Next-generation Ford Mustang revealed – The most powerful V8 grand tourer yet

Ford has unveiled the new seventh-generation Ford Mustang, which promises a completely reimagined driving experience.

The new muscle car, which is available with a choice of two engines and various trim levels including standard, Premium and GT, will go on sale in the United States in 2023.

It has not yet been confirmed when the new Mustang is coming to South Africa.

New driving experience

Under the hood of the new Mustang GT is a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine – the most powerful naturally-aspirated powertrain ever fitted to a GT, said the manufacturer.

This drivetrain is complemented by a new dual air-intake box and dual-throttle body design, which helps to minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates.

Enthusiasts will also be happy to know that Ford has kept the choice of a manual transmission for those who want it, as customers are given the choice between a six-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic.

Those seeking to own a Mustang while still being conscious of fuel-efficiency, meanwhile, can opt for an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine.

However, Ford has not yet disclosed the official power or performance statistics for either drivetrain.

As far as the actual driving experience is concerned, buyers will be able to adjust the steering, engine and transmission response, and stability control by selecting one of six driving modes including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, and Custom, and these modes are visually represented by changes in the digital driver display.

An optional performance pack then adds a limited-slip differential, active suspension, wider rear wheels and tyres, and larger 390mm front and 355mm rear brakes, as well as an active exhaust and Recaro racing seats.

New driver aids have also been added courtesy of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 feature, which includes speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane assist, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, and active pothole mitigation.

FordPass is also available, letting owners lock and unlock the car remotely, schedule start-up times, locate the vehicle, and check its health status.

New look, new features

The interior of the seventh-generation Mustang has been inspired by fighter jets, delivering a new driver cockpit with two large curved digital displays.

The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster can be customized with different animated designs running on Unreal Engine, and the default instrument gauge appearance has been changed from the cool blue found on previous Mustangs to a copper similar to the one found in the Mustang Mach-E.

In addition, owners will be able to make use of a 13.2-inch curved media display which is angled towards the driver, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and connects to a B&O sound system.

Physical buttons for functions such as the radio and climate control have been removed in favour of this display screen, based on customer feedback, said Ford.

The standard V8 Mustang’s seats are upholstered in cloth with the option for suede and vinyl inserts, and the Premium models will benefit from stitched accents on the dashboard and door inserts.

Buyers of the EcoBoost models, however, can expect a synthetic leather upholstery with multiple colour choices, while GT owners can look forward to genuine leather inserts.

A wireless phone charger has also been added, as have new overhead USB ports suited for track cameras which are meant to prevent wires from trailing throughout the cabin.

Visually, the muscle car sports tri-bar LED lamps, a sleeker roofline, a shortened rear overhang, and wider rear haunches. The cabriolet will feature a soft-top fabric roof.

Each model in the new Mustang’s line-up is also differentiated from one another with different grille designs, hood vents, and front splitters.

A choice of black, red, or blue brake calipers is available, too, and these will sit behind alloy wheels ranging from 17-inches on the base model to 19-inches on the GT.