The Next-gen Of The World's Top-selling Sports Car Shows Its Face In Leaked Images

• Likely to retain its front-engine, rear-drive layout. 

• Could be powered by an electrified version of the existing 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. 

• Will retain the 5-litre Coyote V8 engine, likely paired with a hybrid powertrain. 

• Production expected to begin in 2023 at Flat Rock, Michigan. 

• India bound possibly sometime in 2024. 

The next-generation Ford Mustang will break cover in 2023 as a 2024 model, new reports suggest. Until now, we had only seen heavily-camouflaged test mules of the S650 Ford Mustang. But now, the front fascia of the upcoming sportscar has been revealed in a leaked image, and we have more information about its design, interiors and powertrains.

The new Mustang features narrower three-element headlamps than the current model’s swept-back headlight design. The front grille is still large, but its hexagonal shape is now more rectangular. Lower down, you can spot the air vents on each side of the air dam. The alloy wheels and relatively simplistic bumper design indicate that it’s a lower-spec model. 

Inside, the 2024 Ford Mustang will feature an all-new interior and a redesigned dashboard. We’ll also see a digital driver’s display and a new flat-bottom steering wheel. While the S550 came with triple air vents stacked atop the centre of the dashboard, the next-gen Mustang will get a pair of rectangular vents that sit below the touchscreen (not visible here) and new switchgear for the HVAC controls. 

Reportedly, the Mustang thankfully will not lose its V8 engine anytime soon. The iconic 5-litre Coyote V8 petrol engine makes 450PS and 55Nm in the current Mustang GT sold in other countries. In the S650 Mustang, it could be paired with a self-charging hybrid system to boost performance without decreasing efficiency. In addition, the Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine is also expected to be electrified. 

Currently, the Mustang sold in other countries is based on the S550 sixth-generation car that has been around since 2015. The S550 Mustang was also sold in India from 2016, but it was discontinued during the shift to stricter BS6 emission norms. Since then, Ford has shut down local manufacturing in the country with no concrete timelines for upcoming imported models such as the Mustang and Mach-E electric SUV. 

Also read: 

• Government Of India Approves Ford’s Proposal Under Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme For EV Manufacturing

• Ford Unveils Future Roadmap For Europe; Lineup To Include Nine Electric Vehicles By 2024

Affordable Ford models are likely dead for the foreseeable future in India, but import models such as the Mach-E electric SUV are expected to be launched here. As Ford recovers from the coronavirus pandemic and supply chain issues, we could see the Ford Mustang make a comeback in India in the future. It’ll still be produced at Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan and will be brought in as a completely built-up (CBU) unit. It’ll carry a loftier price tag than the S550 Mustang that retailed for Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

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