Tuesday 12th September 2017

2018 Ford Mustang - Frankfurt 2017

450hp for the V8 and Line Lock for the Ecoboost as Ford strengthens the Mustang's appeal

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We were delighted when Ford announced it was finally bringing the Mustang to the UK in right-hand drive. Even more so when we got our hands on our GT long-termer. It was far from perfect, but the smiles-per-gallon value of that V8, six-speed manual - and Line Lock - made overlooking its shortcomings that much easier. Now though, Ford has unveiled a raft of changes aimed at dispelling that cheap-but-cheerful image.

Seeing service in a TVR now, don't forget...

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.

Spot the soft-touch plastics

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.

"Oh, you have a 'Stang too? You should come over."

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.

 

[Fiesta1.0L]

Fine.

Now can we have one with the Voodoo V8 please?

Oh, and whilst you're at it, ship a few of those over so we can have a proper flat plane TVR as well?