It's a muscle car versus import showdown!
In the impending void of the muscle car realm—with the imminent departures of legends like the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and the Chevy Camaro—the 2024 Ford Mustang (S650) stands tall, poised to grasp the scepter of the ICE-powered pony/muscle dynasty. One might wonder, will the Mustang shy away from such grandeur?
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Our verdict: Not in the slightest. Ford has audaciously kept the flame of the V8 spirit burning for yet another generation. Meanwhile, Stellantis seems to be steering Dodge towards a more electrified lane with the Charger Daytona SRT EV. And as for General Motors, it seems they're taking an unexpected hiatus from the muscle car scene by terminating the beloved sixth-generation Chevy Camaro—earlier than the fandom had hoped.
So, with all eyes pivoting to the 2024 Mustang, it's unsurprising that the Internet is abuzz with tales of its escapades. Sure, there are those inevitable incidents (because, as they say, "It's a Mustang thing"), but several proud owners are channeling that raw power where it belongs: on the drag strip.
Among these thrill-seekers, some are chasing the illustrious sub-12-second quarter-mile with their Dark Horse, while others are confident that the GT model alone can take on this challenge. And they may have a point.
Supporting this claim is the riveting showcase provided by the ImportRace channel on YouTube. Their recent session at the Island Dragway in Great Meadows, New Jersey, showcased the prowess of the light blue 2024 Mustang GT. This particular hue seems to be the talk of the town for the S650 series' debut year.
But color aside, it's the performance that left us agog. In its inaugural showdown, the Mustang took on the laudable BMW X4 M Competition. And while on paper the two beasts seemed evenly matched—with Ford's active exhaust boosting it to 486 hp versus the BMW's robust 503 hp—the race told a different story. The BMW struggled to control its vigor, nearly taking out the Christmas tree, resulting in the Mustang breezing past with a 12.33s mark.
In its second skirmish, the Mustang locked horns with the Lexus IS F. But again, the competition veered off course, sealing another victory for the Mustang with a 12.29s sprint.
In the face of international competition, the 2024 Mustang GT not only held its ground but emerged as a testament to the enduring might of American muscle.
