2018 Ford Mustang - Frankfurt 2017
450hp for the V8 and Line Lock for the Ecoboost as Ford strengthens the Mustang's appeal
So what's new? Well for starters the 5.0-litre V8 gets a power bump from 420hp to 450hp, that's thanks to a higher redline and improved fuel injection, which also helps improve low end torque. There are no stats as yet, but Ford claims this will be the fastest accelerating Mustang GT ever!
The 2.3-litre Ecoboost receives Line Lock as a hand-me-down from its bigger brother, although it's also put firmly in its place, with power surprisingly down from 317hp currently to 290hp. Ford claims this is due to the introduction of a gas particulate filter required to meet emissions standards, causing increased back pressure in the exhaust. A loss of 27hp still seems a lot, but fear not as apparently performance is unaffected thanks to the addition of an overboost function and a new, 10-speed automatic box. With the gap between this and the 5.0 now standing at 160hp, aftermarket solutions look even more tempting than they did previously.
Underneath, recalibrated dampers should improve stability whilst thicker anti-roll bars and stiffened rear suspension aim to prevent body roll and flex. Both models now also have the option of Ford's Magneride dampers, which should hopefully go someway to curing the brittleness Dan experienced when he drove the current car.
As previously reported, a revised front grille, LED lights - now standard - and air vents integrated into the lower bonnet bring the styling up to date. Whist at the rear a redesigned bumper and diffuser can now be complemented by an optional boot spoiler for "an even sportier profile."
Elsewhere, new 19-inch wheels come in a choice of three finishes, and three new paint colours - Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Royal Crimson - should complement the more aggressive styling.
Increased use of soft-touch plastics, with contrast stitching on the centre console and doors, is said to give a more premium feel inside. Leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel are available now too, whilst right-hand drive customers can opt for a leather Recaro racing seat for the first time.
The improvements don't end there though, with three new driving modes widening the Mustang's comfort zone. Drag Strip Mode optimises performance for maximum acceleration from standing starts; My Mode enables drivers to customise their settings for performance, dynamics and exhaust sound, and new Active Valve exhaust technology has allowed for the introduction of Good Neighbour Mode, which automatically limits the exhaust's noise output at pre-programmed times of the day. Thoughtful.
Finally it's hoped that the newly introduced Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Distance Alert technology will help improve upon the current model's woeful showing in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
A lot of changes to digest then, some admittedly more important than others, but all adding up to what sounds like an appealing improvement on the old car. Deliveries of the updated Mustang will commence in 2018, so get in touch with your Ford dealer of choice now.
Interesting to hear about the loss of power on the Ecoboost engine as well as a gas particulate filter. Is that basically a DPF for petrol engines? Is this the first modern car to have one of these?
As for the V6, that would be "We want the V6", Ford says "Ok, here you go" and sells none whatsoever.
We were pondering a GT, but having looked at all the options we went for an extension and new kitchen instead, life in the fast lane
You've burst the bubble for me. I need to change car by February/March. Had been looking at the dozens of nearly new Mustangs on auto trader when I saw that the new one is out shortly. Not waiting another year though!
Interesting to hear about the loss of power on the Ecoboost engine as well as a gas particulate filter. Is that basically a DPF for petrol engines? Is this the first modern car to have one of these?
Gen2 Coyote was 435HP (410HP UK) and a good custom remap will take them to 450HP, mine is running this now, stock air box with K&N filter.
Gen3 Coyote is 460HP (444HP UK) and a good remap gains more due to direct/port injection allowing more timing safelt, so expect 485-495HP with a remap and panel filter. Good set of headers and high flow cats could see you close to 550HP on the gen3.
Gen 3 engine changes as found in MY18:
- Bore size increased so its gone from 4996cc to 5043cc
- Bores have special lazer coating to allow it to rev freeer
- Compression increased to 12:1 from 11:1
- New intake manifold (not GT 350) to allow peak power of 460HP at 7600rpm (previous was 435HP @ 6400rpm)
- Port and direct injection technology for improved economy and a lot more torque/power along the curve
- New induction tube
- Other new internals making it stronger and good for around 1000HP boosted
The gen3 Coyote looks to be a gem, Whipple and Roush already have superchargers designed and expect a range of twin turbo kits to come with upto 1500HP ability though the sweet spot on this new engine with stock internals when blown upon will no doubt be 800-900HP for longevity.
With the new 10-speed, mag ride truly makes the Mustang competitive with its EU rivals in performance and handling stakes, should still prove another amazing bargain is Ford price it around 40k, which for a car that can despatch 0-60mph in less than 4s is not bad for a big RWD coupe.
Love the looks the and the new standard fit active exhaust sounds glorious in loud mode, how a V8 should sound.
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