Photo: Ford / edited
Back in May 2023, we learned that the S650's rollout was hampered by a handful of quality-related issues. According to a seventh-generation Mustang launch team member, the pony car had experienced V8 valve issues, electrical issues, and body panel fitment issues.
Many customers are understandably worried that deliveries will be pushed back as a result of said problems. On the upside, communications director Mike Levine confirmed that on-sale timing remains unchanged from the originally announced summer 2023 for the US market. However, all cars – from the four-pot EcoBoost to the go-faster Dark Horse – are held until quality checks are passed with flying colors.
The bad news? Ford of Germany rescheduled the S650 for early 2024 rather than late summer 2023. Given that North America buys more 'Stangs than Europe, this development is hardly surprising. The delay might also trickle down to right-hand-drive markets like the United Kingdom and Australia, where the seventh-gen model is listed as coming in late 2023 and early 2024.
Rather than bashing FoMoCo for yet another compromised rollout, we should be more pragmatic about it. Looking at the bigger picture, the Ford Motor Company deserves a pat on the back for sorting out the 2024 model's quality issues before starting deliveries in North America and overseas markets like Europe.
At press time, customers in the United States are presented with six distinct grades, ranging from the EcoBoost to the Dark Horse Premium. Three of them (EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium) can be had with a canvas top. As opposed to the S550, the S650 doesn't offer a manual in combination with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost. Only the V8-engined GT and Dark Horse can be specified with manuals, namely a Getrag unit for the GT and a Tremec unit for the Dark Horse.
Pricing for the fastback starts at $30,920 (sans destination charge), whereas the convertible is a staggering $39,020 right off the bat. The GT kicks off at $42,495, and the Dark Horse replaces the Mach 1 in the Mustang's range with a starting price of $59,270.
Both the EcoBoost and Coyote have been upgraded for the 2024 model year. The four-cylinder turbo features the automaker's Modular Power Cylinder engine architecture, port and direct fuel injection, and many other goodies that improve on the previous-generation EcoBoost. Peak torque remains the same as the outgoing EcoBoost at 350 pound-feet (475 Nm), yet peak power levels up by 5 ponies to 315 hp.
The easiest way of telling apart the fourth-gen Coyote from the last one is the induction system, which feeds the naturally-aspirated V8 with air via dual intakes and throttle bodies. The GT produces a respectable 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) as standard. Opting for the louder exhaust means 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet (567 Nm). The Dark Horse-spec engine integrates a few Shelby GT500 bits and bobs, with Ford quoting 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet at full chatter.
The bad news? Ford of Germany rescheduled the S650 for early 2024 rather than late summer 2023. Given that North America buys more 'Stangs than Europe, this development is hardly surprising. The delay might also trickle down to right-hand-drive markets like the United Kingdom and Australia, where the seventh-gen model is listed as coming in late 2023 and early 2024.
Rather than bashing FoMoCo for yet another compromised rollout, we should be more pragmatic about it. Looking at the bigger picture, the Ford Motor Company deserves a pat on the back for sorting out the 2024 model's quality issues before starting deliveries in North America and overseas markets like Europe.
At press time, customers in the United States are presented with six distinct grades, ranging from the EcoBoost to the Dark Horse Premium. Three of them (EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium) can be had with a canvas top. As opposed to the S550, the S650 doesn't offer a manual in combination with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost. Only the V8-engined GT and Dark Horse can be specified with manuals, namely a Getrag unit for the GT and a Tremec unit for the Dark Horse.
Pricing for the fastback starts at $30,920 (sans destination charge), whereas the convertible is a staggering $39,020 right off the bat. The GT kicks off at $42,495, and the Dark Horse replaces the Mach 1 in the Mustang's range with a starting price of $59,270.
Both the EcoBoost and Coyote have been upgraded for the 2024 model year. The four-cylinder turbo features the automaker's Modular Power Cylinder engine architecture, port and direct fuel injection, and many other goodies that improve on the previous-generation EcoBoost. Peak torque remains the same as the outgoing EcoBoost at 350 pound-feet (475 Nm), yet peak power levels up by 5 ponies to 315 hp.
The easiest way of telling apart the fourth-gen Coyote from the last one is the induction system, which feeds the naturally-aspirated V8 with air via dual intakes and throttle bodies. The GT produces a respectable 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) as standard. Opting for the louder exhaust means 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet (567 Nm). The Dark Horse-spec engine integrates a few Shelby GT500 bits and bobs, with Ford quoting 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet at full chatter.
Mike Levine: S650 Mustang On-Sale Timing This Summer Remains https://t.co/RxSrKWzgP3
— Mustang7G (@Mustang7G) July 17, 2023
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