Ford has upgraded the Mustang with a host of mild changes to make it look more modern. This comes after a new generation of its main rival, the Chevrolet Camaro showed face. The new 2018 Ford Mustang, however, looks almost similar to the outgoing one despite the new changes. Read along for more information.
2018 Ford Mustang Exterior
From all directions, it looks like a Mustang; however, a closer look reveals the several changes made on the exterior design. Most of the new changes are to be found at the front fascia. The grille is new but almost similar to the one on the outgoing model. Ford has added a trapezoid-shaped opening below the grille.
The black fog lights openings have been replaced with aggressive, triangular cutouts and slim vertical vents. All-LED headlights whose outer corners point downwards flank the grille. Triangular turn signals have been replaced with stripes and placed below the main LED lights. The model also features a revised engine hood.
At the rear, changes are less dramatic. The tri-bar taillights on the previous model have been revised. There is also a new diffuser and a new license plate recess. The EcoBoost model now flaunts dual exhaust pipes while the GT gets a more aggressive quad pipe tips whose center section is race-inspired. There are three new exterior paint works to choose from, they are Kona Blue, Royal Crimson and Orange Furry. In addition, the automaker has added twelve new wheel designs.
2018 Ford Mustang Interior
Unlike the exterior, the interior did not get many changes. Ford has however added hand-stitched seat wrappings with attractive contrast stitching as well as padded knee bolsters. The seats have been restyled and feature new color choices and patterns. The model’s bezels, door handles and rings have an aluminum finish for a premium look. Ford has added a Mustang badge on the new model’s instrument panel. Both models have an option for a heated steering wheel.
Tech-wise, the model gets a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The screen can be customized to correspond to the model’s Track, Sport and Normal modes. There is also a fourth mode christened “MyMode” which enables extra customization such as memory settings for throttle, steering and suspension preferences. The automaker’s SYNC Connect along with FordPass is offered as an option. This system enables a driver to lock, unlock, locate and start the car via a Smartphone.
For safety, the Mustang features forward collision assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning as well as drowsy driver monitoring. Others include rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning as well as reversing camera which carry over from the outgoing model.
Engine Specs and performance
The biggest changes are to be seen under the hood where the automaker has dropped the 3.7 L, V-6. This means the 2.3 L, EcoBoost mill is the base unit. The EcoBoost mill has been tuned to produce more juice although the automaker is yet to confirm by how much.
The 5.0 L, V-8 will also be tuned for more power but the automaker again remained mum about the actual figures. The power increase is courtesy of the automaker’s dual-fuel, high-pressure direct fuel injection as well as low-pressure port fuel injection. This also results in improved fuel economy. The automaker has also upgraded the manual gearbox to handle the increased power. On the V-8, the gearbox will feature a dual-mass flywheel and a twin-clutch for better clutch modulation and better torque capability. Ford has however introduced the new 10-speed automatic system that is available for both mills. The system provides quicker shift times, less frictional losses and improved low-speed response.
Price and release date
I don’t expect the price of the Mustang to increase significantly. However, since the V-6 has been discontinued, expect the base price to be more expensive. The base EcoBost model currently starts at $26,195. The 2018 Mustang price will likely have a starting price of $27,000 while the EcoBoost Premium will attract around $33,000. More information will be available close to the model’s on-sale release date in the second half of this year.
Competition
The 2018 Ford Mustang competes with the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. However, the Mustang is getting ever closer to the BMW M4 Series and it is a matter of time before the Mustang goes head to head with the Beemer.
