NEW MUSTANGS FOR OZ!

> FORD’S SEVENTH-GENERATION MUSTANG HAS FINALLY BEEN UNVEILED, WITH TWO V8 VERSIONS CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIA

THE 2023 S650 Mustang was launched in Detroit last month, and luckily for us, there have been three versions already confirmed for Australia, including two V8 burlers. Ford has said the S650 is more of an evolution than a revolution of the current S550, with loosely the same engine, gearboxes and core body carried over for the new model, albeit heavily renovated.

For the V8 GT, the 5.0-litre Coyote has been upgraded with twin throttlebodies, new exhaust manifolds and timing tweaks for more power. We don’t know exactly how much grunt just yet, but Ford says it’s a decent stab more than the 339kw/556nm in the current GT. You can still choose from either a six-speed manual or ‘improved’ 10-speed auto, with LSD diff and Brembo brakes.

The turbo four-pot Ecoboost has been retained in the line-up, with the 2.3-litre mill boasting a new turbo, bigger fuel system and new cams. Sadly, it can only be had with the 10-speed auto this time.

The 2023 Mustang has been given a muchneeded interior upgrade across all models, with janky switches now gone and a massive touchscreen taking centre stage. A linelocker and new electronic ‘drift’ handbrake are cool features that have been announced for the US models, but considering we missed out on the line-locker last time due to anti-hooning pen-pushers, we wouldn’t hold out hope for it making an appearance in the Aussie versions.

Ford Australia has also confirmed we’ll be treated to the Dark Horse version, which is basically the new GT turned up to 11. The Coyote V8 has been “specially modified”, so while we don’t know the GT’S new power, Ford CEO Jim Farley already told our sister title Wheels that the Dark Horse will punch out “more than 500hp”, or 373kw. Available with both gearbox options, the Dark Horse sets itself apart from the GT with carbonfibre wheels, fancy Pirelli rubber, extra suspension bracing, a bigger rear spoiler and blacked-out pieces inside and out.

No pricing has been confirmed for either the US or Australia for the S650, but we are told to expect examples on our shores by late 2023. We will get an earlier glimpse of the new Mustang in just a few months’ time though, as Ford will run the new body shape on the Supercars grid alongside the current Camaro in the 2023 Championship, which kicks off in Newcastle in March.