The options include a ten-speed auto, three new colors and ten new designs for wheels.
While everyone was busy at the Detroit Auto Show earlier in the month, I had the opportunity to sneak away to Ford’s Performance Development Center at Dearborn to get a glimpse at the 2018 Mustang.
In just two hours, I learned so much about Ford and how it will sell the Mustang in 148 different countries. Also how spice tones are making an appearance in automotive color palettes. You probably don’t care so let’s get to the important stuff.
The 2018 Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 is the most powerful in its class. It has new port fuel injection and direct injection, similar to the 5.0 in F-150 . Also, it has a compression ratio of 11:1 to 12. This results in a higher redline and more power as well as better fuel economy. Ford has not yet released any specific economy or power figures.
Yes, EcoBoost is still available. Although Ford has not yet released power numbers, the turbocharged 2.3-liter four cylinder engine promises a boost in torque and better acceleration at full throttle.
The naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine was discarded. It has less power and lower fuel economy than the V6 engine with 2.3T. I think that this is enough reason to drop it from the lineup. There have been a few who disagree with me. Let’s talk it out below.
The EcoBoost and V8 engines will both have a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford claims the new transmission will be faster to shift and accelerate.
All Mustang models now come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. It features a twin-disc clutch as well as a dual mass flywheel. The result will be simpler clutch modulation for drivers who row on their own. The redesigned gearbox also handles more torque.
MagneRide damping, which is already on the GT350, makes an appearance on this new ‘Stang in the Performance package. Ford promises a more comfortable ride and can handle bends better. The Mustang’s new powertrain and underbody cladding make it more aerodynamic. This will result in the highest fuel economy. However, no official figures have been made at this time. Keep checking back.
Ford partnered with Michelin to install the 18 Mustang with the all-new Pilot Super Sport 4 tires. This is for those who choose the GT Performance Pack. The GT has a standard for stowed fitments with 255-section tires at the front and 275 at its rear. The new car also features ten brand new wheel designs.
The 2018 Mustang is a great muscle car for younger buyers who are more tech-savvy (Ford hopes). The customizable 12-inch LCD instrument cluster is front-and-center. It digitally renders gauges, with needles and comet trails. Colors change based on how hard you push the car. Ford engineers allow a lot of customization because it is a digital screen. But you can’t use Netflix on it. I already asked.
This all-digital cluster of instruments is optional, which is good news for purists. This will be standard on all Mustangs in the mid-tier and higher, while analog gauges remain standard throughout the range.
Let me tell you, the 2018 Mustang has heated steering. This is a huge deal for me, as I live in Canada.
Active safety and driver assistance technologies on the 2018 Mustang models should be of great interest to Mustang buyers. Pre-Collision Assist, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Driver Alert system make their way to Mustang as safety tech continues to permeate more of Ford’s lineup.
New materials are used throughout the cabin. I was also shown a redesigned seating surface and an optional hand-stitched central console, which Ford designers told me was difficult to create. The whole thing looks great. The Mustang cabin has a subtle feeling of entry-premium, but it’s there.
Ford’s active-valve performance exhaust system will be available to the 2018 Mustang GT. Journalists who attended the preview event had the opportunity to listen to the new Mustang GT with active and inactive exhaust. The new 5.0 GT has a more powerful growl than its predecessor. It’s louder, more aggressive and perhaps not as annoying when active exhaust is on.
The Mustang Exterior Designer Melvin Betancourt calls the new car the “best Mustang to date”.
This is your decision. Here’s the thing: The leading edge of your hood is now 0.8 in (20 millimeters) lower. This gives the front fascia a pulled-down look. New hood vents and grille. It doesn’t look any better to me, but the car before it wasn’t bad at all.
The rear tri-bar lamps are a C-shape design. However, the rear remains largely unchanged. Both the front and rear lamps have been made fully LED. Kona Blue paint will also be available. It will also include two new colors: Orange Fury (pictured) as well Royal Crimson, a deep purple-ish hue.
We don’t know the pricing of the 2018 Mustang, but we think it will be higher due to the drop in V6 and the desire for a premium cabin. The 2017 Mustang EcoBoost is priced at $27,095 while the GT starts at $34,095, including destination. This fall, the new pony will make its way into showrooms.