2024 Ford Mustang spy photos: New model caught on camera in the US
The 2024 Ford Mustang has hit the road in the US, with prototype vehicles moving to the production body stage.
Until now, Ford has been testing mechanical components for the new Ford Mustang using the bodywork of the current model as a disguise.
Drive’s spy agency says these are the first photos of the 2024 Ford Mustang wearing its production bodywork.
While the car is cloaked in disguise, it is an indication development of the vehicle is in full swing – and another critical step closer to production.
As reported by Drive last week, reports out of the US estimate the next-generation Ford Mustang is due to go into production in early 2023.
Given the usual delay between the engineering development and production roll-out of right-hand-drive versions, Drive estimates the new Ford Mustang is due in Australian showrooms in late 2023 or early 2024.
Drive’s spy agency in the US says: “We just got our first look at a production-bodied prototype for the 2024 Ford Mustang (code name S650).
“No more disguised mules using the existing Mustang body. Under the camouflage lies the next-generation Mustang, reportedly due next year as a 2024 model.
“The camouflage hides the fine details, but we can see what appears to be a more pinched, angular, and modern design language up front.
“The LED (lighting) signature looks squinty and horizontal, marking a departure from the current model.
“We can see two vertical tail-light elements, suggesting a modernised continuation of the current Mustang’s rear-end design.”
Last week, Drive reported the next-generation Ford Mustang would likely be available with the option of hybrid and/or pure-electric power at some point during its model cycle.
While the new Ford Mustang is expected to launch with a V8, it is unclear whether a hybrid or electric option would go on sale at the same time, or at a later date.
Australian plans for the next-generation Ford Mustang are yet to be announced, but Drive understands the nameplate will remain in local showrooms following the success of the current model.
When it arrived in Australia in late 2015 – as the first factory-built right-hand-drive Ford Mustang in the history of the nameplate – the iconic US sports car exceeded sales expectations locally.
Although sales of the Ford Mustang in Australia have tapered after an initial peak of more than 9000 deliveries in 2017, the iconic sports car has proved to be more than just a marketing exercise.
The Ford Mustang remains the top-selling sports car in Australia, outselling other sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 by more than three-to-one last year.
Ford Mustang sales in Australia:
- 2021: 2827
- 2020: 2923
- 2019: 3948
- 2018: 6412
- 2017: 9165
- 2016: 6208
- 2015: 121
The post 2024 Ford Mustang spy photos: New model caught on camera in the US appeared first on Drive.