The new 2024 Ford Mustang is out and consumers are placing up orders at a decent pace. However, curiosity is ringing as many want to know how many people are ordering what will be the last standing pony car with a V8 engine, and what percentage of them are getting one with a manual transmission.
Recent data indicates that a substantial portion of consumers opting for the new Ford Mustang are gravitating towards the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. This preference for the V8-powered variant is attributed to the transitional phase of the traditional muscle car era, as reported by the Associated Press.
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Among the 13,000 orders placed in the United States for the 2024 Mustang, an impressive 67% of customers have shown a distinct preference for the eight-cylinder engine. This specific V8 configuration, known for producing 486 horsepower in the GT model, can even push out up to 500 horses in the Mustang Dark Horse, engineered for high-performance track usage.
Another notable observation is the inclination towards the six-speed manual transmission, a choice made by over a quarter of Mustang buyers. Analyst Sam Abuelsamid from Guidehouse Insights suggests that this preference is possibly driven by the anticipation of the end of an era, with enthusiasts keen on securing what might be the last of their kind. Abuelsamid remarks, “The most hard-core fans, they’re going to go out and grab one of these because you don’t know when it’s going to end.”
It’s worth noting that historical patterns align with this trend. Abuelsamid notes that devoted enthusiasts are typically among the first to embrace new Mustang releases, reinforcing the traditional image of a muscle car. Ford’s Jim Owens, the Mustang brand manager, affirms this perspective, saying, “We tend to see more demand from enthusiasts for the V8 whenever an all-new Mustang is introduced.”
The changing landscape of the automotive industry is evident as longstanding muscle car rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger are facing a shift. Chevrolet has announced that the 2024 Camaro will be the last for now, while Dodge is embracing an electric future.
However, despite the enthusiasm for the V8 engine, challenges loom on the horizon due to stringent emissions regulations. The rise in demand for large displacement engines contrasts with global efforts to curb emissions. The European Union has already adjusted its regulations to accommodate vehicles powered by synthetic fuel, a move that could potentially reshape the landscape for high-performance vehicles.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of gas-powered muscle cars is reflected in Ford’s cautious approach. Ford spokesperson Mike Levine refrains from confirming whether this iteration of the iconic Mustang will be the company’s last gas-powered muscle car. Ford’s strategy hinges on the viability of synthetic fuel as a cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline, or the possibility of transitioning towards plug-in powertrains, such as the four-cylinder EcoBoost models.
Source: APNews
