First Look at the 2024 Ford Mustang S650
On Wednesday, September 14th, Mustang enthusiasts everywhere glued themselves to their phones. As promised earlier at the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford officially revealed the all-new Mustang. The seventh-generation S650 debuted at the Detroit Auto Show and streamed live on YouTube for more than 300,000 viewers.
For decades, the Mustang has dominated the sports coupe market. Since 1964, drivers have put more than 10 million Mustang chassis on roads across the United States. Ford originally positioned the Mustang as stylish, affordable transportation for younger buyers. Over time, however, it evolved into one of America’s most recognizable performance icons.
A Sharper, More Aggressive Design Direction
Ford gave the 2024 Mustang a noticeably edgier appearance. Designers reworked both the exterior and interior to ensure the S650 looks and feels distinct from the outgoing S550. While familiar body lines remain, the new chassis appears slimmer and more refined.
Lighting enthusiasts immediately noticed the redesigned headlights. Ford reduced their size, which creates a visual throwback to early S550 models. Each headlight features a tri-bar LED signature that mirrors the classic Mustang taillight design. Out back, the taillights retain the iconic three-bar vertical layout.
One major change stands out. Ford relocated the amber side marker from inside the headlight to another section of the bumper. By removing the amber element from the headlight housing, the front end looks darker and far more aggressive.
What Ford Aimed to Improve with the S650
“We’re starting from a really strong place with the current generation car,” Mustang lead engineer Ed Krenz told Road & Track. “The platform already fits what we want to do. We upgraded everything where possible, but we did it intelligently.”
The S650 introduces fresh styling, updated technology, revised engines, and expanded trim options. When the car goes on sale, buyers can still choose between a coupe or convertible. Engine options include the EcoBoost four-cylinder or the V-8-powered GT. Ford will also continue offering a manual transmission for drivers who want maximum engagement.
Given the Mustang’s legacy, Ford could revive performance trims like Boss, Bullitt, or Mach 1 in the future.
Engine and Powertrain Updates
Ford confirmed updated versions of both the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 5.0L Coyote V8. The new EcoBoost uses a dual-fuel system with both port and direct injection. It also adds a twin-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate.
Meanwhile, the fourth-generation Coyote introduces a dual-throttle-body intake system fed directly through the front grille. Ford has not released official horsepower numbers yet. However, expectations point to improvements over the previous 330-horsepower EcoBoost and at least 480 horsepower from the V-8.
Transmission Choices and Performance Tech
Ford carries over its proven transmissions. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Automatic models gain a feature called Remote Rev, which allows drivers to start and rev the engine using the key fob.
Ford limits this feature to automatic cars for safety reasons.
Another standout feature involves the braking system. While modern Mustangs use electronic parking brakes, the S650 offers an optional Electronic Drift Brake with the Performance Pack. This system progressively locks the rear wheels based on driver input.
Drift icon Vaughn Gittin Jr. helped develop the system. The brake handle resembles a traditional parking brake, but Ford designed it specifically for controlled drifting on closed courses.
The Dark Horse Performance Variant
Drivers seeking maximum performance should look toward the Dark Horse trim. This version sits above the standard Performance Pack and represents the most aggressive S650 configuration.
The Dark Horse features a V-8 Coyote engine paired with a Tremec six-speed manual. Ford will also offer an automatic option. While full specifications remain unconfirmed, this marks Ford’s first new iconic performance name since the Bullitt returned in 2001.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
Ford based the S650 on a revised version of the S550 platform. Certain components carry over, including the roof, A-pillars, and rear glass. However, designers lengthened the hood and tapered the roofline for a sleeker profile.
The biggest visual change appears at the rear. Ford replaced the traditional overhanging tail panel with taillights recessed into a V-shaped pocket. According to engineering manager Eddie Kahn, this design improves airflow and downforce, making it the most aerodynamic Mustang yet.
Colors, Wheels, and Customization Options
Ford introduced two new paint colors: Yellow Splash and Vapor Blue. These join eleven existing options. Buyers can also customize stripes, seat belts, and Brembo brake calipers.
Wheel sizes range from 17 inches to 20 inches. Ford also offers a Bronze Design Series Appearance Package, which adds bronze wheels and exterior badging to both standard and performance models.
“It looks like a fist in the wind going down the road,” said global design director Joel Piaskowski.
Inside the New Digital Cockpit
The interior centers around large digital displays. Base models use separate screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. Higher trims combine both into a single curved housing.
Drivers can customize the gauge cluster, including a Fox Body–inspired layout. Ford built the drive-mode interface using Unreal Engine, which enables animated graphics tied to specific driving modes.
Ford interior design manager Ricardo Garcia explained that digital integration resonated strongly with buyers across multiple generations.
Track-Focused Interior Details
Ford placed overhead USB ports in the cabin to support cameras and data loggers during track days. This detail reinforces the S650’s driver-focused design.
Everything inside the cockpit points toward the driver. As a result, the S650 delivers the most immersive Mustang interior yet.
Final Thoughts on the S650 Mustang
Ford released the S650 at a pivotal moment. Dodge recently announced the end of the Charger and Challenger while unveiling an electric successor. With those models gone, Ford stands as one of the last manufacturers offering a gas-powered performance car.
“Doing this car now is a victory,” Krenz said. “As others say goodbye, we’re saying hello.”
While the automotive world shifts toward electrification, the S650 may represent the final internal-combustion Mustang era. That moment is not imminent, but it is inevitable.
For now, the seventh-generation Mustang carries the torch forward — loud, unapologetic, and unmistakably American.
Meet the people behind Better Automotive Lighting
John Tobias, Headlight Junkie and Industry Veteran
Before managing pricing and product categories for the DLG brands, John worked directly with customers in customer service and tech support, then spent several years in marketing creating content like this and the videos published online. Today he takes more than ten years of aftermarket automotive lighting experience to events all over the USA, meeting customers and talking to real people about what they care about. He is focused on understanding the market, the trends, the big players, and what matters to lighting enthusiasts. John has tested thousands of lights, works directly with lighting engineers to evaluate the technical performance behind every recommendation, and is one of the foremost experts on everything happening in the world of aftermarket automotive lighting. LinkedIn
