Ford Mustang (seventh generation)

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang is a 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, initially available with either the redesigned 2.3L 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.

Background

On September 14, 2022, Ford introduced the seventh-generation Mustang at the North American International Auto Show, in a special event called "The Stampede". As part of its introduction, multiple track-only models were showcased, such as a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, among others. Also announced was the addition of the “Dark Horse” series. Bridging the gap between the Mach 1 and now-discontinued GT350, the Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012-2013 Boss 302 Mustangs— a street legal car with enhanced performance on road courses around the world.

Powertrain

Engines

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

The 2.3L EcoBoost engine was fully redesigned with new twin-scroll turbochargers with an electronic waste gate, and it now utilizes both direct and port fuel injection.

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

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

Transmissions

At launch, three transmissions were offered: a Getrag 6-speed manual (GT only), a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission (Dark Horse only), or a 10-speed automatic transmission (available on all trims).

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.

Mustang GTD

On August 17, 2023, Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD, a street-version of their GT3 race car, for the 2025 model year. This model incorporates an aerodynamic design and a supercharged 5.2L V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted trans-axle. It was stated that the car is targeted to make 800 horsepower.

Motorsport

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 were the first customer team to run the new Mustang GT3 in the WEC.

Mustang GT4

In 2023, Ford Performance announced at the 2023 24 Hours of Spa that a GT4 Ford Mustang will be released. The car is eligible to compete in the GT4 America Series, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and IMSA SportsCar Challenge among other GT4 race series. The car made its debut at the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona.

NASCAR

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.

Supercars Championship

At the 2022 Bathurst 1000, Ford revealed the Ford Mustang GT Supercar, which was made according to regulations of the Supercars Championship. It has a Coyote V8 engine, which is similar to those used in some production models, with a modification to have the engine have a power output of over 600 horsepower.

Dark Horse R

In July of 2023, Ford unveiled the Dark Horse R. A car very similar to the Dark Horse S, made for the single-make Mustang Challenge which supports the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2024.

References