2024 Mustang clocks 486 hp; Dark Horse to hit 500 hp

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. on Thursday said the 2024 Mustang, due out next year, will generate up to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque from what it's calling its best 5.0-litre Coyote V-8 engine to date.

The new Dark Horse performance variant, featuring a uniquely tuned V-8, will pack in even more ponies: Ford says it will get 500 hp and 418 pound-feet of torque, which Ford said will be its most powerful non-Shelby Mustang.

"Mustang has always pushed the envelope," Mustang chief engineer Ed Krenz said in a statement. "From Mustang GT to Dark Horse, this is our best 5.0-litre V-8 yet."

Ford said the Mustang GT coupe and convertible with an available active-valve performance exhaust system will generate 486 hp, while the standard GT will get 480 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque.

Ford said the engine powering these vehicles, a fourth-generation version of its Coyote V-8, includes a new dual intake and dual throttle body induction system as well as other improvements.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine will generate 315 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque. Ford said that's the most power ever out of a four- or six-cylinder in a Mustang.

The vehicle is set to go on sale next summer. It will continue to be built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.