Ford New Zealand has announced that their 2018 Pony will be 'the fastest Mustang yet' - along with confirmation that the first models are due to arrive on our shores from April, equipped with more power, technology, a bigger range of options and a slightly revamped look.
Ford engineers have upped the power of their headline Mustang act – the 5.0-litre V8 GT - as well as the ability to rev higher than any Mustang GT before.
The 2018 Mustang GT has 33kW more power than its predecessor, which now delivers 339kW of power and 556Nm of torque. Ford say the power gains are thanks to a new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system – delivering better low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
The four-cylinder EcoBoost delivers 224kW with 9Nm more torque, now 441Nm.
A new 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, available across the range, is labelled as the best automatic Mustang 'box ever offered with quicker shift times and reduced friction loss compared to the previous six-speed.
With a wide-ratio span, the new transmission is designed to deliver higher average power for acceleration and improving responsiveness.
The manual transmission for the V8 has been totally redesigned, too, which now includes a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability.
Style-wise, the MY18 models retain the iconic Mustang silhouette, but up close the new models boast a more aggressive stance.
A lower, remodeled bonnet and grille, as well as upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for the bonnet air-intakes are the most notable changes to the Mustang’s face. The entire MY18 Mustang range will also feature all-LED front lights including signature tri-bar lighting.
The rear of the car gets revised LED tail lamps, plus a new bumper, fascia and optional single-wing rear spoiler which is part of the US-market Mustang Performance Pack.
A dual-tip exhaust is standard for EcoBoost Mustang, while the V8-powered Mustang GT now boasts a quad-tip exhaust as standard.
Mustang EcoBoost now offers the 19-inch black alloy as standard, while the GT carries over the mesh design from the current model, both fitted with Michelin rubber.
Three new exterior colour choices –Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Royal Crimson – have been added to the Mustang options list.
Inside the cabin, restyled seating surfaces with new patterns or optional six-way leather-upholstered Recaro sports seating are offered across the range.
The new Mustang will come fitted with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster inspired by the Le Mans-winning Ford GT racecar. The new cluster offers three separate views - normal, sport and track modes – where drivers can customise settings including colour and gauge layout.
Along with the new display, Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favourite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences, for next time they get behind the wheel.
V8 GT Mustang buyers’ will find that their active valve exhaust system is just as adjustable, with four models - Normal, Quiet, Track and Sport – offereing a different exhaust note for every occasion.
The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift to keep you in the correct gear. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling.
For the first time, MagneRide damper technology is a new option for Mustang. Previously exclusive to the Mustang Shelby GT350, the MagneRide damping system allows automatic adjustment of each corner (at a claimed 1,000 times per second) for better responsiveness.
The 2018 Mustang feature the latest suite of Ford Driver-Assist Technology. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning, Auto-levelling headlights, as well as automatic high beam and Lane-Keeping Assist are all standard across the range.
Ford SYNC is standard on 2018 Mustangs which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
2018 Ford Mustang Line-up
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback (automatic) $62,990 RRP
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible (automatic) $67,990 RRP
Ford Mustang GT Fastback (manual) $79,990 RRP
Ford Mustang GT Fastback (automatic) $79,990 RRP
Ford Mustang GT Convertible (automatic) $84,990 RRP