2024 Ford Mustang Performance Figures Revealed; GT Dishes Out 486 HP
This summer’s reveal of the 2024 Ford Mustang was packed with details about the upcoming pony car– and yet, one thing was missing: Performance projections, specifically horsepower and torque. Sort of an important part of a pony car, but we knew Ford wouldn’t disappoint.
It seems like the rumors of the V8-powered GT pushing 500 horsepower were accurate, as the 2024 Mustang GT will conjure up to 486 horsepower from its fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote engine. These gains are made possible by the previously reported dual-throttle body design and the return of an available active-valve performance exhaust system.
Take note that the 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque projections are specifically designated to GT’s with the active exhaust (and running on Premium 93 fuel). Any V8 not rocking said exhaust will instead put down 480 ponies and 415 lb-ft– still plenty of giddy-up. In either case, Mustang enthusiasts will be thrilled to get behind the wheel of the most powerful “five-oh” Mustang GT to date (and yes, while the previous S550 Bullitt and Mach 1 punched up to 480, they weren’t explicitly GT models).
The EcoBoost turbo four-banger wasn’t left out either, generating 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque from its 2.3-liter power plant. EcoBoosts can still be outfitted with active-valve exhaust, though it isn’t clear if it will have any impact on performance– likely not. Regardless, it’s an appreciated bump from the Eco’s current 310 horsepower, keeping its reputation as a fuel-saving stallion worthy of most people’s daily drives.
But let’s say you’re not “most people.” Well, the Mustang Dark Horse, said to be the “pinnacle of 5.0-liter V8 performance and track capability,” will crank out 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque– the most powerful non-Shelby edition Mustang to-date. You can read up about it in our previous report, but the jist of it is that the Dark Horse borrows performance upgrades from the current GT500, including a uniquely balanced crankshaft, forged piston connecting rods, and strengthened camshafts.
So, there you have it. Needless to say, we can’t wait to throw the 2024 Mustang into gear and see what it’s all about. Stay tuned to MotorWeek for our future coverage.