This article includes independent illustrations made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on 2024 Mustang prototypes caught by our spies as well as our own intel. The renders are neither related to nor endorsed by Ford.
Ford’s sixth-generation Mustang has been a stellar success for the Dearborn automaker, with its global outreach winning new fans from America to Australia. A nip-tuck here and there has kept it fresh, yet time is nigh for a new, wholly reworked pony car to tackle the world.
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Our photographic sleuths have snapped the next, seventh-generation Mustang, codenamed S650, wearing heavy camouflage. So armed with that aesthetic intel and a couple of internal leaks, we’ve dived into everything we know about the S550’s successor.
E Is For Evolution
You may notice that the proportions, hardpoints and roofline are almost the same as the current car. Why? Well, it’s not quite the ground-up redesign you’d expect. Rumor has it that the S650 was to be based on the newer rear-drive Lincoln Aviator/Explorer platform, but it appears that plan fell through.
It’s still a damn thorough redesign; the styling is sharper, tense and almost retro. The GT variant sports a bold Mach 1-inspired lower bumper with gaping intakes and a Focus RS-like grille. That grille will be a talking point for many – it’s smaller than it looks (which is a good thing in this context) due to its solid, contrasting trapezoidal frame.
The slim matrix headlamps incorporate three U-shaped DRL elements, whilst the hood rocks a flatter profile with a central crease. Changes to the side profile consist of taut sheet metal surfacing, crisp C-channel sculpting and harder haunches. The LED tri-bar taillamps sit at a more aggressive angle, whilst quad exhausts and squared-off rear bumper help cement the GT’s go-fast look.
New Tech, Retro Throwback Inside
Ford has cashed in on the popularity of the Fox Body Mustangs of the 80s with cabin styling influenced by the square-edged drag racer favorite. Overlaying spy imagery of the new car over the third-gen interior shows just how much Ford designers have had fun using it as an influence.
So, what are the main changes? Well, it loses its dual-cowl dashboard for a conventional, more driver-oriented setup and key physical buttons angled towards the driver. Other noteworthy items include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, squared-off air vents and a traditional gear shifter, and we expect higher-quality materials too.
Tech goodies include a one-piece digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen running Ford’s latest Sync 4 operating system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air updates (OTA). USB-C and USB outlets, wireless charging and a suite of driver safety and convenience assists will also feature.
Long Live the V8 – For Now
Unlike other automakers, the Blue Oval is not sacrificing the Mustang GT’s key draw-card – the venerable 5.0-litre Coyote V8. It’s also the one piece of the puzzle they’re keeping close to their chest. Some reports suggest that the five-oh will receive calibration tweaks here and there, while others indicate that hybrid electrification will be employed.
The most likely candidate for partial electrification is the 2.3-litre EcoBoost inline-four powering lower specification grades. If so, the battery-assisted powertrain will deliver V8 performance with a fraction of the fuel burn. Power will continue to be fed to the rear wheels, although you can bet Ford’s development team is keeping a close eye on the folks over at GM and their upcoming hybridized, all-wheel-drive Corvette.
Rivals And Reveal
The Mustang’s closest rivals are the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. Yet, both are going away to be reincarnated – the Dodge as electrified muscle, and Chevrolet possibly as an EV performance sedan (or so the conjecture mill tells us). This leaves the Mustang in a unique space largely to itself. Sure, there are the likes of Toyota’s Supra and Nissan’s rejuvenated Z, but neither offers a thundering, naturally aspirated V8.
A report from Car & Driver suggests a world premiere may take place as early as next April as a 2024 model year offering, with production set to continue at Ford’s Flat Rock facility.
Does the next Mustang’s redesign go far enough for you? Share your views in the comments below.
