The 2018 Ford Mustang has been revealed overnight boasting more powerful engines, new suspension technology and a customisable digital instrument cluster.
THE 2018 FORD MUSTANG has launched in the US boasting “even better performance from more powerful engines and new MagneRide suspension technology. Customers have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang to make it their own, with three new paint colors, 12 distinct wheel choices and a customizable digital instrument cluster,” Ford said in a statement.
Of more note to Ford Mustang fans will be the news the 3.7-litre V6 has been dropped with the 2.3-litre Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder the new base engine while the 5.0-litre V8 has been tweaked to offer more power, although Ford didn’t reveal the numbers. All Ford said was, “Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter V8 engine has been thoroughly reworked. It is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT before. This power increase was achieved with the first application for Mustang of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine – delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency”.
A manual transmission will continue to be offered on Mustang, although it’s likely most buyers will opt for the new 10-speed automatic. Ford said, “Compared to the previous six-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses”.
The updated Mustang also offers a new suspension set-up and tweaked damper tune; Ford is also offering its MagneRide active dampers via the cost optional Performance Package.
The new Mustang gets a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit in the dashboard and can be customized to offer three different views for Normal, Sport and Track mode. It also offers a Mustang MyMode which allows owners to save their customized settings for things including suspension and seats. The exhaust note can also be tweaked which is a shame… yep, the exhaust note is piped in an enhanced digitally. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity is also available via Ford’s SYNC infotainment and communications system.
In terms of design tweaks, the new Mustang, claims Ford, “is now more athletic, with a lower, remodeled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for hood vents”. For the first time on Mustang, the front and rear lights are all-LED, the EcoBoost V6 gets a dual-tip exhaust while the V8 gets a quad-tip set-up.
The new Mustang goes on-sale in the US later this year. We’re waiting to hear about an on-sale for Australia and, of course, pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to the launch.
I don’t mind the front, but the appalling tail lights and 1980’s interior are a complete turn-off. The engine needs a SC to get it moving and really they need a 375kW/650Nm version