2018 Ford Mustang details revealed
More powerful V8, 10-speed auto, added tech and big price hikes headline latest revisionsGiddy up! Ford Australia has announced running changes to the Mustang for 2018.
Australia’s most popular sports car will debut numerous underbody, tech and safety updates from August.
But here comes the caveat: prices are up by between $4000 and nearly $9000. In addition, motoring.com.au can confirm that Ford will delete a controversial dragstrip mode from Australian-specification vehicles – for the same reason it deleted a burnout mode in the current Mustang.
As such, entry into the line-up will now start at $49,990 (plus on-road costs) for the four-cylinder manual EcoBoost, while V8 prices now start from $62,990 (plus on-road costs).
Headlining the facelift is a more powerful version of the GT’s 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8. The flagship has been re-tuned to 339kW (up 33kW) and 556Nm (up 26Nm) thanks to new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port injection.
The added power will be telegraphed via a new active valve exhaust system offering four different modes depending on the driver’s mood: Normal, Quiet, Track and Sport.
Ford is already declaring its updated bent-eight as the “fastest Mustang ever” but isn’t quoting a 0-100km/h time. Ford’s European office has hinted at a 0-100km/h time of “under four-seconds” with aforementioned dragstrip mode engaged.
The updated V8 is tied to a new 10-speed automatic transmission that will purportedly bring faster gear changes and an optimised shift pattern both in terms of efficiency and performance. A six-speed manual will continue to be offered as standard.
The same 10-speed will also be found in the entry-level EcoBoost Mustang. That car’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder – the same as that found on the venerable Focus RS -- goes largely unchanged, with 224kW and 441Nm (up 9Nm).
The added firepower is supported by the installation of new shock absorbers and a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension. Together, the changes are said to bring better ride control, increased lateral stiffness and sharper response and handling.
Enthusiasts wanting to go over and above the standard suspension can now opt for MagneRide dampers borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT350. The system, which will be available as a $2750 option, can independly adjust each corner of the car up to 1000 times per second for better responsiveness and lateral performance.
Inside, the Mustang will debut a new all-digital instrument cluster for Ford in Australia. The 12-inch unit takes inspiration from the Ford GT racecar, allowing three customisable layouts depending on whether you’re in Normal, Sport and Track modes.
An eight-inch touchscreen in the centre binnacle now projects revised function including Ford’s latest SYNC3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are some minor cosmetic changes across the range, and more customisable options including $3000 Recaro seats on the GT Fastback.
Ford has also given the Mustang a quick wave of its styling wand, introducing a lower, remodelled bonnet and grille, re-positioned air intakes and all-LED front lights across all models. The changes have been met with mixed fanfare.
Further back, the rear scores revised LED tail-lights, a new bumper, fascia and optional performance rear wing spoiler. In the case of the Mustang GT, a quad-tip exhaust outlet resides at the rear.
Minor alloy wheel updates and three new colours (Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Royal Crimson) round out the styling changes.
On the safety front – a contentious issue for the Mustang and for Ford globally – the Blue Oval has injected the Mustang with a new suite of driver aids called Ford Driver-Assist Technology (DAT).
The pack comprises autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
The safety changes equate to a three-star Euro NCAP rating -- up from two stars in the predecessor.
2018 Ford Mustang pricing (plus ORCs:
EcoBoost Fastback (manual) -- $49,990 (up $4000)
EcoBoost Fastback (automatic) -- $52,990 (up $4500)
EcoBoost Convertible (automatic) -- $59,490 (up $4500)
GT Fastback (manual) -- $62,990 (up $5500)
GT Fastback (automatic) -- $66,259 (up $6269)
GT Convertible (automatic) -- $74,709 (up $8793)
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