Multiple next-generation S650 Ford Mustang prototypes have been spotted by Ford Authority spies in recent months, including a likely base model, a GT variant making some rumbly V8 noises, and a possible Mach 1 or higher-performance model. However, those same spies have now captured photos of the S650 Ford Mustang interior, revealing the new pony car’s redesigned cabin for the very first time, and there’s a lot to digest here.
First, while the overall aesthetic of this S650 Ford Mustang prototype’s interior looks similar to the current S550 model, it has received a host of modern updates. That includes a digital instrument cluster that looks different from the optional unit on the current-gen Mustang. A redesigned steering wheel resides in front of that updated screen, which features a flat bottom, a fact that Ford Authority exclusively reported last month.
Moving to the right, we can see a new HVAC vent design that’s quite angular. There are also fewer physical controls than the current model – a growing trend in the automotive world today – as the climate controls have been moved to a large, horizontally-oriented center touchscreen. There are some physical controls located beneath the center vents, however, including a start button, traction control, hazard lights, max defrost, one with a pony on it, and a volume knob for the radio. Interestingly, the shifter in this automatic transmission-equipped model looks virtually identical to the one present in the S550.
The S650 Ford Mustang is expected to represent more of an evolution for the pony car than a revolution, and in that essence, it won’t be available with all-wheel drive, as Ford Authority exclusively reported last week. However, two hybrid powertrain options could possibly be in the works – electrified versions of Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 5.0L Coyote V8. As Ford Authority reported nearly a year ago, Ford’s iconic pony car won’t be losing its V8 any time soon.
Previously expected to launch for the 2023 model year, the S650 will now reportedly enter production next year for the 2024 model year, a detail that was recently confirmed by Ford’s vehicle director for icons and Ford Performance, Ali Jammoul. The S650 Mustang will continue to be built at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant and is expected to have an eight-year life cycle, as Ford Authority reported last August.
We’ll have more on the S650 Ford Mustang soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
From the limited shots of the S650 interior. The addition of the flat bottom steering wheel is a nice addition. It looks like Ford is using an improved digital dash and a larger center infotainment screen. When I expanded the infotainment screen view. I found one interesting item on this screen that appears to be written in Chinese. I’m guessing this new infotainment screen may be coming from the Chinese part of the Ford and China joint manufacturing venture. Considering the massive screen being used in the 2023 Chinese Explorer it would be cost effective having China manufacturer this screen for the S650 and future Ford redesigns. Ford needs to change the way its currently mounting their infotainment screens and start building them vertically into the dash.
that steering wheel though i like the flat bottom but why did they have to change the dam buttons and the paddle shifters have gotten smaller why
What a downgrade. Using the Maverick an entry level pickup as inspiration for the performance Mustang is a stupid idea. I mean this just looks so cheap and so tacky. And I’m sure in typical Ford fashion the cabin will be adorned in cheap plastics.
Mustang will have Sync4, which is in much of the Ford range, what’s the problem with that?
You think Ford should keep up with the likes of the Euros with interior detail, have a think about what they charge for a V8 with this performance… +50% or more? I’ll take the cheaper interior.
What a genius you are…
exactly
yuck I see an auto start stop button
Welcome to the 20’s?
i hate auto start
Looks good. I am glad they kept the shifter (at least in the prototype), as it is excellent IMO.
ew the climate controls arent going to be physical buttons boo I hate touch screen climate controls