Is this our first proper look at the next-generation Ford Mustang?
New images of the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang pony car, codenamed S650, have surfaced online ahead of its expected reveal in 2023 as a 2024 model.
The first image was posted on the Mustang7G forums and shows what appears to be a GT model. The image itself is a little blurry and seems to have been taken very quickly.
What we can see is the front fascia has received a subtle rework, which is definitely more of a style evolution than a revolution.
It has a large hexagonal central grille with vertical bars, a lower trapezoidal air intake and two large side air intakes, as well as thinner headlights with three squared-off elements within.
Compared to the current S550 Mustang, there’s a seemingly more aggressive bumper with sharply defined lines separating the grille and air intakes.
The bonnet remains long with similar creases to the current model, but there’s a new, subtle scoop in the middle.
Strengthening the credibility of this low-res image is another higher quality one that was published by Ford Authority.
This image shows the front of what appears to be a base model, next-gen Mustang prototype that’s camouflaged apart from its exposed front fascia.
It features a smaller grille opening than the leaked GT model and the air intakes aren’t as aggressive. There are also smaller alloy wheels, while the bonnet lacks a scoop.
It’s unclear what’ll be under the bonnet of the next-generation Mustang at this stage but Ford currently offers a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8.
Current Ford Mustang GT
In Australia, the four-cylinder High Performance puts out 236kW of power and 448Nm of torque, while the GT’s V8 produces 339kW and 556Nm.
Ford could also be working on some electrified versions of these engines as well.
Automotive News reports a hybrid model is slated for 2025, though it’s unclear if this’ll be a series or plug-in hybrid and what engine it’ll be mated to.
As recently debunked by Ford Authority, the next-generation Ford Mustang won’t be available with all-wheel drive according to unnamed sources.
Only the Dodge Challenger currently offers all-wheel drive, albeit only with its base V6 engine. New Challenger and Charger models are reportedly due in 2024.
The Mustang’s other main rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, is reportedly going to be replaced by an all-electric sport sedan which’ll debut in 2025.
The S650 will reportedly have an eight-year lifecycle which is roughly the same as the previous two Mustang generations.
Mustang GT3 teaser
The platform reportedly isn’t set to change much compared to the current S550, which entered production in 2014.
Ford is also working on a Mustang GT3 race car, as recently teased, which will debut in 2024. It’ll most likely be based on the new-generation Mustang.
Power will come from a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 and it’ll bear no relation to the Gen3 Supercars racer that debuted at the Bathurst 1000 in 2021.
MORE: Everything Ford Mustang
