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Ford reveals revised Mustang
Changes to Ford’s iconic muscle car include a new look, as well as updates to engine and suspension, and extra safety kit, which the company says should improve its disappointing safety rating.
Words by: Andy Pringle
Published on 11 September 2017 | 0 min read
- Enhanced engines, sharper to drive, with advanced driver assistance systems
- Revised styling, with LED lighting, new exterior colours and alloy wheel options
- Due to go on sale in 2018
Ford has revealed an updated version of the Mustang, Featuring new styling, upgraded engine and suspension, new driver assistance systems and more customisation options, it’ll go on sale in 2018.
The revisions apply to both the coupe and open-top versions; and, although this is still very obviously a Mustang, the most obvious changes are to the way the car looks, including all-LED lights at the front. The bonnet now has integrated air vents, and both it and the grille sit lower down to give the nose a sharper look. At the back, meanwhile, there’s a new bumper, as well as the option of a new boot spoiler. There is also a wider range of customisation options, including three new metallic paint colours – Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Royal Crimson – and new 19-inch alloy wheels. At the same time, the cabin has been updated, with soft-touch materials on the door linings, as well as aluminium door handles, and a new hand-stitched, soft-touch wrap on the centre console. Leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel are also offered across the line-up for the first time, while black leather Recaro racing seats are an option.
The revisions apply to both the coupe and open-top versions; and, although this is still very obviously a Mustang, the most obvious changes are to the way the car looks, including all-LED lights at the front. The bonnet now has integrated air vents, and both it and the grille sit lower down to give the nose a sharper look. At the back, meanwhile, there’s a new bumper, as well as the option of a new boot spoiler. There is also a wider range of customisation options, including three new metallic paint colours – Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Royal Crimson – and new 19-inch alloy wheels. At the same time, the cabin has been updated, with soft-touch materials on the door linings, as well as aluminium door handles, and a new hand-stitched, soft-touch wrap on the centre console. Leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel are also offered across the line-up for the first time, while black leather Recaro racing seats are an option.
The display on the digital instrument cluster shows information to match the selected Drive Mode, but it’s also is customisable and can display a range of gauges in one of seven colours. And, thanks to Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which is controlled by an 8.0-inch touch screen, the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both engines have also been updated. The range-topping 5.0-litre V8 is expected to deliver more power – 450 PS – and the 2.3-litre EcoBoost is said to be more responsive and economical thanks to revisions to the turbocharger and the introduction a new 10 speed automatic transmission. Ford’s engineers have also tweaked the suspension in an effort to create a more engaging drive by making the car more stable in corners, stiffening the body and sharpening the handling. Beyond that, buyers can also now choose an optional MagneRide Damping System, which adapts to suit changing road conditions. Meanwhile, there are two new drive settings to choose from, in addition to the existing Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet Modes. ‘Drag Strip’ gives maximum acceleration on standing starts, while ‘My Mode’ allows drivers to choose their preferred settings for performance, dynamics and exhaust sound
Both engines have also been updated. The range-topping 5.0-litre V8 is expected to deliver more power – 450 PS – and the 2.3-litre EcoBoost is said to be more responsive and economical thanks to revisions to the turbocharger and the introduction a new 10 speed automatic transmission. Ford’s engineers have also tweaked the suspension in an effort to create a more engaging drive by making the car more stable in corners, stiffening the body and sharpening the handling. Beyond that, buyers can also now choose an optional MagneRide Damping System, which adapts to suit changing road conditions. Meanwhile, there are two new drive settings to choose from, in addition to the existing Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet Modes. ‘Drag Strip’ gives maximum acceleration on standing starts, while ‘My Mode’ allows drivers to choose their preferred settings for performance, dynamics and exhaust sound
On top of that, for the first time, drivers can also adjust the Mustang’s exhaust note. For instance, the ‘Good Neighbour’ mode will limit the noise at pre-programmed times of the day to avoid disturbing neighbours.
Finally, the Mustang will offer a wide range of driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert are available for the first time, alongside Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid systems, and Ford says the whole package of safety equipment will help to improve the car’s currently disappointing Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Ford is yet to announce if these changes will be accompanied by a rise in prices, but the company has confirmed that deliveries of the new Mustang will begin in 2018.
Finally, the Mustang will offer a wide range of driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert are available for the first time, alongside Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid systems, and Ford says the whole package of safety equipment will help to improve the car’s currently disappointing Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Ford is yet to announce if these changes will be accompanied by a rise in prices, but the company has confirmed that deliveries of the new Mustang will begin in 2018.