The S650 generation Mustang (2024+) covers EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Premium, plus Convertible variants on EcoBoost and GT. EcoBoost trims run the 2.3L turbo making 315 hp. GT runs the 5.0L Coyote V8 at 480 hp. Dark Horse runs an upgraded 5.0L V8 at 500 hp with track-focused chassis tuning, available 6-speed manual with Tremec gearbox.

Manual or automatic transmission?

Both are available depending on trim. EcoBoost runs the 10-speed automatic only on current generation. GT and Dark Horse offer the 6-speed Tremec manual or 10-speed automatic. The manual is genuinely engaging - rev-matching available, mechanical feel - and resale value tends to hold or improve relative to the auto on enthusiast trims. Auto is faster in objective acceleration tests and easier in stop-and-go traffic.

2.3L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 - what is the difference in real driving?

Different cars with similar performance numbers. EcoBoost makes 315 hp with strong low-end turbo torque, lighter front-end weight, and better fuel economy (24-32 mpg combined depending on driving). The V8 makes 480 hp (GT) or 500 hp (Dark Horse) with the classic Mustang exhaust note, traditional V8 power delivery, and higher resale typical of GT trims. Acceleration is closer than spec sheets suggest, but character is different.

Can I daily-drive a Mustang in Greensboro year-round?

Yes for most trims. EcoBoost and GT handle daily driving well with usable trunk space, reasonable fuel economy on EcoBoost, and modern infotainment. Dark Horse is more track-focused with stiffer suspension and louder exhaust - still daily-drivable but the trade-offs are real. RWD requires care during the occasional ice events the Triad gets, but proper all-season tires handle 95% of conditions. Convertible adds top-down driving in spring and fall when weather cooperates.

How do I schedule a test drive at Green Ford?

Browse our Mustang inventory online and pick the trim and configuration you want to drive. For shoppers comparing EcoBoost vs GT vs Dark Horse, multi-vehicle test drive sessions are available with advance notice - we will pull the units so you can drive them back-to-back. The differences between the three really only become clear when you drive them in sequence.

Mustang Configuration Questions?

Mustang configuration involves a lot of personal preference - manual vs auto, V8 vs EcoBoost, coupe vs convertible, color and option package choices.

If you have specifics in mind or want to talk through trade-offs before scheduling a test drive, our team can walk through it.

Reach out and we will get into the details.

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The S650 Generation Mustang at Green Ford

Ford launched the S650 Mustang generation for the 2024 model year, marking the seventh generation of the original pony car. The S650 retains the rear-wheel-drive coupe (and convertible) format that has defined Mustang since 1965 - making it the last gas-powered traditional muscle car still in production after Camaro and Challenger ended their runs. Body styling carries Mustang DNA with sharper modern execution, and the interior takes a major step forward with two large digital displays running a customizable Unreal Engine-powered interface.

For Greensboro and Triad buyers, the S650 covers a wide use case range. EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium serve as accessible-price daily drivers with genuine performance feel. GT and GT Premium deliver classic V8 muscle car character with modern refinement. Dark Horse pushes into track-capable territory with chassis upgrades, MagneRide adaptive dampers (Premium), and the Tremec manual transmission option enthusiasts request. Convertible variants on EcoBoost and GT add top-down driving for spring and fall Carolina weather. Pricing starts in the low-$30s on EcoBoost coupe and reaches the mid-$60s on Dark Horse Premium with options.

S650 generation: 2024+, seventh generation Mustang
Last traditional gas-powered muscle car in production
Coupe and Convertible body styles
Pricing low-$30s base to mid-$60s top trim with options

For shoppers cross-shopping Mustang against other Ford performance and lifestyle vehicles, our new inventory covers the full Ford lineup, and the Ford SUV inventory includes Bronco and Mach-E for buyers considering different formats.

Engine and Transmission Choices

The 2.3L EcoBoost in EcoBoost trims makes 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Turbocharged with low-end torque that feels more substantial than the displacement suggests. Fuel economy runs 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined - the best of any current Mustang. Front-end weight is lighter than V8 trims, which improves handling balance and gives the EcoBoost a nimble character that V8 cars do not match. For daily drivers prioritizing efficiency with real performance feel, the EcoBoost is genuinely competitive.

The 5.0L Coyote V8 in GT trims makes 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque - up significantly from prior generations. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers the classic Mustang power curve with the exhaust note that defines the platform. Fuel economy drops to 14 city / 24 highway / 17 combined. The Dark Horse runs an upgraded 5.0L V8 at 500 hp with revised intake, valvetrain, and exhaust, plus track-focused chassis upgrades including Brembo brakes, MagneRide on Premium, and Tremec TR-3160 6-speed manual or available 10-speed automatic.

