On this episode, we drive the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Our experts discuss the Mustang’s legacy, V8 powertrain, and race-inspired technology. We explore the future of muscle cars and wonder if the 7th generation Pony Car is the last of its kind. We also answer audience questions about cylinder deactivation and the best vehicle for a long commute.

SHOW NOTES:

 

0:00 - Intro

 

0:16 - 2024 Mustang model lineup

 

3:44 - Dark Horse powertrain

 

5:00 - 10-Speed automatic transmission

 

8:26 - Handling & ride dynamics

 

9:25 - Ford Drift Brake

 

12:06 - Driver screen & infotainment

 

15:40 - Seats

 

16:47 - Gauge clusters

 

17:40 - Is this the last Mustang?

 

19:24 - Audience Question

 

LINKS:

 

2024 Ford Mustang: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/mustang/2024/overview/

 

2024 Ford Mustang Early Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFinVVIOl3c

 

Find the Best Sports Cars & Convertibles: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/

We purchased over a dozen of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) for our auto test program at consumer reports, to study deeper and reveal many nuances of the most misunderstood vehicle. This week we share our initial impressions of some of our first interactions with plug-in hybrids and what we have discovered so far. Jake Fisher drafts a complex spreadsheet to help one of our audience members decide between a hybrid and a PHEV. We also answer if there is any correlation between the hybrid battery and the 12-volt battery in hybrid vehicles.

 

CR's PHEV cost calculator: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AHW1tUQIXa5NMWAKLHxKh1Xoro6tkOHpyV6cDbAu6U8/edit?usp=sharing

 

More info on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-a-plug-in-hybrid-vehicle-right-for-you-a9339147016/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Why (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) PHEVs?

04:28 - What are plug-in hybrids?

07:28 - Who are PHEVs for?

12:10 - Plug-ins are a version of gas powered vehicles

13:39 - Our experience with 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV)

16:52 - Driving the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV

20:08 - 2023 Mazda CX90 PHEV

21:04 - PHEVs are not for everyone

26:08 - Question #1: Which plug-in hybrid should I buy?

31:22 - Question #2: Will a 12-volt trickle charger also keep the hybrid battery topped off?

 

 

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Is a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Right for You?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-a-plug-in-hybrid-vehicle-right-for-you-a9339147016/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Electric Cars 101: Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions-a7130554728/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Car Safety Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

 

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

 

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

 

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

 

 

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