The first new Ford Mustang in eight years has made its debut. Although based on the same foundations as today’s model, the bodywork is new, the cabin technology has been upgraded, and there are serious changes to the engines. And for now, there is no electric model in sight.
2023 Ford MustangThe V8 will keep the V8 dream alive when it goes on sale in the US and Australia next year, and for now, despite widespread industry rumors, there are no signs of an electric version.
First new Ford Mustang in eight years since 2015, overnight 2022 Detroit Auto ShowIt was showcased in.
Australian timing and pricing have yet to be confirmed, but Ford said the new model will be in local showrooms “late 2023” after it goes on sale in the US “mid 2023”.
New Ford MustangDespite being based on the same fundamentals as today’s model – the front and rear windows are relocated – the bodywork is new, the cabin has arrived for a major tech update, and the turbo four-cylinder and V8 engines each get a power boost.
Ford has yet to reveal exact power and torque figures, but the company has updated it. ‘Coyote’ 5.0 liter V8’s most powerful ever GT Mustangand, for the first time, the dual throttle body will support it.
As with today’s model, six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions will be offered.
Concerned about the aging population of Ford Mustang fans and trying to appeal to a new generation of buyers, the US auto giant invited a group of millennial car enthusiasts to sample a number of design directions at its styling center in Detroit three years ago.
In the end, the group of young car buyers voted for the most dramatic-looking Mustang design, rather than some of the more conservative styling themes shown.
While the front-end appearance of the new Mustang is similar at a glance to today’s model, Ford has switched to a horizontal three-light signature on the forehead of each headlight (instead of the three diagonal illuminated stripes on the inner edge of today’s model) “to bring some of the taillight theme to the front of the vehicle”.
For the first time, the turbo four-cylinder and V8 models will feature distinctive front lines from the GT, with more bulging in the bumper and hood vents to expel hot air from the engine compartment.
The most striking change in design is at the rear with a deep wedge across the trunk and taillight area.
The new cabin carries the center console cover and armrests on the doors, but the rest of the interior has received a major facelift.
The ‘double brow’ instrument cluster (raised sections in front of the driver and passenger), which has been the theme of Ford Mustangs since 1964, is no longer found on the seventh-generation model.
FordIn its efforts to appeal to younger buyers, it has installed twin horizontal digital displays that span more than half of the dashboard.
Graphics and functionality that show animations similar to selecting a vehicle in a computer game are said to be inspired by the gaming community and offer more customization than before.
Forddigital display a “to the fighter plane” but it also resembles the screen design in the Kia Carnival or the layout in the Hyundai Palisade SUV.
Exaggeration aside, the 12.4-inch instrument cluster and 13.2-inch infotainment screen – side by side but mounted behind a window – can be configured to share information between the two.
The electric parking brake switch replaces the old-style parking brake lever (available on today’s model for left-hand drive vehicles, even on right-hand drive models).
In the US, an optional electric parking brake lever – shaped like a machined aftermarket part – will be available on GT models when combined with a drift mode. This leverage and drift mod is not yet confirmed for Australia.
The brakes are also larger, at 390mm at the front and 355mm at the rear.
The new model promises better braking performance; In addition to the six-piston Brembo calipers at the front, the rear discs are now compressed with four-piston Brembo calipers.
in the USA Ford Mustang GT customers will have a choice of four brake caliper colors, blue, red, black and silver, each with a small Mustang logo.
Other highlights of the new car’s chassis (on select models) include a limited-slip rear differential, MagneRide adaptive suspension, sports exhaust and auxiliary engine oil cooler.
Some models also have the option to rev the engine remotely.
While the new Ford Mustang comes with advanced safety aids such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, speed sign recognition and radar cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, representatives in Detroit said a five-star safety rating is not a safety rating.
As reported here by Drive, the 2023 Ford Mustang may not earn a five-star safety rating despite extensive changes to the vehicle.
The world’s best-selling sports car missed the mark in crash testing in 2017, earning a “poor” two-star rating before later earning a three-star rating after an update.
However, the new Ford Mustang, identical to today’s model but with new sheet metal and upgraded engines, could once again miss the mark when it comes to safety.
Eddie Khan, Mustang’s director of vehicle engineering, told Drive at a preview of the new Ford Mustang in Detroit:
When asked whether a five-star safety rating is the target for the new Ford Mustang, Mr. Khan said, “I wouldn’t say that our target for a five-star (rating) is Euro NCAP.”