]

Dark Horse R

In July 2023, Ford unveiled the Dark Horse R, a car very similar to the Dark Horse S, but made for the single-make IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge which supports the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2024. ^[27]

Use as police vehicle

After the discontinuation sports cars and sedans from Ford, GM, and Dodge which were often outfitted as police cruisers, the seventh generation Mustang found renewed interest from police departments across the United States. ^[28] Ford sells the Mustang to government purchasers but it does not currently offer a factory police package, so departments upgrade the vehicles in house. ^[29] State police agencies in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have added the seventh generation Mustang to their fleets.

References

1. Simone, Clint (May 8, 2020). "We Talk To A Mustang Designer About This GT500 Sketch Becoming Reality". Motor1. US. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
2. https://www.ford.com/performance/mustang-gtd/
3. Kennedy, Robert (1 January 2024). "Unbridled: The Passion, Performance & Politics Behind America's Favorite Pony Car". OpenRoad. America’s Automotive Trust. p. 32. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
4. Misoyannis, Alex (24 May 2023). "New Ford Mustang delayed to next year for Australia".
5. "2024 Ford Mustang Production Has Begun". Ford Authority. 1 May 2023.
6. "All-New 2024 Ford Mustang® | Engines, Horsepower, Speed, Photos & More | Ford.com". Ford Motor Company. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
7. "2024 Ford Mustang GT Makes 486 HP, EcoBoost Gets 315 HP". Jalopnik. 2022-12-15. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
8. "2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse First Ride Review: Digital But Still Visceral". MotorTrend. 2023-04-17. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
9. "Join The Stampede: Ford Announces The Global Debut Of The All-New, Seventh-Generation Mustang In Detroit On Sept. 14" (Press release). Ford Media Center. August 19, 2022.
10. Perkins, Chris (2022-09-15). "The 2024 Ford Mustang Is a Tribute to Internal Combustion". Road & Track. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
11. "2024 Ford Mustang Preliminary Technical Specifications" (PDF). 2024 Mustang Tech Specs. September 14, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
12. "2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse S And Dark Horse R Track-Only Cars Announced". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
13. "Ford Launch GT3-Inspired Mustang GTD". www.dailysportscar.com. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
14. "2025 Mustang GTD is the Fastest, Most Powerful Production Mustang ever". www.media.ford.com.
15. Turkus, Brandon (December 10, 2024). "Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring Faster Than Any Car from an American Brand" . Retrieved March 26, 2025.
16. Oldenberger, Hannes. "Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Times Records" . Retrieved 2 May 2025.
17. Bell, Lucas (May 2025). "Ford Mustang GTD Breaks Its Own 'Ring Record, Sets 6:52 Nurburgring Nordschleife Lap". Road & Track. Hearst Autos. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
18. Irwin, Austin (18 August 2023). "2025 Ford Mustang GTD". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
19. Fitzgerald, Jack (July 31, 2025). "Goodbye, GTD: The Corvette ZR1X Is the Fastest American Car Around the Nürburgring".
20. "'Game On:' Ford CEO Responds to the Corvette's Nürburgring Record". motor1.com. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
21. "Mustang GT3 Unveiled At Le Mans, Proton Becomes First WEC Customer Team". www.dailysportscar.com. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
22. Bosch, Miguel (2025-06-03). "Ford Mustang GT3 makes Nürburgring 24 Hours debut with three-car Haupt Racing Team entry". GT REPORT. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
23. James, Richard S. (28 June 2023). "Ford reveals Mustang GT4 at Spa". RACER. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
24. Miller, Caleb (28 June 2023). "Ford Mustang GT4 Revealed as an Entry Point for Aspiring Racers". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
25. "Ford to run Mustang Dark Horse body style in 2024 Cup competition". Jayski’s Silly Season Site . NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
26. Pavey, James (16 September 2022). "New Gen3 Mustang to debut in Bathurst". Supercars .
27. "Mustang Cup Announced". performance.ford.com. Ford Performance. August 14, 2024. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
28. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2024/05/09/ford-mustang-gt-police-vehicle-speed-engine/73503149007/
29. The Ford Mustang Interceptor Is Back