2018 Ford Mustang revealed 12 | 09 | 2017

FORD HAS REVEALED its updated Mustang, in European spec, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2018 car — which Ford says as been tuned to suit European tastes compared to the US spec — not only gets subtle styling tweaks, but also an extra 31bhp in the 5.0-litre version, up from 412bhp to 443bhp. It goes on-sale in Scottish dealerships next year.

In contrast, the 2.3-litre drops from 313bhp to 286bhp, but Ford says the smaller version will now be more attractive thanks to it being faster and more frugal.

Both models will also now be available with Ford’s new 10-speed auto as an option. Standard fit is a six-speed manual gearbox, which Ford says has also been upgraded. (Related: Roadtest — Ford Mustang 5.0-litre V8)

There’s also anew MagneRide suspension and selectable driving modes, which Ford says has been set up specifically for European roads. LED lights are also new.

Inside the cabin, there are new digital dials, plus there are new driver assist features and an active exhaust.

Ultimate performance


Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine has been further developed to deliver more power and a higher rev-limit than ever before. Anticipated peak power of 450PS is supported by the introduction of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system, which also increases low-end torque.

The new Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost delivers 290PS, and offers a more responsive and engaging driving experience thanks to a transient overboost function for the turbocharger — triggered under heavy acceleration to provide an extra burst of boost following each up-shift — and Ford’s new 10‑speed transmission.

The advanced new 10-speed automatic transmission offers greater fuel efficiency, and improved acceleration. The gearbox’s electronic control system enables settings that optimise performance for Drive Modes, and real-time adaptive shift-scheduling allows the transmission to adapt to changing conditions and select the right gear in any situation – from coast-road cruising to the drag-strip. Steering wheel-mounted paddles-shifters allow drivers maximum control.

“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” Matthias Tonn, Mustang chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe, explained. “The Mustang’s new 10-speed transmission enables the engine to deliver peak power and torque while up-shifting, for faster acceleration and seamless performance. We expect the result to be our fastest accelerating Ford Mustang yet.”

Ford’s six-speed manual gearbox is enhanced to manage the power of the 5.0-litre V8 engine with a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel, for greater durability and quicker gear changes. The engine delivers Launch Control as standard for maximum traction and consistent standing starts. Electronic Line Lock that applies only the front brakes, allowing the driver to spin the rear wheels and warm the tyres while stationary, is now standard with the 2.3‑litre EcoBoost engine, in addition to the 5.0‑litre V8 – helping achieve optimised standing start performance.

Ford engineers have further optimised Mustang’s driving dynamics. Recalibrated shock absorbers improve stability through corners, and rear suspension is stiffened with a cross-axis joint that reduces unwanted movement at each corner that can lead to body flex. Thicker anti-roll bars also better control body-roll for sharper handling.

The new optional MagneRide Damping System can deliver a lightning-quick response to changing road conditions. A unique fluid inside the damper can be electronically stimulated to offer higher or lower damping resistance, depending on the driving scenario. Sensors monitor conditions one thousand times per second to ensure optimum handling performance.

Two new Drive Modes are now offered to help drivers match electronic stability control, throttle response, automatic gear-shift patterns, steering and Active Valve Performance Exhaust settings to the driving scenario. In addition to Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet Modes:

    •    Drag Strip Mode optimises performance for maximum acceleration standing starts and quarter-mile performance at dedicated drag racing strips

    •    My Mode enables drivers to select their own preferred settings for performance, dynamics and exhaust sound

New Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology means drivers can for the first time adjust the intensity of the Mustang’s exhaust note to suit their mood and the driving scenario.

The innovative Good Neighbour Mode can be programmed to automatically limit the exhaust’s noise output at pre-programmed times of the day to avoid disturbing neighbours, not least when firing up the legendary 5.0-litre V8 early in the morning.

 

Smart tech for safety and convenience


The new Ford Mustang will be offered to customers in Europe with a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, even mitigate frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.

Mustang for the first time will also be offered with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert technologies that help drivers maintain an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead, as well as Lane Departure Warning that can warn when drivers unintentionally drift out of lane, and Lane Keeping Aid that can apply torque to the steering wheel to steer the vehicle back into lane. The sophisticated technologies will contribute to an improved Euro NCAP rating safety rating.

A customisable, all-digital, 12-inch LCD instrument cluster will deliver information displays optimised to match the selected Drive Mode – similar to the Ford GT supercar – helping drivers get the most from every driving experience. The cluster configuration will automatically change depending on Drive Mode, and can be programmed by the driver to display a range of gauges in one of seven colours. Drivers of Mustangs equipped with the 12-inch display will see an industry-first, video-game-style animation when the Electric Line Lock feature is activated.

The new Mustang also features Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions with conversational voice commands, and by using pinch and swipe gestures on the central 8-inch touch screen. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Related: Ford Ranger gets the black look

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Jim McGill