After almost two-and-a-half years on the market, Ford has finally given the 6th-gen Mustang a mid-life refresh for the 2018MY.
The 2018 Mustang comes with a host of improvements including new technology and design changes. The big news is that Ford is dropping the 3.7-litre V6 option from the range with the company focusing on their 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and their reworked 5.0-litre V8 engine. The V8 engine is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT before. This power increase was achieved with the first application of new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine – delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque. For the V8, the manual transmission has been totally redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.
Ford has also introduced a new 10-speed automatic transmission available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines for the frist time. With a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, this all-new gearbox helps deliver higher average power for acceleration – improving responsiveness and performance.
Compared to the previous 6-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. 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. The Mustang also comes with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual control.
Performance is at the core of Mustang DNA, offering drivers a unique thrill of acceleration and cornering for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling. Aside from that, to optimize ride and handling in all situations, MagneRide adaptive damper technology are available as an option for the first time.
In term of its overall looks, the car’s exterior design is now more athletic, with a lower, remodeled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for hood vents. 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.
The rear of the car gets revised LED taillamps for a more technical look, 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.
The Mustang also comes with a dozen of alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior colour for buyers to choose from, including Orange Fury (picture above), which is an all-new colour for the Mustang.
Inside the cabin, the console adds a new 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 colour choices, the instrument panel sports an updated Mustang badge and there’s a new key fob design. A heated steering wheel is optional.
The 2018 Ford Mustang now comes with Ford’s first 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in the dashboard. This all-new customizable instrument cluster can be easily personalized, offering three separate views. Customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. All-new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.
The new Mustang is so customizable that even its engine note can be adjusted. An all-new active valve exhaust system is optional on Mustang GT, with a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range.
For the first time, Mustang benefits from a vast array of Ford driver-assist technology. This includes features such as Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Driver Alert System.
The 2018 Ford Mustang is expected to go on sale in North America in September this year.
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