**New Mustang Muscle Cars Shipping Next Week**
Ford has announced that the new versions of the Mustang muscle car will begin shipping next week. This is exciting news for Mustang enthusiasts, as more than two-thirds of the orders for the new models include the big, 5-liter V-8 engine. This indicates that demand for powerful engines remains strong, despite Detroit automakers’ transition towards electric vehicles to comply with government emissions and fuel economy requirements.
**Strong Demand for Roaring Engines**
Despite the push towards electric vehicles, Ford has received approximately 13,000 orders for the 2024 Mustangs in the U.S. market. These new Mustangs can be equipped with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but it’s worth noting that 67% of the orders have opted for the V-8 engine. Additionally, over a quarter of the customers interested in the Mustang have specifically requested the six-speed manual transmission. This highlights that there is still a significant market demand for traditional muscle cars, with customers valuing the raw power and control offered by the V-8 engine.
**Muscle Cars Facing Phasing Out**
While the demand for muscle cars like the Mustang remains robust, the overall market for new muscle cars is shrinking. General Motors announced earlier this year that it will cease production of the Chevrolet Camaro as a 2024 model, though the possibility of a replacement in the future has not been ruled out. Stellantis, formerly known as Fiat Chrysler, also plans to discontinue the gas versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger by the end of this year. However, Stellantis intends to introduce a battery-powered Charger performance car in 2024. Ford’s spokesperson, Mike Levine, has not confirmed whether the latest version of the Mustang will be the company’s final gas-powered muscle car. The future may hold an electric Mustang sports car to align with the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
**High Demand for V-8 Mustangs with Manual Transmission**
The current high demand for V-8 Mustangs and the preference for manual transmissions can partially be attributed to the potential end of the gas-powered muscle car era. Sam Abuelsamid, an eMobility analyst at Guidehouse Insights, suggests that hardcore fans are eager to acquire these models because they are uncertain about the future availability of gas-powered muscle cars. The introduction of a new Mustang typically leads to a higher order rate for the V-8 engine and manual transmission, as loyal Mustang fans are often quick to place their orders. Jim Owens, the Mustang brand manager, confirms this trend, stating that enthusiasts show greater demand for the V-8 engine whenever a new Mustang is introduced.
**Continuing the Legacy of the Mustang**
The new Mustang shares the same underpinnings as the current version and is manufactured at a factory in Flat Rock, Michigan, located south of Detroit. The majority of the V-8 engines in the new models will produce 486 horsepower, with a Dark Horse version boasting 500 horsepower. While it may be too early to determine if this will be the last gas-powered Mustang, Ford remains committed to delivering a powerful and exhilarating driving experience to its customers.
In conclusion, Ford’s new versions of the Mustang muscle car are set to ship next week. The demand for the big, 5-liter V-8 engine remains strong, indicating that there is still a significant market for powerful engines. Despite the overall phasing out of muscle cars, Mustang enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the latest models. The potential end of gas-powered muscle cars is driving the demand for V-8 Mustangs with manual transmissions. While the future may hold an electric Mustang sports car, Ford’s commitment to delivering a thrilling driving experience for its customers is evident in the new models. Whether this will be the last gas-powered Mustang remains to be seen, but for now, Mustang enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy the power and performance of these iconic American muscle cars.
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