Updated Ford Mustang Breaks Cover; Gets New 10-Speed AT!

The Mustang V6 has been laid to rest

Ford has just unwrapped the facelifted Mustang in the USA. The pony-car receives a host of design, feature and powertrain updates and while this is just a refresh, the changes are actually quite extensive.

Design

The new look has received a fair share of mixed reactions, especially since a video leak revealed the Mustang’s new look ahead of the official reveal. We’ll leave the judgement to you, but the car is now sleeker thanks to a remodeled bonnet and front grille, while the front bumper is new as well. On the outside, a big highlight is that for the first time, the entire Mustang line will feature all-LED front lights including the signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals and projector high-beams, while LED fog lamps can be opted for as well.

The LED tail lights have been tweaked as well as has the rear bumper, while a new spoiler is available as an optional extra. What’s more is that while EcoBoost powered Mustangs get dual exhaust tips, the full-fat V8 powered Mustang GT gets quad-tail pipes!

Three new colours, including Orange Fury (pictured above) have been introduced and customers can choose from a range of 12 different wheel designs.

Powertrain

The 3.7-litre V6 powered Mustang was widely considered a neither-here-nor-there model by Mustang enthusiasts, and it looks like Ford thought so too, since the variant has been dropped. You now get the option of the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost mill or the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT (no prizes for guessing which one we’d get). Both engines have been reworked for increased power output, though the official figures haven't been disclosed.

The manual transmissions for both engines have been reworked, while the V8’s manual box has been redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch for improved torque management and a dual-mass flywheel for smoother shifts and improved vibration control. Ford is also offering an optional active valve exhaust, giving the driver control over when he/she wants the Mustang’s exhaust to whisper and when it’s time to scream.

M-A-J-O-R Update One

Ford is now offering a new ten-speed automatic transmission (co-developed with General Motors), instead of the outgoing models’ six-speed unit. The autobox is available with both engine options and promises improved shift-response (a weak point of the current transmission) and reduced friction-loss. Yep, you still get paddle-shifters too.

M-A-J-O-R Update Two

On all models, new shock absorbers have been installed for better ride control, while a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension claims to improve stability by bumping up the lateral stiffness. Stabiliser bars also aid in improving the handling, but the real headline here is the MagneRide magnetorheological adaptive damper technology.

While adaptive dampers were earlier limited to the Shelby GT 350, they’re now available on both the EcoBoost and GT Performance Packs for improving the Mustang’s high-speed handling further.

Interior and Tech

The cabin sports a new (optional) 12-inch LCD, all-digital instrument cluster. Through it, customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. Also featured is the Mustang MyMode feature with a memory function that allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

The new Mustang also benefits from safety kit like Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and a driver alert system. Ford SYNC Connect with FordPass is available with the Mustang for the first time too. Through the FordPass smartphone app, owners can start, lock, unlock and locate their car remotely!

The updated Mustang goes on sale in the USA later this year. An Indian debut is likely in the first half of 2018.

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