Ford’s Iconic Pony Car Improves Even More, What’s New for 2018
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang, introduced in model year 2015, represented the ideal pony car – a compact, stylized, and sporty car that can be driven every day and driven fast. Six years of development, a 100 percent new design, independent rear suspension, and all-new powertrain options heralded the Mustang’s 50 year anniversary.
It may be the latest but is it the greatest Mustang? The folks at Ford felt there was room for improvement and will incorporate a gaggle of new features with the 2018 model. Here is what you can look forward to when the new model goes on sale in North America this fall.
“The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. “Tapping Mustang’s enormous fan base, we’re bringing the new Mustang straight to the people – and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions.”
Improved Performance
Serious engine upgrades, an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission, and available MagneRide suspension give the Mustang a nice jump in performance and handling.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine is being deleted and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will be standard. The 5.0-liter V8 engine has been revamped to rev even higher and produce more horsepower. The manual transmission for the V8 has been redesigned with a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to handle the increased torque. A new 10-speed automatic is available for both EcoBoost and V8 engines.
The dynamic MagneRide suspension integrated into the GT350 and GT350R is now available with the Mustang Performance Package for 2018. Expect improved ride and handling under all conditions. All 2018 Mustangs get new shock absorbers that improve ride control, a new cross-member in the rear suspension that adds lateral stiffness, and innovative anti-sway bars that invoke sharper responsiveness and handling.
Design Energy
The 2018 Mustang has a stance that is more athletic and features a leaner look. The front fenders, grille, and hood — with repositioned hood vents — has been sculpted to be lower and tighter. Aerodynamic treatment to the upper and lower front grilles reduce air drag. For the first time, all trim levels will feature all-LED front lights, turn signals, projector beams, and available fog lamps for 2018.
For those unlucky drivers swallowing the Mustang’s exhaust, they get to watch the car’s revised LED taillamps, new bumper, fascia and available rear spoiler disappear into the distance. There will be more ways to personalize the Mustang with three new paint colors added to the palette for a total of 11 available exterior colors, 12 different alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20-inches, and a customizable digital instrument cluster.
Technology
In front of the driver, all of the old physical instruments are gone and have been replaced with an all-new digital dash center around an optional 12-inch LCD screen that offers three separate views that are fully configurable. It can be set up to display different information for the normal, sport, and track driving modes. Ford points out that even the Mustang’s exhaust note can be personalized via an optional active-valve exhaust system.
The refreshed 2018 Mustang goes on sale in the fall. Prices, specs, and fuel economy numbers will be available late summer.
