Ford unveils smarter, more powerful all-new Mustang

MANILA: Ford Motor Company has unveiled the all-new Mustang, revolutionizing the world’s best-selling sports coupe with a cutting-edge new V8 engine, edgier aesthetics, and a completely redesigned digital cockpit to make it the most exciting Mustang ever.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles. Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026,” Ford Motor Company Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley stated.

Mustang has had a significant impact beyond the more than 10 million units sold during its 58 years of continuous production. It made numerous appearances in video games, music, television, and film, and it is the most-liked vehicle on Facebook.

Every year since the last all-new Mustang was unveiled in 2014, Mustang has surpassed all other sports coupes in terms of global sales.

The all-new Mustang is powered by a new Gen IV 5.0-liter V8 engine.

“This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang to drive yet. Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to Drive Modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension and steering controls, we’re now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favorite roads to their local track,” Ford Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Ed Krenz said.

A new air induction system with a twin air intake and dual throttle body design is used in the all-new Mustang GT, minimizing induction losses and delivering higher flow rates.

Up to six interactive and customizable Drive Modes, including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, and a customizable setting with multiple available profiles, can be selected to match the preferences of the driver. High-fidelity graphics on the digital instrument panel bring each mode to life as it is selected.

Reduced compliance from steering wheel and tire has improved driving responsiveness, and a higher steering ratio has improved the Mustang's cornering dynamics.

The most track-ready Mustang ever comes standard with rev-matching, which sustains engine revs when the clutch is engaged to maintain peak torque between manual gear changes. This feature adds even more precision and refinement.

The GT is available in 10-speed automatic and six-speed manual variants. It comes standrd with the Performance Pack which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport limited-slip differential for increased traction, 19-inch Brembo brakes, and an Active Valve Exhaust that produces adjustable engine sounds. The optional MagneRide active suspension measures conditions one thousand times per second and uses an electronically controlled fluid to adjust damping resistance based on the road condition.

The seventh-generation Mustang features the most cutting-edge driver-focused cockpit of any Mustang to date, fusing the best of the past, present, and future. The classic double-brow upper dashboard of the Mustang has been replaced with a swooping, glass-covered, open center stack that is technologically advanced.

The Mustang is equipped with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display different designs.

“We’re taking advantage of every pixel. We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges or even a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed,” Ford Mustang Interaction Design Manager Craig Sandvig stated.

The Mustang also comes with a 13.2-inch Sync 4 center stack. Clear visual information and easy-to-reach controls are provided by the screen's ergonomic positioning, which provide an interactive digital experience.

The Mustang's fully customizable cockpit clusters and interior ambiance start up in dark and copper colors, similar to the Mustang Mach-E SUV's color scheme. Instrument clusters adjust to the Drive Mode that has been set, while cluster displays and ambient interior lighting can be customized in the customer's preferred tones. Unreal Engine 3D software, a computer gaming engine that provides real-time renderings, is used to view the car's setup on the center stack when selecting customized Drive Mode settings. The vehicle parameters can be changed by engaging with the touch screen. Swiping the image rotates the car virtually.

“We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit. Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display was popular in research with millennials, Gen-Z, and traditional Mustang drivers alike,” Ford Interior Design Manager Ricardo Garcia said.

The cockpit gets a new interior grain pattern design specifically for the brand. Aside from having a full leather steering wheel, the Mustang has soft-touch plastics on the instrument panel and door cards.

On higher series models, the center console's special upholstery perforation pattern and the steering wheel color accent stitching are complemented by the seatbelt's color-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping.

A wireless mobile phone charging pad is added to the center console, thanks to the extra space created by relocating more functions to the touch screen.

Sync 4 is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mach-E SUV, the all-new Mustang has Ford Power-Up wireless update capability.

Overhead USB ports above the cockpit are located behind the wheel for track camera devices, preventing wires from dangling across the cabin.

With the latest B&O sound system, passengers can enjoy crisp audio through 12 speakers, a subwoofer, and Ford’s Electronic Sound Enhancement technology to amplify engine sounds within the vehicle.

The seventh generation of the Mustang aims to appeal to the widest customer demographic yet, with a modern design that draws inspiration from its rich history.

The low, horizontal brow across the front of the signature three-section bonnet aligns with new LED headlamps to create a more prominent front-end, influenced by the original 1960s design and is optimized for pedestrian protection.

A more striking front face, inspired by the original 1960s design and optimized for pedestrian protection, is created by the trademark three-section bonnet's low, horizontal brow aligning with new LED headlamps. The car's svelte roofline, wide sprinting stance, and shortened rear overhang all accurately reflect the first-generation model's proportions, while the wider rear haunches highlight the power behind the wheels in classic Mustang fashion.

Ford Motor Company has also unveiled the Mustang Dark Horse, the pinnacle of track capability and the cornerstone of Ford’s motorsport endeavors.

The Mustang Dark Horse series offers the most track-focused precision of any Mustang to date by building on the speed, edgy look, and digital experiences of the seventh-generation Mustang.

“We’ve taken the all-new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-liter V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tires, steering and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes beyond any 5.0-liter Mustang before it,” Krenz said.

The Mustang Dark Horse is powered by a higher output version of the all-new Gen IV V8 engine with new camshafts and unique Mustang Dark Horse tuning. The engine features a dual throttle-body intake design for maximum performance. A unique six-speed Tremec manual transmission with 3D-printed titanium shift ball is available exclusively for the Mustang Dark Horse. The V8 can also be paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

An electronic drift brake introduces new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel drive drifting capability of the Mustang with the aesthetic appeal and use of a traditional, mechanical handbrake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake is designed to help new drivers develop their drifting skills and give expert drivers a competition-ready system.

Mustang Dark Horse’s aesthetics reflect its status as the defining moment of the seventh generation.

“It’s more than a new name. Mustang Dark Horse brings a new design language to Mustang that is refined yet perfectly suited to its dual purpose of street and track performance. The visual changes, both inside and out, message that Mustang Dark Horse has a directed performance focus. The mechanical changes reinforce the purpose of Mustang Dark Horse, providing the driver with increased confidence and competence,” Ford Design Global Director Joel Piaskowski stated.

Traditional Mustang badges have been replaced with the new Mustang Dark Horse logo on the front wheel arches, tailgate and door sills, but the front retains the Dark Tarnish anodized rendition of the iconic pony. Each car has an individual chassis number.

On the inside, unique Mustang Dark Horse badging is embellished instead of the traditional Mustang pony logo on the instrument panel and digital display screens.

“This is the first time for Mustang that we’ve ever had a forward-facing horse. It’s aggressive, a bit sinister and it’s coming from the shadows head-on to win,” Piaskowski added.

The Blue Ember metallic paint, which is exclusive to the Mustang Dark Horse, is a cool, dark shade that glows warmly in the light and sets the tone for the car’s overall aggressive appearance. Feature graphics can be painted or applied along the roof and down the hood. The optional Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.

Mustang Dark Horse's debut lays the groundwork for Mustangs to compete internationally in a variety of series, including GT3, GT4, and NASCAR.

“We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the very definition of a Mustang Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” Ford Performance Motorsports Global Director Mark Rushbrook stated. “With our race program development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for success.”

Photos from Ford Motor Company

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