Automotive Engineering - October 2022 - 16

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Seventh-generation of Ford Mustang is highest performer yet
The exterior visuals still emphasize a
long hood and a short deck, but the
V8-powered 2024 Mustang GT's mammoth
air intakes are a telltale that
things have powerfully changed. " When
you open the hood and see the dual air
induction system on this fourth-generation
naturally aspirated Coyote [V8]
engine, there will be no mistake that
you are looking at the seventh-generation
Mustang, " said Eddie Khan, the
Mustang's vehicle engineering manager.
Khan and other Ford design and technology
specialists were interviewed by
SAE Media prior to the iconic sports car's
global debut on September 14 at the
2022 Detroit auto show. While the 2024
car's track and other key dimensions are
essentially unchanged from the current
ponycar, the next-generation model
boasts improved aerodynamics, stiffer
steering, more power and a cabin infused
with new-to-Mustang technologies.
The Mustang's next-generation engines
450 hp at 7,500 rpm and 420 lb-ft (569
Nm) at 4,600 rpm.
(2.3-L turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost
and the Coyote 5.0-L V8) feature various
technology upgrades. The V8 replaces
the prior composite oil pan with a steel
pan. Changes for the 2.3-L include a leftside
exhaust manifold, a new twin-scroll,
low-inertia turbocharger with electronic
wastegate, and revised camshaft timing.
While no hp or torque numbers for the
2024 car are yet being released, the 2022
Mustang GT V8 produced SAE-certified
Ecoboost and aero development
The EcoBoost engine now uses a dual
fuel-injection system (port fuel injection
combined with 350-bar [5076-psi]
direct injection) instead of DI only. To
replace the prior airbox-on-the-side
configuration, the new engine has
an integrated air-induction system
designed for better underhood space
utilization. The engine also features
revised variable cam timing.
A Getrag 6-speed manual transmission
and a Tremec 10-speed automatic
with SelectShift remain paired with the
V8, while the EcoBoost still mates only
to the 10-speed automatic, fitted with
new controls for 2024, added Khan.
The 2024 Ford Mustang is rebodied and features revised V8 and 4-cyl. engines.
The seventh-generation Mustang's
aerodynamics and downforce garnered
significant attention from engineers and
the exterior design team. " You want to
make sure the airflow stays with the profile
of the car, " said Khan. With the exception
of the roof, all body panels are
new for the 2024 model. The Mustang
GT's front air vent on the driver's side is
functional, but the passenger-side air
vent is blocked for lift and drag benefits.
Steering-related alterations include a
new steering rack, faster steering ratio,
stiffer cross-car beam, a splined intermediate
shaft, removal of intermediate
shaft isolator and an upper intermediate
shaft that's roughly three times stiffer
than the prior setup.
The 2024 Mustang cabin features a flatscreen gauge cluster and center-console touchscreen that,
on higher-trim models, gives the impression of a continuous piece of glass.
16 October 2022
Contemporary cabin tech
In the driver's side of the cockpit, interior
restyling emphasizes a 12.4-in (315-mm)
flatscreen gauge cluster and 13.2-in (335mm)
center-stack touchscreen. On
Premium and higher trim grades, the
screens seemingly appear as a continuous
display. Other interior features include a
segment-first electronic drift brake, part of
the Performance Package. The electronic
drift brake facilitates drifting capability
while retaining the look and functionality
of a traditional mechanical hand brake.
Pricing for the 2024 Mustang will be
announced at a later date. The seventhgeneration
pony car is slated to start
production in 2023 at the Flat Rock
Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Kami Buchholz
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
BOTH IMAGES: FORD

Automotive Engineering - October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - October 2022