2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: An Evolution of Technology and Essence
Venturing along the Big Tujunga Highway in Southern California’s Angeles National Forest, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost offers a blend of familiarity and novelty. While the seventh-generation Mustang, internally known as S650, remains true to its essence, it boasts an array of exciting technological advancements, elevating the driving experience.
In comparison to its predecessor, the S550 version, the seventh-generation Mustang shares many similarities, and that’s not a bad thing. The S550 had already transitioned from a pony car to a sports car, especially after the 2018 update that fine-tuned the independent rear suspension introduced in the 2014 model year.
Externally, the 2024 Ford Mustang exhibits an evolutionary design, reminiscent of the S550, but with subtle hints of the Chevrolet Camaro, notably in its pronounced rear haunches. However, the real transformation occurs within the car’s cabin, where the traditional double-binnacle instrument cluster is replaced with an impressive array of screens that serve as more than just a tech hub.
Featuring a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen, the dashboard offers a juxtaposition of modern technology with retro influences. The Sync 4 infotainment system powers the screens with twice the processing power of its predecessor, the Sync 3. The system’s Unreal Engine graphics, borrowed from popular first-person-shooter video games, add a futuristic touch. Moreover, the system can be updated over the air, ensuring it stays up-to-date automatically or on a schedule.
During a preview at Ford headquarters in March, I delved into the system’s features, and now, having experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say that it enhances the overall Mustang driving experience. The instrument cluster offers five distinct themes: Normal, Sport, Track, Fox Body ’87-’93, and Calm. Each theme provides a unique visual representation, such as a hockey stick tachometer for Track mode and curved speedometer and tachometer graphs for Sport mode. Fox Body mode pays homage to the analog gauges from the latter years of the third-generation Mustang, and it’s the theme I choose to drive with because it celebrates the classic Mustangs that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.
The drive modes on the 2024 Ford Mustang include Track, Sport, and programmable Custom modes. Each Mustang, including the relatively tame EcoBoost, is equipped with all these modes, offering a plethora of performance features to satisfy every driving enthusiast.
Accessing these features is easy with the MyMustang button on the center stack, providing a comprehensive menu to program custom drive modes, display auxiliary gauges, select sound settings for the active exhaust, choose a cluster theme, set ambient lighting colors, and, most importantly, access the Track Apps performance features. The Track Apps allow drivers to monitor telemetry, braking distance, acceleration, and lap times. Additionally, they can activate the launch control, line lock, and the innovative electronic parking brake known as the Drift Brake.
Driving the lightly equipped EcoBoost model alongside a journalist who’s prone to carsickness, I refrain from testing the more spirited features, reserving that for the GT model with the Performance Package.
Under the hood, the mechanical changes in the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost contribute positively to the driving experience. Although the new Mustang’s tech suite takes the spotlight, the car’s platform remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, and that’s a good thing. The most significant dynamic difference is noticeable in the steering, with a stiffer steering column, the removal of a rubber bushing for more direct feel, and a slightly quicker ratio. The new steering setup offers quicker responses and improved road feel, although some may find the lighter steering weight in Sport mode a bit too sensitive.
As for the ride and handling, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, equipped with square 255/40R19 Continental ProContact all-season tires, handles well on canyon roads. The new dampers, although not significantly different from the S550 model, are optimized for the updated steering system, chosen tires, and brake package, contributing to a balanced and controlled driving experience. The car exhibits minimal body lean, and while the ride is firm, it provides ample road feedback without being harsh.
Powering the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the fourth generation of the 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine, known as EcoBoost. While it may lack the thunder of the V-8 in GT models, the EcoBoost delivers a spirited performance with an output of 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Though paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain performs admirably, with Sport and Track modes enhancing power delivery for an engaging driving experience.
One exciting feature offered with the Performance Package on both EcoBoost and GT models is the Drift Brake, developed in collaboration with pro drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. This electronic parking brake allows drivers to control the rear wheels’ braking power by adjusting the handle’s pressure, making drifting maneuvers surprisingly accessible and bringing back a touch of forgotten fun into the driving experience.
In conclusion, the 2024 Ford Mustang successfully blends modern technology with its iconic essence, offering an engaging driving experience with its advanced features and powerful performance. Whether you’re a Mustang enthusiast or simply appreciate the thrill of driving, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is sure to impress. So, when the opportunity arises, give it the beans and experience the magic firsthand.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about evolutionary-technology
Q: What are the major updates in the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost model?
