The recent reveal of the 2024 Ford Mustang caused a great deal of excitement. When rumors were abounding that the next Mustang would have an electric drivetrain, or perhaps a hybrid one, the fact Ford is sticking with natural aspiration makes people feel very happy.

This could also be the last of the Mustangs to feature such an engine, with electrical and hybrid power coming in the next generation Mustang after this one. Back to the present, there is a surprising number of choices when it comes to the powertrains of the latest Mustang.

Ford is giving us no less than three drivetrain options for this latest Mustang, something that is certainly a welcome surprise. There is, of course, the heavy-hitting Coyote V8 engine but Ford is also offering a less power-hungry and slightly more eco-friendly EcoBoost Ford engine for the Mustang.

The fact that Ford is still persisting with internal combustion power when Dodge is looking towards an EV future is very refreshing, and we sure must relish it while it lasts.

Related: This Is What Makes The Ford Mustang GT Fastback A Performance Car Bargain

Three Engine Choices Available To 2024 Mustang Customers

2024-Ford-Mustang-Rear-Quarter-View-Parked-1
Via: Ford

The first engine on offer for the Mustang is the MPC 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine. This is an entirely new engine, with both port and direct injection on the car helping when it comes to emissions. Ford has also added an integrated airbox, attached in front of the front-end accessory drive unit.

This allows it to minimize losses, thanks to its mounting so close to the intake manifold. This engine is of course going to be less powerful than the V8 but will still produce enough power to keep a lot of people happy. That V8 engine though is surely the focal point of the Mustang. This is the fourth generation of the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, that went through a big emissions update in 2021 ready for the 14-generation F-150 pickup truck.

Emissions were a big target for the new engine, which saw Ford ditch the engine's cylinder-deactivation system. To get an increase of power into the V8 engine, the Coyote V8 now inhales cool air straight from the nostrils that flank the radiator grille of the car, into a pair of airboxes, and ultimately fed into each bank of cylinders thanks to a separate 80mm throttle body.

RELATED: Here’s Why The Next-Gen 2024 Ford Mustang Will Be Unlike Any Muscle Car Before

An Array Of Choice For The 2024 Mustang

2024-Ford-Mustang-Front-Quarter-View-Driving-1
Via: Ford

That allows for double the airflow into the V8 engine. The camshafts are also strengthened, compared to those in the F-150 version of the engine, and a steel oil pan is now used within the Mustang instead of the plastic one that we saw in the F-150.

Now we do not know the power figures so far for any of these engines, Ford not yet releasing them. Not for the V8, not for the EcoBoost not for the third and final engine but no doubt those will come soon. Speaking of that final engine… The last option available to buyers of the Mustang is the extra special Dark Horse Coyote V8 engine.

This is again a 5.0-liter V8 and what we do know is that Ford is targeting 100 hp per liter with this engine, and roughly puts the power figure for this Coyote V8 at over 500 hp, for certain. Amazingly, this is coming without any turbocharger, so it will be interesting to find out just how much power this engine does produce.

Technology is borrowed from the Shelby GT500, such as the forged crankshaft and connecting rods, showing the dedication Ford has to the new Mustang.

Keeping The Electric Muscle Car At Bay

2024-Ford-Mustang-Front-Quarter-View-Convertible-1
Via: Ford

These engine choices have perhaps surprised a lot of people. There were strong rumors that all-wheel drive was coming, a hybrid was coming, perhaps even full electrification of the Mustang. But with the announcement of the new Mustang came the confirmation that we are getting three internal-combustion engines. The electric muscle car is very much not on Ford’s priority list right now. Dodge has taken up that mantle thanks to the release of their Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept.

RELATED: Here’s What The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Offers Over The Standard Pony Car

The Future Of The Ford Mustang

2024-Ford-Mustang-Burnout-Front-View-1
Via: Ford

This does make us wonder about the future of the Mustang of course. It is great to see three varied engine choices for the next generation of muscle cars. But what next? Well, Ford might well keep this Mustang in production for eight years, so you would say no change for another nine years when it comes to the powertrain.

However, the world is rapidly changing. Attitudes to big powerful V8 engines are changing. Ford could be forced to change their plans quite quickly. So who knows what might be coming in the future? Perhaps then we simply have to enjoy what we have before it is all gone for good.

Source: Ford