Review: 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds tech, keeps essence

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about evolutionary-technology

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