When first introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang inspired a whole new class of sporty coupe; followed by the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird. These “pony cars” were known for their low prices and high performance.
Now in its sixth generation, the iconic Mustang has been revamped inside and out for a mid-cycle refresh. The 2018 Ford Mustang features a more athletic look with a leaner and meaner front and rear-end design, advanced technology, refined aerodynamics, powerful engine upgrades, an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission, and the same magnetic adaptive damper system found in the Shelby GT350.
The 2018 Mustang also features new paint colors and stripe options, including an all-new signature “Orange Fury” scheme, four spoilers, and a dozen alloy wheel choices.
Outside, the car’s design is athletic with a lower, remodeled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, and a new position for hood vents. For the first time, the entire Mustang line features all-LED front lights including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams, and available LED fog lamps. Revised LED taillamps, and a new bumper, fascia, and available performance spoiler give the rear end a more technical look. EcoBoost-powered Mustangs feature standard dual-tip exhausts, while the V-8-powered Mustang GT boasts a standard quad-tip exhaust.
Inside, the new cockpit features an all-new 12-inch LCD customizable digital instrument cluster that can be personalized from a choice of normal, sport, and track mode views. Cloth seats are standard, and leather is optional; seating surfaces have been restyled with new patterns and color choices, and the instrument panel sports an updated Mustang badge. A new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching adorns the center console, while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminum.
Gone for 2018 is the six-cylinder powerplant; both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 5.0-liter V-8 get increases in horsepower and torque, though Ford hasn’t yet announced final numbers.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with General Motors and found in the new F-150 Raptor and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, promises much quicker shifting, and can handle more torque than the outgoing six-speed automatic.
Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles offer manual control. New shock absorbers promise better ride control, while a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension increases lateral stiffness and innovative stabilizer bars assure sharper response and handling.
The GT Performance Package adds Michelin’s new Pilot Sport 4S tires; Pirelli P Zeroes are available with the EcoBoost Performance Package.
Also new for 2018 is a Mustang MyMode memory function that allows drivers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension, steering, and even engine note preferences (optional on Mustang GT models with active exhaust). New Ford driver-assist technology includes pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver alert systems. An available FordPass app for smartphones allows drivers to start, lock, unlock, and locate their car.
The 2018 Ford Mustang arrives in dealerships this fall; pricing and fuel economy figures will be released closer to the on-sale date.
[“Source-buckscountycouriertimes”]
