The 2024 Ford Mustang GT impresses with its powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine, refined 10-speed transmission, and improved handling, making it more dynamic and enjoyable to drive. Enhanced suspension and upgraded interior materials provide a balanced, comfortable ride. Ford’s commitment to retaining the V8’s power while refining drivability and cabin quality elevates this Mustang as a modern muscle icon.
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By Miles Downard
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT represents a considerable step forward for the iconic muscle car, delivering a blend of raw power, refined handling, and a more sophisticated cabin environment. For those familiar with the prior generation, the evolution in this model is both palpable and noteworthy, particularly when examining its drivability and overall interior quality.
Starting with performance, the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 engine continues to be a showstopper. Producing a robust 328kW and 540Nm, it propels the coupe with relentless energy, delivering a visceral experience that’s expected from the Mustang badge. However, the real story lies in the refined 10-speed automatic transmission, which has undergone significant recalibration. In the previous generation, the gearbox occasionally felt clumsy, especially on downshifts that would unsettle the car. The new calibration work, however, has transformed this 10-speed into a more responsive and intuitive partner. Shifts are now executed with precision, whether you’re easing through city traffic or pushing hard on an open road. The transmission is quicker to downshift when aggressive acceleration is needed, and it now delivers smooth, crisp upshifts without any of the clunky feel that once plagued its predecessor.
Although it can still be guilty of hunting for gears when driving spiritedly, the use of manual mode allows the transmission to holds gears, ensuring the V8 remains in its optimal power band. In Sport and Track modes, the car feels more connected and engaging, instilling confidence as you explore its upper performance limits. This refinement elevates the Mustang GT’s overall driving experience, leaving no doubt that this is a bonafide sportscar.
Speaking of handling, Ford’s engineering team has clearly focused on enhancing the Mustang’s road manners. The latest suspension tweaks are a standout highlight. Up front, the car benefits from revised dampers that strike a better balance between comfort and sportiness. Meanwhile, the rear suspension has also been fine-tuned, with stiffer anti-roll bars and improved bushings that give the Mustang more composure during hard cornering. The result is a car that feels planted and confident when negotiating the twisty stuff, with less body roll and more predictability than the outgoing model. The sharper handling is complemented by the Mustang’s refined steering, which offers impressive feedback and a weighty, reassuring feel through the wheel.
Despite the Mustang GT’s newfound agility, ride comfort hasn’t been sacrificed. The car remains surprisingly compliant over rough pavement, soaking up bumps and imperfections better than you’d expect from a performance coupe. The duality of the Mustang’s character—its ability to be both a high-speed, corner-carving machine and a comfortable daily driver—has been expertly executed in this iteration.
Inside, Ford has made a concerted effort to elevate the Mustang’s cabin quality, and the changes are immediately noticeable. The fit and finish have seen a marked improvement, with higher-quality materials adorning the dash, center console, and door panels. Soft-touch surfaces are now more prevalent, while attention to detail in the assembly is apparent. The result is a more upscale environment that feels befitting of a modern performance car. The seats, available in cloth or optional leather, provide excellent support for both spirited driving and long-distance comfort.
Ford has also upgraded the Mustang’s tech suite. The infotainment system now features a larger, more responsive touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into the adjacent digital dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the overall user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
In a world being flooded with electric vehicles, alongside traditional stalwarts of internal combustion being pushed toward smaller capacity, forced induction compromises, Ford’s statement in maintaining a big capacity, naturally aspirated V8 for the new Mustang is a loud one indeed. This is one pony that will not be tamed. The enhanced calibration of the 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with thoughtful suspension improvements, has significantly raised the bar for driving dynamics. Inside, the upgraded interior materials and technology make for a more enjoyable and modern driving experience. The Mustang GT continues to blend classic muscle car thrills with contemporary sophistication, appealing to both die-hard enthusiasts and new fans alike.
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