Pony’s pricing revealed
Reservations have opened for Kiwis to get in early and order from the three-model all-new Mustang line-up, which includes the GT Fastback and Dark Horse kitted out with a manual or automatic transmission.
Ford describes the seventh generation as “the most exhilarating and visceral yet – from its digital cockpit to its V8 powerplant, to its edgier yet timeless exterior design”.
The latest iteration adds modern, chiselled looks to its heritage-inspired design. Its low, horizontal brow across the front emphasises overall frontal width, while the upper grille’s shape is influenced by the original 1960s design.
The tri-bar LED headlamps continue the lighting signature. The sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels.
The roofline is optimised for driver entry and exit without removing helmets on the track, and the extended rear houses a signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned diffuser for improved balance.
The Mustang’s all-new cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be customised to show information.
The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster can be altered to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent visuals.
Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in video games, when choosing personalised drive-mode settings the car’s current set-up is displayed on the centre stack in real-time graphics. Settings can be adjusted by swiping the graphic to rotate the vehicle virtually “in a true gamified style”.
The digital instrument cluster on the GT and Dark Horse flow seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack behind the same piece of integrated glass, angled towards the motorist.
Together, these screens create an immersive digital experience that emulates a fighter-jet’s cockpit. The Mustangs also come with the latest B&O sound system with 12 speakers and a sub-woofer.
The all-new models deliver “an even more exciting drive experience” with new and advanced engine technologies.
At the Mustang’s core is the fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine. The available active-valve performance exhaust system enables the GT Fastback to deliver 362kW of power at 7,250rpm and 567Nm of torque at 4,900rpm.
Beyond the boost in power, the system’s free-flowing design delivers a custom V8 sound with the ability to close the valves to restrict noise made by the car.
The V8 also features a class first. Its dual intake and dual throttle body-induction system is matched with structural improvements and upgraded oil pan. This helps minimise induction loss by enabling higher airflow rates.
The Dark Horse boasts a specially modified engine so it’s the most powerful five-litre V8 yet with 373kW at 7,250rpm and 567Nm at 4,900rpm.
A special team of Ford engineers, designers and experts worked for more than three years to create this street and track-capable performance Mustang. It’s the first new performance name for the brand since Bullitt was introduced in 2001.
The Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille.
It can be ordered in New Zealand with the unique six-speed Tremec manual transmission, which includes a special transmission-oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose the blue oval’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport-paddle shifters.
This variant provides unique chassis tuning, larger rear-sway bars and heavy-duty front shocks. Stopping is courtesy of 19-inch Brembo front-six piston brakes. Steering response and grip have been enhanced with a K-brace for better handling and feedback.
The Dark Horse puts the torque down without losing traction through a Torsen rear differential and staggered wheels – 19 by 9.5-inch at the front and 19 by 10 at the rear.
The standard MagneRide shocks are capable of monitoring wheel and tyre movement 1,000 times per second to optimise performance based on driving surface or driving mode.
The Dark Horse infuses more performance style and functionality into the driver-centric cockpit. A thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede and finished with blue accent stitching incorporates anodised silver paddle shifters on the 10-speed automatic transmission models and a dedicated drive mode button is at thumb’s reach so motorists can quickly choose the desired set-up.
Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats lift the cabin’s ambience. This is enhanced further by Recaro seats in deep indigo blue with a unique seat perforation.
At the Dark Horse’s front, a shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED headlamps, which compliments the gloss-black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and lower front bumper with its high-gloss “fangs”.
Lower side skirts and – to the rear – a fixed rear wing, race-inspired diffuser and darkened quad exhaust tips demonstrate its track-focused design cues.
The Dark Horse’s badges have been designed to visually separate it from other models. These are placed on the fenders and door sills, while a dark, anodised version of the famous pony stays on the front. Inside, variant-specific badging is featured on the instrument panel and digital display screens.
The 2024 Mustang GT will be available to order in a variety of colours, while the Dark Horse will come in three select colours with two exclusive to this variant.
As for pricing, the GT Fastback starts at $92,990. Its five-litre V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission generates 362kW at 7,250rpm and 567Nm at 4,900rpm.
The 10-speed automatic Dark Horse starts at $114,990. The vital statistics for its five-litre V8 are 373kW at 7,250rpm and 567Nm at 4,900rpm.
The Dark Horse with Tremec six-speed manual transmission is priced from $116,990. Its power and torque match the automatic’s. Deliveries are slated to start early next year.
