What Transmission Is in Today’s Manual Mustangs?
Ford Mustang fans received good news for the 2024 model year; the iconic Blue Oval pony car would return for a seventh generation of front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD) goodness. Better yet, the Mustang returns with a row-your-own manual transmission for 2024. So, what transmission is in manual Mustangs of today?
Today’s Ford Mustang GTs pack a Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission as the sole stick shift option
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT offers two transmission options: a Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission. Tragically, the manual Mustang lineup doesn’t include a three-pedal Ford Mustang EcoBoost for 2024. Instead, the EcoBoost sole transmission option is the 10-speed automatic from the previous generation.
Unfortunately, the Getrag MT82 six-speed manual gearbox has a bit of a reputation. Specifically, drivers reported premature wear and even catastrophic failure in their S550 and S197-generation Ford Mustangs. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Getrag is cursed.
Many owners report problem-free shifts. Still, while the 10-speed automatic is a shiftable unit, it won’t give owners the same analog driving experience as the MT82. It’s not just the most recent Ford Mustangs, either; the Getrag-sourced manual has been the gearbox of choice for most three-pedal pony cars the Blue Oval has produced since 2011.
However, the Getrag MT82 isn’t the only transmission you’ll find in the lineup of manual Mustangs. The range-topping 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse packs an entirely different six-speed manual gearbox. It’s the TREMEC TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission from the now-discontinued S550 Shelby GT350 and Mach 1 Mustang.
That’s good news for Mustang buyers with a penchant for track days. The TREMEC unit has a reputation for durability, even during dynamic track-driving experiences. However, unlike the Shelby GT350, the Dark Horse offers a 10-speed automatic transmission as well. Unsurprisingly, the automatic unit will produce snappier shifts and launches. Still, we know which one we’d rather take out for a track day.
