Ford Unveils Seventh-gen Mustang With More Power And A Modern Interior

There is also an all-new performance version of the Mustang called the Dark Horse

• Still looks like a muscle car but chiselled rather than bulky.

• Packs new-gen 5-litre V8 and an all-new 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine.

• Still offers choice of a six-speed manual transmission and the 10-speed auto.

• Improved driving dynamics across the board, especially for the new Dark Horse performance series.

• All-new interior features dual-integrated displays on the dashboard for the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment.

• After the launch in North America in mid-2023, it could come to India in 2024.

The latest-generation of the pony car has made its global debut at Ford’s home in Detroit, USA. The seventh-generation Mustang looks sharper and meaner than ever with the most powerful stock engines till date, and a very modern interior.

New Powertrains & Updated Mechanicals

Ford has stated that the seventh-gen Mustang GT is powered by a new fourth-gen, 5-litre, naturally aspirated V8 Coyote engine. While there are no official power figures yet, Ford has stated a targeted output of over 480PS, making it the most powerful Mustang GT from the factory ever. It will continue to get the choice of a six-speed manual shifter or a 10-speed automatic. There will be performance versions of the Mustang GT that will extract even more power from the same V8.

The 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine is said to be an all-new unit as well with more power and improved efficiency. It will also get the same transmission options. 

Ford has also worked on improving the driving dynamics of its latest muscle car with improved steering ratios and a range of customisable drive modes. There will also be the optional Performance Pack that includes wider tyres, bigger brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential and MagneRide active suspension.

Perhaps the most exciting mechanical update for the new Mustang GT is the new Electronic Drift Brake feature that makes it easier to drift with just the stock handbrake in the centre console. It was developed in close association with Ford’s partners in the competitive drifting motorsport.

Exterior Design

The new Mustang design is an evolution of the iconic sports car with its wide and chiselled stance. It now has a more aggressive brow with a larger grille that sports the Pony badge. The tri-bar LED headlamps have also been updated to look sleeker with the DRLs along the top edge. The shoulderline for the new Mustang has been lowered for a sportier profile. Ford has also decided to make distinctive front fascia for the full-blown V8 and EcoBoost versions, the former also gets an air intake on the bonnet.

Around the rear, the new-gen Mustang looks sharper than ever with the rear deck that extends over the rear fascia. The rear haunches are also chiselled to shape with well-defined edges as opposed to a rounded rear end. Like the headlamps, the tri-bar LED taillamps have also been modernised while still being visually iconic. The V8 version gets a quad-exhaust setup, while the EcoBoost Mustang has a dual-exit exhaust.

Ford will be offering a wide-range of visual personalisation options for the new Mustang in terms of colours, painted stripes, wheels and even the colours of the Brembo brake callipers. It also continues to be offered in the popular convertible version and you can still enjoy the well-defined shape of the new body without the coupe roof.

All-new interior

The seventh-gen Mustang offers a modern cabin experience as a more practical muscle car than ever. Its dashboard now has a large single piece of slightly curved glass that houses the digital displays. The 12.4-inch driver’s display has a host of visual customisations and animations to choose from including a retro-style gauge cluster from previous-generation Mustangs. The main SYNC 4 infotainment system touchscreen uses a 13.2-inch display, angled towards the driver for a cockpit-like experience with the Recaro seats in the front.

While the climate controls have been moved into the new central touchscreen, there is still an array of physical controls under the centre AC vents. Here, you’ll find the red button for the engine start-stop, hot keys for traction control, idle start-stop, the screen demister and a rotary dial to adjust the volume. There are two more buttons, which seem Mustang-specific, denoted by a pony and a star. Underneath, you get a wireless charging pad, USB port and power socket. Behind it, you have the gear selector with the round top for an engaging feel.

The Mustang now comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel as standard which will likely be available with various cosmetic personalisation options. There is also the choice of a 12-speaker B&O premium sound system. It features ambient lighting and welcome light animations for a modern touch. In addition, the optional ADAS features make the Mustang a safer, practical car.

Mustang Dark Horse

Every Ford Mustang has had multiple performance derivatives for the even more enthusiastic customers. This includes the Boss variants, Shelby variants, and the Mach 1. For the first time in over two decades, Ford has introduced a new series for the all-new Mustang called the Dark Horse.

Showcased at the new Mustang’s premiere, it not only has a blacked out exterior and interior, it also gets track-focussed enhancements. The Mustang Dark Horse offers up to 500PS from the same 5-litre V8, along with improved aerodynamics, fine-tuned suspension and steering for going faster on a track, and more.

Other visually distinctive elements for the Dark Horse include the open nostrils in the grille, darkened headlamps, new Dark Horse badging, and even the iconic pony on the grille has a dark finish to it. It is meant to look as menacing as its performance capabilities.

The Dark Horse will be the base for a range of track-only Mustangs for various levels of racing for Ford’s enthusiast clientele. These will be stripped-out versions that will be lighter and also get track-focussed tech.

Launch timelines

Ford will be launching the all-new Mustang in North America in mid-2023. It is likely to be offered in other markets by the end of that year or early-2024. Given Ford’s commitment to still bring its international models to India as CBU imports, we can expect the seventh-gen Mustang to be introduced here in 2024.