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 2.3 L 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 at a special event called "The Stampede". At the event, several track-only models were showcased, including a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, and others. Also announced was the new “Dark Horse” series to bridge the gap between the Mach 1 and discontinued GT350. The Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012–2013 Boss 302 Mustangs — a street legal car with enhanced performance for international road courses.
Powertrain
Engines
At launch, two engines were available: a 2.3 L turbocharged I4 (EcoBoost) or a 5.0 L modular V8 (Coyote).
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine was fully redesigned with new twin-scroll turbochargers and an electronic waste gate. It utilizes both direct and port fuel injection.
The fourth-generation 5.0 L Coyote V8 engine received internal revisions, and utilizes dual air intakes and throttle bodies.
The Dark Horse model received a modified version of the 5.0 L V8 featuring 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 (Dark Horse only), or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The following tables show the gear ratios for the 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions.
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 "Predator" V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted transaxle. It makes 815 hp (608 kW) and 664 lb⋅ft (900 N⋅m) of torque, and has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).
Driven by Dirk Müller in December of 2024, The Mustang GTD lapped the Nürburgring track in 6:57:685, making it the only American-made production vehicle to ever complete the circuit in less than seven minutes.
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 new GT4 Ford Mustang would be released for 2024, replacing the previous generation Mustang GT4. The car is eligible to compete in the GT4 America Series, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and IMSA SportsCar Challenge among other championships that include GT4 cars. 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 initially built by Ford and Dick Johnson Racing, to conform to the Gen3 regulations.
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