Transmission choice on GT and Dark Horse splits along enthusiast preferences. The Tremec 6-speed manual delivers genuine driver engagement with rev-matching available - one of the better manuals in the segment. The 10-speed automatic posts faster acceleration numbers and handles stop-and-go better, plus integrates with launch control and drive modes seamlessly. EcoBoost is automatic-only on the current generation. Resale on manual GT and Dark Horse trims tends to hold strong against the automatic, particularly if the manual takes are limited production years.

2.3L EcoBoost: 315 hp, 26 mpg combined, automatic only
5.0L Coyote V8 GT: 480 hp, 17 mpg combined, manual or auto
5.0L V8 Dark Horse: 500 hp, track chassis, manual or auto
Tremec 6-speed manual on GT and Dark Horse coupe

For Mustang shoppers wanting trade-in equity to lower out-of-pocket cost, our trade-in tool provides a starting estimate. Trade-in value reduces NC Highway Use Tax taxable amount.

Trim Levels and Equipment Differences

EcoBoost coupe is the entry point with the 2.3L turbo, 17-inch wheels (18-inch optional), cloth seats, manual climate, and 12.4-inch digital cluster paired with 13.2-inch infotainment running SYNC 4 with Unreal Engine graphics. EcoBoost Premium adds heated/cooled leather seats, premium audio, additional driver assistance features, and option packages including the Equipment Group 201A and the GT Performance Pack styling. EcoBoost Convertible takes the Premium content and adds the soft-top.

GT moves to the 5.0L V8 with 18-inch wheels (19-inch standard on GT Premium), Brembo front brakes, sportier suspension tuning, and active exhaust on Premium. GT Performance Package adds Torsen limited-slip differential, MagneRide adaptive dampers, larger Brembo brakes, and unique chassis tuning. GT Convertible takes the V8 with the soft-top format. GT Premium adds the leather, technology, and convenience features that match what most buyers expect at the V8 price tier.

Dark Horse takes the V8 to 500 hp and adds Brembo brakes all around, MagneRide standard on Premium, K-rated forged wheels, Recaro seats, and the Tremec 6-speed manual as standard with 10-speed auto optional. Dark Horse Premium upgrades to the full premium feature set. Track-focused buyers wanting the most capable Mustang short of full Shelby variants land here. The Convertible body style is not currently offered on Dark Horse - that variant stays coupe-only.

EcoBoost / EcoBoost Premium / EcoBoost Convertible
GT / GT Premium / GT Performance Pack / GT Convertible
Dark Horse / Dark Horse Premium - coupe only
Manual transmission available on GT and Dark Horse

For pricing transparency on specific Mustang trims and current incentives, our new vehicle specials page shows what is currently active.

Mustang Daily Driving in the Triad

Mustang holds up well as a daily driver despite its performance car identity. Trunk space is reasonable for a coupe (13 cubic feet on coupe, slightly less on convertible). Back seats fit small adults for short trips and work fine for kids. Modern infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto handles daily use. Heated seats, dual-zone climate, and modern driver assistance features are available across the lineup. Fuel economy on EcoBoost (26 mpg combined) is competitive with most compact SUVs, while V8 trims trade efficiency for character.

For Greensboro driving specifically, RWD requires reasonable care during the occasional ice events the Triad gets every few winters, but quality all-season tires handle the typical conditions. Heated seats and remote start make cold winter mornings manageable. Summer heat and humidity put load on A/C systems, where Mustang's HVAC handles the Carolina climate well. Highway cruising on I-40, I-85, and I-73 is comfortable in EcoBoost and GT, slightly stiffer in Dark Horse. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the back roads through Yadkin Valley, and the trip to the coast are where Mustang shines as a weekend escape vehicle.

Reasonable daily-driver utility for a coupe
Modern infotainment, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
RWD requires care in occasional ice events
Highway and back-road driving the Mustang sweet spot

For service support over the ownership period, our Ford-trained service department handles Mustang maintenance and repair including the more specialized work on Dark Horse trim Brembo brakes, MagneRide dampers, and Tremec manual transmission service.

Acting on a New Mustang at Green Ford

Mustang inventory at the dealer level is generally good but specific configurations move at different paces. EcoBoost trims tend to have wider availability. GT in popular color and option combinations turns quickly. Dark Horse and especially Dark Horse with manual transmission and Premium package can be harder to find on the lot - factory ordering is often the path for buyers who want a specific Dark Horse build. Convertibles in spring see increased demand as top-down weather arrives.

The recommended sequence: pre-approve through our finance application so spending range is clear, schedule a test drive (or multi-trim comparison drive if cross-shopping EcoBoost vs GT vs Dark Horse), and visit ready to make decisions on trim, color, and equipment. For factory order scenarios on specific Dark Horse or rare configurations, lead time runs 6-12 weeks typical and locks current pricing including eligible incentives.

EcoBoost trims wider lot availability
GT in popular configurations turns quickly
Dark Horse Premium with manual often factory order
Factory order 6-12 weeks, locks current pricing

Visit Green Ford at 3800 W Wendover Ave in Greensboro to drive what is currently in stock, or contact our team to discuss specific configurations and order timing if your target build is not on the lot.

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