About 54 years ago, there were seven American two-door high-performance coupes with powerful V8 engines that attracted car enthusiasts and sold at least 40,000 cars a year. Today, almost all of those models and the companies that built them have disappeared, except for the Ford Mustang, which continues the “pony-car” tradition for 2024.
The declining sales reflect a shrinking customer base for these models. The Ford Mustang remains popular with more than 40,000 buyers annually, while the Dodge Challenger also maintains demand. In contrast, the Chevrolet Camaro struggled with sales of fewer than 25,000 units in 2022. The shift in customer base, with more rental customers and a growing preference for electric vehicles due to emissions standards, has led to model cancellations from Chevy and Dodge, while Ford is updating the Mustang for 2024.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Moves to High Tech
See also: Ford Mustang GTD 2025: It's a $300,000 thoroughbred
Key upgrades include an advanced 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional 13.2- inch touchscreen . Both displays are equipped with the latest computer chipset, delivering crisp, clear images and spectacular animations when interacting with them. Additionally, Ford has moved the climate controls to the touchscreen, while retaining a dedicated volume knob for convenience.
The technological upgrades in the 2024 Mustang are impressive. One of them is the new setting that has been added to the car’s capabilities for Mustangs with the Performance Package, even the 2.3-liter models. This addition complements existing modes such as “sport” and “track.” Don’t forget to upgrade the audio system to the optional Bang and Olufsen 12-speaker system and enjoy Sirius XM Channel 8.
EcoBoost 2.3-liter engine a powerful choice
If you prefer to enjoy the sound of your engine to the music of Duran Duran, Ford offers an “Active Valve Performance Exhaust” system for €1,225 for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the 5.0-liter V8 that equips the GT and Dark Horse models. The engine in our test car – the EcoBoost version, produces 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and leaves no doubt about its ability to move the 3,800-pound convertible with ease.
The test car was equipped with the MagneRide system ($1,750). MagneRide provides excellent ride quality and suspension control, adapting to driving style.
A coupe with 315 horsepower and a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined is a responsible choice.
The 2024 Mustang remains true to its sporty roots, with limited rear seat space and cargo capacity . While the coupe offers about 13.3 cubic feet of storage space, the convertible can only muster 10.3.
The big news about the 2024 Mustang is its price, which has increased significantly. Last year, Ford's pony car started at $29,165 for the coupe and $34,665 for the convertible. The new model now starts at $34,110 for the coupe and $43,540 for the convertible (all prices include shipping). Our test car, with the aforementioned options and red seatbelts ,cost $53,485 — not including the V8 engine.
Do you blame inflation and the increased cost of the chips recently added to the Mustang, or simply the reality that Ford maintains a monopoly on the American sports car market?
Whatever the reasons behind this, the price of the 2024 Ford Mustang suggests that you really should appreciate it as the ultimate pony car in the world.
See also: 2024 Ford Mustang GT: The American Dream car
Source: forbes.com
