The all-new 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is available only with a 10-speed automatic transmission, leaving manual transmission lovers disappointed.
Ford has already announced the prices of the seventh-generation Mustang. Like before, the Mustang EcoBoost Fastback is the entry point for the 2024 Mustang lineup. However, Ford not making the EcoBoost Mustang available with a manual gearbox has left many disappointed. Those who want a 2024 Ford Mustang with a manual gearbox will have to the Coyote V8-powered Mustang GT or Dark Horse as the solution, which is still available with a stick shift in some variants.
Considering that the EcoBoost variants accounted for most of the sales of the sixth-gen Mustang, pulling the plug from its manual versions is seen as a daring move by Ford. A higher starting price point and limited variants of Mustang EcoBoost are some challenges for prospective buyers. And here, we can’t help but wish Ford to throw in a manual transmission to the EcoBoost Mustang, at least after some time.
New Mustang EcoBoost Still Has 315 HP
The iconic 5.0-liter Coyote V8 might still be the talk of the town for all the raw power of an old-school naturally-aspirated V8. However, the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost also doesn’t lag behind much with the kind of performance it claims. The four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine claims 315 hp of power and 350 lb-ft of torque in the all-new Mustang EcoBoost. And if you think that isn’t enough, Ford has made the option of a High-Performance package available, with which the power output shoots up to 332 hp.
The EcoBoost Mustang with these power and torque figures is available only with the 10-speed automatic for a four-cylinder engine. Much of the power in this EcoBoost engine exists in the rpm range of 2,500-5,300 rpm. With a manual transmission that includes rev-matching, engine rpm can be held by engaging the clutch. Due to this, the peak torque can remain unchanged with manual gear shifts for a more thrilling driving experience.
In addition to all the power it offers, the EcoBoost engine has an advantage over the Coyote V8 in fuel efficiency. With the 10-speed automatic gearbox, Ford estimates a fuel economy figure of 22 mpg for the city and 34 mpg for highway driving. This engine can deliver even higher economy figures with a manual transmission, making it a win-win situation.
Why A Manual 2024 Mustang EcoBoost Would Be Cheaper
The current generation 2023 Mustang the base price starts at $27,770 for the EcoBoost Fastback stick-shift. Adding $1,595 more fetches the automatic transmission for this variant, taking the price up to $29,365. The all-new 2024 Mustang range starts at $30,920 for the base-spec EcoBoost Fastback with the solely-available automatic transmission. While it is $1,555 more expensive than the corresponding predecessor with the automatic transmission, the entry pricing for the Mustang’s lineup has upped by $3,150.
Adding a more affordable variant below the current base-spec EcoBoost Fastback with a manual transmission will reduce the entry pricing for the 2024 Mustang. As mentioned above, there is a price gap of $1,595 between the manual and automatic transmission versions of the sixth-gen model’s EcoBoost Fastback variant. Considering this difference, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback manual can start at around $29,400 if it arrives.
With this move, the 2024 Ford Mustang can be even cheaper than it is right now. Many buyers still want a sub-$30,000 Mustang, and the Fastback manual can be a perfect model for such people. A manual transmission might not be the choice for future buyers who are more inclined towards electric vehicles driven by single-speed automatic transmissions. However, many buyers are still open to owning a more affordable Mustang and are comfortable living with a manual shifter.
The 2024 Mustang Is The Last ICE-Powered Ford Muscle Car
The inevitable future of electric vehicles is eating up several iconic cars and even some car categories, including muscle cars. Ford also has sacrificed ICE-powered sedans and hatchbacks for this future and is shifting to only SUVs and crossovers. While Ford has confirmed that it will soldier on with the two-door coupe and convertible versions of the Mustang, the future still looks scary.
Stellantis has already confirmed that the days of the Dodge Challenger are numbered. The limited-run versions of the Challenger, which were gradually launched in 2022, are the last production units of the iconic muscle car. Even the future of the Chevrolet Camaro is unclear, given General Motors’ rising focus on all-electric utility vehicles and crossovers. Considering these moves of the rivals, the availability of the Ford Mustang with the IC engines is a boon for muscle car lovers. However, there is a high chance that Ford will shift its focus on electric powertrains for the Mustang in the next-generation version, which is still some years away.
This thought is scary enough to encourage ICE enthusiasts to consider the seventh-generation Mustang more seriously. And for those who love changing gears manually, this might be the last chance to own a Ford Mustang with a manual gearbox. While Ford has already made the 6-speed manual gearbox available for the Coyote V8-powered Mustangs, it will be even better if the Blue Oval gives the same choice for Mustang EcoBoost.
