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?

[P-Jay]

It's a bit of a shame they don't offer it with the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost. It would be a good tie-in with the GT and be easier the live with than the V8 and less unpalatable than the idea of a 4-pot Mustang.

[culpz]

10-speed gearbox! There's me thinking that a ZF 8-speed sounded excessive

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?

[Duke of Kidderminster]

I love these cars, have wanted one since I was a kid. I've been looking at getting one recently, I wonder what the release date in the UK will be.

[J4CKO]

culpz said:

10-speed gearbox! There's me thinking that a ZF 8-speed sounded excessive

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?

The cynic in me ponders whether or not the fact that a remapped Ecoboost was on par with a stock GT has precipitated an increase for the latter and a decrease for the former ?

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

[Paddy78]

Duke of Kidderminster said:

I love these cars, have wanted one since I was a kid. I've been looking at getting one recently, I wonder what the release date in the UK will be.

Got to be looking at 2019 before you'd get one, even with a deposit now. I looked at the old one and £1000 would get you one in a year.

[unpc]

P-Jay said:

It's a bit of a shame they don't offer it with the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost. It would be a good tie-in with the GT and be easier the live with than the V8 and less unpalatable than the idea of a 4-pot Mustang.

In what way would the Ecoboost V6 be easier to live with? I doubt the economy would be better in the real world as the 4 pot is barely better in real world conditions.

[tankplanker]

Paddy78 said:

Got to be looking at 2019 before you'd get one, even with a deposit now. I looked at the old one and £1000 would get you one in a year.

Is that really the case? When I had a look at the Mustang in May I had a choice of three new (not ex demo) V8 Mustangs at my local dealers from stock. They would discount them but they where there already and available and felt like dealer orders rather than canceled customer orders. I'd expect as we get closer to 2018 I'd expect Ford to have to discount some of the old model ex demo/dealer ordered Mustangs...

[djc206]

Paddy78 said:

Duke of Kidderminster said:

I love these cars, have wanted one since I was a kid. I've been looking at getting one recently, I wonder what the release date in the UK will be.

Got to be looking at 2019 before you'd get one, even with a deposit now. I looked at the old one and £1000 would get you one in a year.

Ordered my MY17 in June, was told a year, arrived in February and I delayed pickup until March.

[MDMA .]

Had 2 new ones in at work last week. 5.0 GT and a 2.3 Ecoboost. Panel gap/fit and finish on both was shocking.

[djc206]

MDMA . said:

Had 2 new ones in at work last week. 5.0 GT and a 2.3 Ecoboost. Panel gap/fit and finish on both was shocking.

Paint finish on mine is fine but having come from an Audi the panel gaps made me chuckle a bit. I don't really care though, the list price was £25k less than the RS4, it's the engine that makes the car which is why I wouldn't entertain the ecoboost, that would mean buying a heavily compromised car.

[Bright Halo]

I wonder how easy it is to up the power of the current 5.0 to match the 450hp of the 2018 model, simple remap to up redline and alter injection mapping?

[culpz]

J4CKO said:

The cynic in me ponders whether or not the fact that a remapped Ecoboost was on par with a stock GT has precipitated an increase for the latter and a decrease for the former ?

You may be right there. I didn't really think of it that way actually. It does blame the drop in power due to the new required filter but it does appear to be a bit of a coincidence.

J4CKO said:

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

When you say we, do you mean the other half? You'll retain man-points if so

[Tominator]

To my eyes, the restyled front end is less aggressive than before, having lost some of the shark-like scowl. I'm not sure the cosmetic changes have enhanced he look of the car...

[daemon]

The alloy wheels are a big improvement.

[SturdyHSV]

Those are some good promotional images, managing to make the new front look OK, whereas from other pictures I've seen, it looks awful.

[Duke of Kidderminster]

Paddy78 said:

Got to be looking at 2019 before you'd get one, even with a deposit now. I looked at the old one and £1000 would get you one in a year.

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!

[J4CKO]

culpz said:

J4CKO said:

The cynic in me ponders whether or not the fact that a remapped Ecoboost was on par with a stock GT has precipitated an increase for the latter and a decrease for the former ?

You may be right there. I didn't really think of it that way actually. It does blame the drop in power due to the new required filter but it does appear to be a bit of a coincidence.

J4CKO said:

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

When you say we, do you mean the other half? You'll retain man-points if so

Nah, mutual decision, spending the money on the house is a better investment and will get more use from it than a car that will sit on the path depreciating, she wants a Mustang more than I do, I like them but am not overcome with desire to get one.

[Wills2]

culpz said:

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?

BMW are rolling them out recently announced the M3/4 will drop the carbon fibre drive shaft to a steel one to allow the fitment of a GPF, Audi and Mercedes also putting them in as well.

[Gibbo205]

I've ordered one, identical to the press photos, so orange fury, V8 fastback with 10-speed. Only difference I opted for the black roof.

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.