With a little more than two years of presence in Europe, the Ford Mustang showed itself at the Frankfurt Motor Show with new clothes and mechanical and dynamic updates and the addition of equipment. The Mustang has been a hit on the “old continent”, even with the occasional controversy in between.
And as you can see, the styling review focused mainly on the front. The front is now lower, receiving new bumpers and new headlights, which are now standard in LED. At the rear the changes are more subtle, getting a new bumper with a new design diffuser.
The interior of the "pony car" also received materials more pleasant to the touch in the center console and doors, and can optionally receive a 12″ screen for the infotainment system.
10 speeds!
Mechanically maintains the range of engines - the four-cylinder 2.3 Ecoboost and the 5.0 liter V8 - but both units have undergone revisions. And we have good news and bad news.
Starting with the bad: the 2.3 Ecoboost saw its power drop from 317 to 290 hp. The reason for the loss of “ponies” is the need to comply with the latest Euro 6.2 emission standards. The addition of a particulate filter and the increase in back pressure in the exhaust system justify the loss of horsepower, but Ford says that despite the nearly 30 hp lost, performance remains the same.
Like? Not only does the Ford Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost get an overboost function, it gets a new 10-speed automatic transmission – yes, you read well, 10 speeds! The American brand confirms that both efficiency and acceleration benefit from this new transmission and better, we can use them through paddles placed behind the steering wheel – Don't get lost in the count… It's available for both the 2.3 and for the 5.0, as well as a six-speed manual transmission.
The good news concerns the 5.0 liter V8 – an engine that is heavily penalized by our tax system. Unlike the Ecoboost, the V8 gained horsepower. Power rose from 420 to 450 hp, getting better numbers for acceleration and top speed. The gains are justified by the adoption of the most recent evolution of the propellant, which in addition to being able to reach a higher level of rotations, now has not only direct injection but also indirect, allowing a superior response in low regimes.
Burnouts? Just press a button
Despite the horse loss of the 2.3 Ecoboost, this now receives the Line Lock, previously available in V8. The easiest and safest way to burnout? It seems so. According to the brand, it can only be used on circuits, making it a useful tool to give the tires the necessary heat before any drag race.
Mustang has dynamically received an overhaul, with the brand announcing superior cornering stability and reduced body trim. Optionally, you can receive the MagneRide Damping System, which allows you to adjust the degree of firmness of the suspension.
The Ford Mustang also gets new equipment such as adaptive cruise control, a lane departure alert and a lane-staying assistance system. Important contributions to improve your result at Euro NCAP.
The new Ford Mustang will hit the market in the second quarter of 2018.
