Ford promised that big things were in store for the 2024 Ford Mustang when it unveiled the model in the heart of Detroit earlier this year. However, Ford didn’t reveal performance numbers for either the 5.0 liter V8 or the 2.3 liter EcoBoost four cylinder. Ford has finally chosen to add the missing piece to the puzzle by unveiling the full performance numbers for the 2024 Mustang lineup and it seems that the wait will indeed be worth it.
Dark Horse Thunders Past Competition With 500 Horsepower
Leading the charge is the all-new Dark Horse model which is the new pinnacle of naturally aspirated Mustang performance. While the GT500 is still the undisputed king of Mustang performance (for now) the Dark Horse is still a potent member of the Mustang stable thanks to its 500 hp 5.0 liter V8. The Dark Horse benefits from a number of key upgrades including strengthened components to help it handle the extra horsepower.
It also gets a slick coat of metallic paint but power is the name of the game here and the Dark Horse is the second most powerful naturally aspirated Mustang model ever built with only the axed GT350 being more powerful. But if you don’t have the coin needed for the full Dark Horse experience, the 2024 GT model is not too far behind in horsepower. While it does lose 20 hp to the DH, it makes 30 more horses than the outgoing 2023 model for a revised total of 480 hp. The GT also retains the core formula that has made the Mustang the icon that it is thanks to its burly styling as well as an available performance package that adds things like beefier brakes and other goodies to the Mustang. A six-speed manual is still the base transmission, but buyers that prefer to let the car do the shifting for them can opt for an optional 10-speed automatic
Mustang EcoBoost Receives Light Updates
With the V8 model receiving the lion share of attention, it should come as no surprise that the 2.3 liter EcoBoost has received less updates. It’s still the entry level Mustang powerplant and that’s reflected in the carryover 350 lb-ft of torque that it gets from the 2023 model. Horsepower on the other hand goes up by five for a revised total of 315 hp. The manual transmission was axed from all EB models for 2024 so the only transmission on hand will be a 10-speed automatic. We suspect that sluggish sales for the manual played a hand in this decision but we’ll definitely miss it since the stick allows the 2.3 liter to be at its true best.
At least the 2.3 liter will continue to be the preferred choice for those looking to save some trips to the pump. While Ford didn’t reveal fuel economy for the V8 models, the company did confirm that the EB is capable of achieving 22/34/26 in city/highway/combined driving. That should please buyers that want the looks of a raw V8 but lack the pocket book to keep the V8 fed.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 Ford Mustang is slated to go on sale in the summer of 2023. Pricing information hasn’t been released yet , but look for that information to appear closer to its on sale date possibly later this winter or spring.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.