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This article features independent illustrations by CarScoops artist Josh Byrnes based on prototype 2024 Mustangs captured by our spies as well as our own information. The renderers are not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford.
Ford’s sixth-generation Mustang was a stellar success for the Dearborn automaker, with its global reach winning new fans from America to Australia. A little tweak here and there has kept it fresh, but the time is near for a new, completely revamped pony car to take on the world.
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Our photographic detectives have photographed the next seventh generation Mustang, codenamed S650, in heavy camouflage. So armed with this aesthetic info and a few internal leaks, we’ve dug into everything we know about the successor to the S550.
E stands for Evolution
You might notice that the proportions, suspension and roofline are almost the same as the current car. Why? Well, it’s not quite the fundamental redesign you’d expect. The S650 was rumored to be based on the newer rear-wheel drive Lincoln Aviator/Explorer platform, but it seems that plan fell through.
It’s still one hell of a thorough redesign; the styling is sharper, strained and almost retro. The GT variant features a bold Mach 1-inspired lower bumper with gaping air intakes and a Focus RS-esque grille. This grille will be a talking point for many – it’s smaller than it looks due to its solid, contrasting trapezoidal frame (which is a good thing in this context).
The sleek Matrix headlights contain three U-shaped DRL elements, while the hood features a flatter profile with a central crease. Side profile changes consist of tighter sheet metal surface, clearer C-channel sculpting and firmer hips. LED tri-bar taillights sit at a more aggressive angle, while four exhausts and a squared-off rear bumper help cement the GT’s fast look.
New technology, retro throwback inside
Ford capitalized on the popularity of the ’80s Fox Body Mustangs, whose cabin styling was influenced by the boxy drag racer favorite. The superimposition of spy images of the new car over the third-generation interior shows how much fun Ford designers had in taking it as an influence.
So what are the main changes? Well, it loses its dual-cowl dashboard for a more conventional, more driver-centric setup and key physical buttons that are angled toward the driver. Other notable elements include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, squared-off air vents and a traditional shifter, and we’re expecting higher quality materials too.
Tech tidbits include a one-piece digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen running Ford’s latest Sync 4 operating system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air (OTA) updates. USB-C and USB sockets, wireless charging and a range of driving safety and comfort assistants will also be included.
Long live the V8 – for now
Unlike other automakers, the Blue Oval doesn’t sacrifice the Mustang GT’s main attraction — the venerable 5.0-liter Coyote V8. It’s also the one piece of the puzzle that they hold close to their chests. Some reports suggest the five-cylinder will receive calibration tweaks here and there, while others suggest hybrid electrification will be deployed.
The most likely candidate for partial electrification is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four that powers lower spec classes. In this case, the battery-assisted powertrain delivers V8 performance with a fraction of the fuel consumption. Power continues to be sent to the rear wheels, although you can bet Ford’s engineering team is keeping a close eye on the folks at GM and their upcoming hybridized, all-wheel-drive Corvette.
Rivals and Revelations
The Mustang’s closest competitors are the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro. Yet both go away to be reborn—the Dodge as an electrified muscle, and Chevrolet possibly as an EV performance sedan (or so the conjecture mill tells us). This keeps the Mustang largely to itself in a unique space. Sure, there are the likes of Toyota’s Supra and Nissan’s tapered Z, but neither offers a thunderous naturally aspirated V8.
A report from Car & Driver suggests a world premiere could take place as early as next April as an offering for the 2024 model year, with production set to continue at Ford’s Flat Rock plant.
Do you think the redesign of the next Mustang goes far enough? Share your views in the comments below.
