The Supercharged 2024 Mustang GT: A Performance Marvel by iBestTravel
A warm sun shone on a shiny black surface that was extremely sticky, like chewing gum on a sneaker tread, as an ebony horse roared on the starting line. As the lights descended, VMP Performance’s Rebecca Starkey planted the loud pedal, and boost filled the chambers of the Coyote under the hood. The 275/40/19 Nitto 555R2 rear tires dug in and catapulted the “Nite Pony” forward as the 10R80 automatic zipped through the gears.
As the Gen 4 Coyote howled out the back door, the scoreboards at Orlando Speed World glowed with a 9.999 at 142.72 mph, marking it as the first supercharged 2024 Mustang GT in the single digits on the quarter-mile!
“The car drove amazingly on the first hit off the trailer. I was not expecting it to be so easy. It was easier than driving my 2020 GT500, which is basically like sitting in my living room,” said Rebecca, who has extensive experience driving quick Mustangs, including her own 7-second ride. “I knew what was possible based on math and physics alone, but I was a little bit apprehensive. I was hoping for a 9, but I didn’t know what was in the cards.”
With the introduction of its seventh-generation stallion, Ford has pushed its existing technology to new heights with the S650 platform and the Gen 4 Coyote 5.0-liter engine. Supporting this new level of performance is a new electronic architecture and an ECU that is locked down tighter than a maximum-security prison.
Consequently, many aftermarket pioneers resorted to working around the factory programming by shedding weight, opening exhaust systems, and even adding a touch of nitrous. Installing a supercharger, however, requires comprehensive calibration, and only a select few Ford partners possess the keys to the horsepower kingdom.
Leading that charge is Whipple Superchargers, which offers its Gen 6 3.0-liter system for the 2024 Mustang GT and Dark Horse. This comes with a companion calibration that unlocks the boosted potential of the Gen 4 5.0-liter engine. The Stage 1 system includes the Gen 6 3.0-liter blower supported by 55 lb/hr injectors, a 92mm GT500 throttle body, and a 3.825-inch blower pulley. An optional 36,000-mile powertrain warranty is also available on the Stage 1 kits. The Stage 2 kit deployed on Rebecca’s car upgrades to a 112mm oval throttle body, a 3.750-inch pulley, and runs a more aggressive calibration with higher shift points, achieving an impressive output of 855 flywheel horsepower. Both configurations benefit from efficient, dual-pass air-to-water intercooling, ensuring optimal inlet temperatures.
VMP Performance, renowned for boosting Mustangs with TVS technology, recently partnered with Whipple to offer these performance kits to its customers. This collaboration quickly proved fruitful on the 2024 Mustang GT automatic, equipped with the Nite Pony appearance package and the Active Valve Performance Exhaust, enhancing performance by generating additional horsepower on both stock and boosted configurations.
Furthermore, Justin Starkey, president of VMP Performance, shares insights into their recent collaboration. “We flew out there to meet them in person and toured the facility. We have been fierce competitors for a long time, but that rivalry has calmed over the last couple of years. After discussing all potential collaborations with Dustin from Whipple, we realized the S650 is just the beginning of a fantastic partnership.”
Having debuted the new partnership and project car at its annual car show, the VMP team showcased the Whipple-boosted Gen 4 Coyote’s credentials. The stock setup, save for the supercharger and calibration, registered an impressive 810 horsepower and 629.78 lb-ft of torque during two demonstration pulls.
“You know, most of the time, one plus one equals two,” Justin added. “In this situation, it’s more like one plus one equals three. With just a supercharger, 12 pounds of boost, and pump gas with an additive, we’re achieving incredible power. This showcases the potential of the new Mustang and Gen 4 Coyote, along with the supercharger system and the tuning.”
As we navigate the early stages of the supercharging scene for the 2024 Mustang, the opportunity for even more performance emerges with increased boost and, eventually, more aggressive tuning as the aftermarket evolves. Similarly, the largely stock VMP S650 could benefit from additional modifications to enhance power output and reduce elapsed times. Rebecca and Justin have smaller supercharger pulleys prepared, ensuring this car is set to improve upon its record-setting 9-second pass in the near future.
Conclusion
In summary, the collaboration between iBestTravel, Whipple Superchargers, and VMP Performance signifies a transformative leap in performance for the 2024 Mustang GT. The advancements in supercharging technology, combined with precise tuning, create a plethora of opportunities for enhancing both speed and power.