A: The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost model features several significant updates. Externally, it showcases a new exterior design that evolves from the previous S550 version, with a touch of Chevrolet Camaro influence in the more pronounced rear haunches. However, the major changes come inside the cabin, where the traditional double-binnacle instrument cluster is replaced with a sophisticated array of screens. This includes a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen powered by the Sync 4 infotainment system, offering twice the processing power of its predecessor, the Sync 3.
Q: What drive modes are available in the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
A: The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost comes equipped with various drive modes to cater to different driving preferences. These modes include Normal, Sport, Track, Fox Body ’87-’93, and Calm. Additionally, Ford has added Drag Strip, Slippery, and programmable Custom modes, allowing drivers to personalize their performance preferences.
Q: What are the features of the new Sync 4 infotainment system in the 2024 Ford Mustang?
A: The Sync 4 infotainment system in the 2024 Ford Mustang boasts impressive features. It is equipped with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, providing a futuristic and immersive driving experience. The system offers twice the processing power compared to its predecessor, Sync 3, and utilizes Unreal Engine graphics, known for their use in popular first-person-shooter video games. The system can be updated over the air, ensuring it stays up-to-date automatically or on a schedule.
Q: How does the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost handle on the road?
A: The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost offers a well-balanced and controlled driving experience. It features a slightly quicker steering ratio and stiffer steering column, providing quicker responses and improved road feel. The new dampers help control body lean, contributing to a firm but not harsh ride. The car’s square set of 255/40R19 Continental ProContact all-season tires offer ample grip and stability, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty canyon roads.
Q: What engine powers the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, and what performance can it deliver?
A: The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is powered by the fourth generation of the 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine, known as EcoBoost. This engine has undergone improvements, including a new twin-scroll turbocharger that boosts power delivery. It also features both port injection and direct injection for enhanced power and fuel efficiency. The EcoBoost engine generates 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, delivering spirited performance with a 0-60 mph time in the low-to-mid five-second range.
Q: What is the Drift Brake feature in the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
A: The Drift Brake is an exciting feature available with the Performance Package on the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Developed in collaboration with pro drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., the Drift Brake acts as a sophisticated electronic parking brake with adjustable braking power to the rear wheels. This feature allows drivers to initiate and control drifting maneuvers, making it more accessible for enthusiasts who want to experience some drifting fun. Additionally, the Drift Brake can also be used like a regular parking brake when needed.
Q: Does the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost come with a manual transmission option?
A: No, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the 6-speed manual transmission was available in previous models, the 2024 EcoBoost model comes solely with the automatic transmission.
More about evolutionary-technology
- 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds tech, keeps essence
- Ford Mustang Overview – Car and Driver
- Ford Mustang Track Apps – Ford Performance
- 2024 Ford Mustang: Screens galore – Autoweek
- 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Sorted and controlled – The Car Connection
- Ford Mustang – Official Website
- Ford Sync 4 – Ford.com
- Continental ProContact – Tire Rack
- Vaughn Gittin Jr. – Professional Drifter
- Unreal Engine – Epic Games
3 comments
just read the revieeew of the 2024 ford mustang ecoboost, and I gotta say, it’s givin’ me some major need for speed vibes! all them high-tech screens and that sync 4 infotainment system are lookin’ sick, man. and them drive modes, ooh la la, that’s like having a whole lotta power at your fingertips! but hey, gotta be honest, wish they’d tweak that steerin’ a bit, sounds like it’s too light on them canyon roads. but all in all, this pony car is bringin’ some modern day action to the table without losin’ its iconic style!
man this 2024 ford mustang ecoboost sounds like a real beast on the road! it’s got all that new tech stuff goin’ on inside, and them big screens are like outta this world. lovin’ the idea of them different drive modes, gotta try the fox body one for some old school vibes! also, that drift brake feature sounds hella cool, I can already imagine myself driftin’ like a pro! vroom vroom!
gotta admit, the 2024 mustang ecoobost is lookin’ pretty rad with that new design and all them screens inside. but, man, wish they kept the manual transmission option for more fun, ya know? anyways, the 2.3-liter ecoobost engine sounds like it’s got some power to play with, but c’mon, nothing beats the raw growl of that 5.0-liter V-8 in the GT models! still, I wouldn’t mind takin’ it for a spin and testin’ out them track apps, even if I’m not much of a drifter!