The All-New Mustang Keeps The V8 Alive
Besides a drift brake, the seventh-gen version has a Remote rev feature.
Rejoice, muscle car fans! One of the most iconic badges in the automotive industry lives on. Yes, the all-new Ford Mustang has shed cover and is gunning to get out there and play. But before we move on to the details, let me tell you that pricing, performance, and engine specifications are still under wraps.
Let’s start with the exterior design. It’s always a subjective topic, isn’t it? To my eyes, the new Mustang has taken the evolutionary road on the looks front. You can still see the resemblance with the previous-gen model, especially with those massive haunches at the back and the taillamps. Although different in profile, the horizontal headlamp design looks familiar. But you know what? Sometimes tweaking things for the better while keeping the familiarity factor alive is the best bet.
It’s on the inside that this Mustang actually looks all-new. Check out the flat-bottomed steering wheel, and that 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. Clubbed with that in a single glass casing is a 13.2-inch infotainment system that runs Ford’s SYNC 4 and is tilted towards the driver. The features list includes a wireless mobile charger, overhead USB ports for track cameras (nice touch!), a Bang & Olufsen sound system, six drive modes and support for Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
The interior trim differs based on which variant one settles for. As standard, the new Mustang packs all-cloth seats with optional Micro-Suede vinyl inserts and black seatbelts. Move up the model tree, and Ford introduces stitched accents across the instrument panel and door trim. EcoBoost models feature synthetic leather upholstery, available in different shades, while GT versions gain leather seat inserts. There’s more, but you get the idea, right?
Ford says the new Mustang has two new engines – a 2.3-litre EcoBoost and a reworked 5.0-litre Coyote V8. The latter boasts a dual air intake box and dual throttle body design, which helps reduce induction loss by aiding higher air flow rates. Both engines come coupled to a 10-speed automatic by default, but the larger unit is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The latter comes with the rev-matching system, which enables smoother gear shifts.
Some features that the all-new Mustang offers sound super-intriguing. My favourite of them all is the Remote rev function. As the name suggests, you can rev the engine using the key fob. Is there a better “showing-off” feature? I don’t think so! Ford has also introduced an electronic drift brake, which is a standard gizmo with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models. As per the carmaker, this segment-first feature offers the “visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical hand brake”.
Bucketed under the assistance systems category are features like Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. The Performance Pack introduces another feature called Active Pothole Mitigation, which monitors the suspension, body, steering and brake inputs continuously and adjusts the suspension response as per the need.
Ford will offer the new Mustang in eleven exterior colours, including two new shades – Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. Of course, you can add stripes to the mix. The Brembo brake callipers can be black, red or Grabber Blue, while the wheel sizes vary from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.
The all-new Mustang will go on sale in the USA in the summer of next year. The assembly process will take place at the Flat Rock facility in Michigan.
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