Drag strip mode confirmed for 2018 Ford Mustang

Those creative boffins at Ford have seemingly done it again.

Not content with styling, engine and transmission updates for the 2018 Mustang – not to mention a burnout mode that is likely to be ruled out for Australia – Ford has confirmed a fifth selectable drive mode system for 2018 called ‘drag strip mode’.

In drag strip mode, the shifts in the Mustang’s new 10-speed transmission ratios are optimised to minimise the disengagement period where, traditionally, no torque is being sent down the driveline. In addition, cars that have optional MagneRide dampers will adjust the front dampers in drag strip mode to apply more vertical force to the rear axle for improved grip from the car’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Mustang chief engineer Carl Widmann. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”

The upshot? A claimed 0-60mph time of under four seconds. Which likely means a 0-100km/h time of under four seconds in our vernacular.

The new software feature accompanies more power and torque from the GT Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 engine than before. Outputs are now up to 343kW/570Nm, according to Ford – thanks in part to the new 10-speed automatic transmission, high-pressure direct fuel injection and low-pressure port fuel injection.

It means the 2018 Mustang will be the fastest Pony car ever and is likely to eclipse acceleration times of the flagship Shelby GT350. Ford even claims it will be faster than a Porsche 911.

In the 2.3-litre EcoBoost model, the new drag strip mode enables a 0-100km/h time of under 5.0 seconds, according to Ford. For 2018, the entry model boasts identical power of 230kW but added torque of 475Nm.

“In addition, an all-new electronic control system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability," Ford says.

“Compared to the outgoing six-speed, the new 10-speed automatic has quicker shift times and better low-speed tip-in response. It’s uniquely tuned for all five drive modes – normal, sport, track, Drag Strip and snow/wet. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.”

The big question remains whether Ford Australia will give Australian enthusiasts access to the drag strip feature. We’ve asked the question and are awaiting a response.