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 selling in the summer of 2023, initially available with either the redesigned EcoBoost 2.3 liter 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, in a special event called "The Stampede". As part of its introduction, multiple track-only models were showcased, such as a NASCAR Cup Series body, a V8 Supercar version, multiple GT racing versions, among others. Also announced was the addition of the “Dark Horse” series. Bridging the gap between the Mach 1 and now-discontinued GT350, the Dark Horse performs much the same role as the 2012-2013 Boss 302 Mustangs— a street legal car with enhanced performance on road courses around the world.
Powertrain
Engines
At launch, two engines were made available: a 2.3 L turbocharged I4 (EcoBoost) or a 5.0 L modular V8 (nicknamed "Coyote").
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine was fully redesigned with new twin-scroll turbochargers with an electronic waste gate, and it now utilizes both direct and port fuel injection.
The fourth-generation 5.0 L Coyote V8 engine received internal revisions and now utilizes dual air intake and dual throttle bodies.
The Dark Horse model received a modified version of the 5.0 L V8 using 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 transmission (Dark Horse only), or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Design
Exterior
Interior
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 V8 (from the previous generation Shelby GT500) with a rear-mounted trans-axle. It was stated that the car is targeted to make 800 horsepower.
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 will race in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA WEC. This means the Mustang will race at Le Mans for the first time since 1997 after a 27 year absence. German Racing Team Proton Competition will be the first customer team to run the new Mustang GT3 in the WEC.