Ford Mustang Offers Sleeker Design, Advanced Technology and Improved Performance
Mustang enthusiasts are like no other group in the car hobby. They live and breathe Mustangs and are always on the hunt for power, performance and personalization. Well, today Ford takes a giant lean, introducing its newest Mustang, which feature an endless list of options designed to give owners the best possible experience. Ford calls this the world’s best-selling sports coupe and the company’s most advanced Mustang ever, and rightfully so, as the new Ford Mustang offers sleeker design, advanced technology and improved performance.
“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.”
Mustang enthusiasts will enjoy unprecedented customization options plus the optional MagneRide™ suspension technology, formerly available only the Shelby GT350 and the Shelby GT350R. On the outside you’ll see three new paint colors, 12 distinct wheel choices and a customizable digital instrument cluster.
Getting Personal
Ford will bring out its first 12-inch, all-digital in-dash LCD screen giving drivers better control and view of navigation, stereo and other features. Not only is the screen bigger, it will be an all-new customizable instrument cluster offering three separate views. Customers can select between normal, sport and track mode, and Mustang will feature something called MyMode, that allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.
The technology continues to the exhaust system, which is now programmable. According to Ford, it delivers an audible experience like never before, with the new optional active valve exhaust system on Mustang GT. This feature gives you a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range. And for the first time, Mustang benefits from a vast array of Ford driver-assist technology. Features like Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Driver Alert System will give all levels of drivers the confidence to drive more safely. Another “new” for the Mustang is Ford SYNC® Connect with FordPass™, which is available for the first time. When using the FordPass® app for smartphones, drivers can start, lock, unlock and locate their car for ultimate convenience.
Pony Power
Mustang owners will couple the new technology with improved horsepower, torque, handling and braking. All models feature new shock absorbers which make for better ride control, plus there’s a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension designed to increases lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars to bring sharper response and handling. As we stated earlier, MagneRide damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package. This system has been a proven performer in the GT350 models, offering amazing control of the suspension and increased grip for amazing performance and driver control.
In only a short time the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine has become a winner, and it remains in the lineup. Gone is the 3.7-liter V6—Ford will only offer the EcoBoost and the 5.0L V8. EcoBoost is enhanced using Ford’s transient overboost technology uniquely calibrated for Mustang, and torque is increased for wide-open throttle acceleration.
As you’d expect, Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter V8 engine receives a nice upgrade. Ford has squeezed more power and extended revs for Mustang GT owners. Output was increased using Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine. The combination delivers robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
There are big changes in the transmission department: the manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque. GT owners will enjoy a manual transmission that has been totally redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel. This increases torque capability and delivers more efficient clutch modulation.
Auto fans will get the all-new 10-speed automatic transmission—available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines. Ford claims this is the best automatic Mustang ever offered, and we don’t doubt it. The 10-gear box will offer a wide-ratio span with optimized gear spacing. What drivers will notice is that the engine stays in its peak power range during all facets of driving. This helps the Mustang apply more horsepower and torque and give you quicker acceleration.
“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,” says Hinrichs. “The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.”
Interior Upgrades
The S550 Mustang was also restyled with a lower, remodeled hood (thing Shelby GT350) and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics. There are dual hood vents and lots of angular lines in the fascia. And for the first time the entire Mustang line will feature all-LED front lights including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams and available fog lamps. Out back, you’ll notice LED taillamps, plus a new bumper, fascia and available performance spoiler. Dual-tip exhaust is standard for EcoBoost® Mustang, while V8-powered Mustang GT gets a standard quad-tip exhaust. Mustang owners like their wheels and Ford is offering a dozen to choose from—literally. There are 12 available alloy wheel designs that you can combine with fresh exterior color choices, such as the all-new signature Orange Fury.
On the inside you’ll find improved touch points and visual cues that give the Mustang a more premium look and feel. The center console receives a hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminum. Restyled seating surfaces feature new patterns and color choices, the instrument panel sports an updated Mustang badge and there’s a new key fob design. A heated steering wheel is optional.
Ford’s most advanced Mustang ever goes on sale in North America this fall, so stay tuned for more on America’s favorite pony car.
