The 7th-gen Ford Mustang – one of few naturally aspirated V8-engined sportscars still in production – has been launched in South Africa. The Blue Oval offers the new model exclusively in 5.0 GT fastback guise, but a more potent Dark Horse version is coming.
In the 8 years that the 6th-gen Mustang (the 1st iteration of the iconic muscle car to be built in right-hand-drive guise) was offered in Mzansi, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) sold 4 082 units of the model. If you’re thinking of buying a used example of the outgoing S550-series Fastback, see our Ford Mustang (2015-2024) Buyer’s Guide.
In terms of its exterior execution, the Blue Oval’s 7th-gen muscle car (codenamed S650) remains instantly recognisable as a Ford Mustang… At the front, a low, horizontal brow (ahead of the black bonnet vents) emphasises the fastback’s width, the shape of the upper grille pays homage to the original 1960s design, the sculpted bumper features large, purposeful grille openings (as well as a redesigned splitter), and the Tri-Bar LED headlamps are said to reproduce the Mustang’s classic lighting signature.
A road-hugging stance, sleek roofline, widened rear haunches and short overhangs are classic Mustang design cues that have been retained, while at the back, the 7th-gen model features an extended rear deck with tri-bar LED lighting elements and a motorsport-inspired rear diffuser.
Ebony Black multi-spoke alloys (19×9-inch rims fore and 19×9.5-inch rims aft) are fitted as standard, but machined Tarnished Dark Aluminium wheels can also be specified.
The newcomer is available in 8 paint finishes: Race Red, Oxford White (Solid), Absolute Black, Atlas Blue, Lucid Red, Vapor Blue, Iconic Silver and Dark Matter Grey Metallic.
0-100 kph in 4.9 sec (claimed)
The 2024 Mustang 5.0 GT fastback is powered by a 4th-gen naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 petrol engine with a dual air intake box and dual throttle body that produces peak outputs of 328 kW/540 Nm and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. FMCSA claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.9 sec, a limited top speed of 250 kph and an average fuel consumption of 12.8 L/100 km for the model.
Drivers can adjust the Mustang’s steering effort, engine response, transmission and electronic stability control settings by toggling between 6 drive modes (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track and a customisable setting with up to 6 individual profiles), each of which is accompanied by distinct graphic scheme on the digital instrument cluster.
Performance Pack is standard
In South Africa, the 2024 Mustang 5.0 GT fastback comes standard with the Performance Pack, which adds a front suspension tower brace, a Torsen limited-slip diff, MagneRide active suspension, upgraded (390-mm) front and (355mm) rear Brembo brakes, special brake ducts (for optimised cooling of the discs) and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler.
The package also includes a performance electronic parking brake (styled to resemble a traditional, mechanical handbrake) with which a driver can exploit (or at least, revel in) the Mustang’s rear-wheel drive drifting capability, plus an active valve performance exhaust system that enables the driver to choose how quiet – or raucous – they want the free-breathing V8 to sound.
Oh, and with the Remote Rev function, they can rev the engine remotely using the key fob!
Fighter jet-inspired cockpit
The fighter jet-inspired cockpit is dominated by a pair of flowing and curved displays: a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that’s highly customisable and an angled 13.2-inch SYNC4 infotainment touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Beyond the new digital interfaces, the 7th-gen Mustang’s interior design carries over cues from its predecessors (such as the Mustang plaque on the left end of the dashboard and the transmission lever’s spherical knob) and features carbon-fibre look inserts, unique upholstery perforation on the inserts of the contrast-stitched Black Onyx leather seats, plus asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts.
Standard features include a flat-bottomed multifunction ‘wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a B&O audio system with 12 speakers (including a subwoofer), a wireless charging pad, high-mounted USB ports (to power a “dash cam”, for example) and, for a bit of extra razzmatazz, an animated welcome light greeting, Mustang splash screens and multi-colour LED ambient cabin lighting.
Apart from 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as traction- and electronic stability control, the 2024 Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback comes equipped with an extensive range of advanced driver assist features, such as speed-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, lane-centring assist, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist and lastly, active pothole mitigation, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.
Owners can stay connected with their car via the FordPass app and utilise free features such as remote vehicle start and stop, door locking/unlocking, scheduling a start time, locating the vehicle, and vehicle health and status checks.
The app also makes vehicle info (such as fuel and oil levels, plus service history) available to users.
How much does the 2025 Ford Mustang cost in South Africa?
| Ford Mustang 5.0 GT fastback | R1 300 000 |
The price (correct in November 2024) includes a 6-year/90 000 km service plan, a 4-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse (2025) Price & Spec
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