StangMode is the proud owner of a 2024 model year Mustang GT. Equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission developed by Ford, the Grabber Blue-painted fastback also sports an MBRP aftermarket exhaust system that helps the Coyote V8 sound better and deliver more oomph.
The car vlogger recently had the opportunity to race Papa Smurf against a buddy’s car, namely a previous-gen fastback in GT attire. Pictured in red, the S550 is almost stock. In addition to fancy wheels, the older ‘Stang further sports a set of lowering springs. In terms of prep, the only area where the S550 could have done better is rubber.
From a dig, rear wheel spin ruins the S550’s chances of asserting dominance over the 2024 model. Even from a roll, the newcomer’s more powerful V8 and better transmission calibration make a world of difference. Unfortunately for Mustang enthusiasts, no zero-to-60 or quarter-mile times have been shared by the NJ-based vlogger.
The seventh-generation pony car often gets criticized for being a little too similar to its forerunner. Be that as it may, the naysayers are in the wrong. Not only did Ford work its magic on the Coyote (dual throttle bodies, anyone?), but the 2.3-liter EcoBoost now features the so-called Modular Power Architecture. In this application, the four-cylinder turbo makes 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (427 Nm) with the help of both port and direct injection as opposed to direct for the S550.
Not available with a manual, the EcoBoost starts at $30,920 for the fastback or $39,020 for the convertible. Kind of expensive, but alas, the Ford Motor Company is fully aware that its pony car will outlive the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The Camaro is going the way of the dodo after an extremely short 2024 model year, whereas the Challenger will be discontinued after 2023 in favor of an electric muscle car. Thus far, Dodge confirmed anything from 455 to 670 horsepower.
Photo: StangMode on YouTube
An 800-volt setup dubbed Banshee is under development as well, a powertrain that’s likely going to break the 1,000-hp barrier with the pricier of two Direct Connection eStage kits. That said, it remains to be seen whether Dodge will exceed the 1,025-hp rating of the Challenger SRT Demon 170.
Turning our attention back to the Mustang, the 500-horsepower Dark Horse will be joined by an 800-horsepower sibling for the 2025 model year. A track-oriented ‘Stang that will be assembled by Multimatic in Canada rather than Ford in the US of A, the GTD is powered by an updated Predator.
The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine is certainly going into the Shelby GT500 as well, although it’s not known if the output ratings will mirror those of the limited-run GTD. Retailing at $300,000 from the outset, the Mustang GTD will reportedly number around 2,000 examples of the breed.
There’s even talk of an off-road specification inspired by the Raptor line of trucks and SUVs. If the Mustang Raptor does make it into production, it’s certain to cost a lot as well because that’s exactly what Porsche and Lamborghini did with the 911 Dakar and Huracan Sterrato all-terrain supercars.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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