Ford spruces up the ’Stang,
Better fuel economy, faster shifting, new fenders and vents just part of its midcycle makeover
The model could use a kick in the fender when it comes to sales. Ford sold 105,932 Mustangs last year, down 13.4%.
Ford has unveiled its face-lifted 2018 Mustang sport coupe, showing off the redone model Tuesday at events in Detroit, New York and Los Angeles.
The 2018 Mustang features new LED lights, a lower nose and a new 10-speed automatic transmission, marketing manager Mark Schaller said. The changes are intended to keep the current model of the Mustang, which debuted as a 2015 model, fresh.
The model could use a kick in the fender when it comes to sales. Ford sold 105,932 Mustangs last year, down 13.4%. Its archrivals, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, saw their sales fall 6.2% and 2.9% respectively, Autodata reports.
The Mustang ’s sheet metal is new from the windshield forward, including new fenders and a lower hood with new vents. The front and rear bumpers are new. The tri-bar taillights are reshaped slightly to resemble the chevron front signature lights.
The Mustang GT’s 5-liter V-8 gets more power thanks to the addition of port fuel injection to complement the direct injection it already had. The 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder will see a torque increase, thanks to the same technology.
Ford expects the new injection system and 10-speed automatic transmission to increase the Mustang’s fuel economy.
“Fast, fun and affordable is in the Mustang ’s DNA,” Schaller said, promising the 10-speed will also deliver faster shifts and quicker zero-to-60-mph and quarter-mile times. “This is one of the biggest midcycle changes ever for the Mustang.”
A midcycle change or update is the auto industry’s term for changes to a vehicle made midway between its introduction and the arrival of an all-new model.
Mustangs with the V-8 engine will get a new active exhaust system that changes the exhaust note depending on driving style and other conditions. The advanced adaptive Magneride shock absorbers previously available only on the high-performance Shelby GT350 Mustang will be offered across the model line. It improves ride and handling markedly. The Mustang ’s 6-speed manual transmission also gets upgrades from the GT350 for easier shifts and less vibration.
Interior updates include vinyl wrapping on the center console, a customizable display for gauges, a metal start button and an optional heated steering wheel.