Ford says the seventh generation Mustang is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design.
“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,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company.
“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.”
The new Mustang adds another chapter to an icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options for multiple prices and performance levels.
With the introduction of the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford Australia will add an exciting new special edition nameplate to the Mustang stable, Dark Horse. Dark Horse is a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all of the capability sports car lovers expect. With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-litre V8, Dark Horse will set a new benchmark for Australian street and track performance. Further specs and information will be released closer to local launch.
A completely rethought interior
Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show the information the driver wants or needs to see.
Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D software technology found in modern video games, Mustang’s digital instrument cluster can be customised to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent instrument clusters.
“We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative showing necessary driving information yet also give the driver control to decide how to display everything from selecting colors to classic Mustang gauges to simply creating a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed.”
When choosing personalised drive mode settings, the car’s setup is displayed on the centre stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in true gamification style.
This digital instrument cluster can be configured to flow seamlessly into a SYNC 4 centre stack behind a single piece of integrated glass that’s angled towards the driver.
“We knew what customers wanted — it was a case of designing the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit,” said Ricardo Garcia, Ford interior design manager.
Beyond the screen, an all-new race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel provides more space when getting seated inside and while performing a heel-toe downshift during spirited driving in manual Mustangs.
Outside the vehicle, animated welcome lighting greets drivers as they approach while Mustang’s splash screens come to life while entering the vehicle.
The centre console can also incorporate a wireless mobile phone charging pad2 while new overhead USB ports are installed above the cockpit, conveniently located for track camera and other devices, and helping prevent wires from draping across the cabin.
The available B&O3 sound system is optimised for Mustang’s interior, contributing toward the visceral experience of Mustang ownership for sharing the ultimate driving playlist through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, both of which are fully compatible with Ford’s SYNC 41 system
Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customisation
The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out to appeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet.
Its low, horizontal brow across the front of Mustang’s signature three-section hood aligns with LED headlamps to create an aggressive front end, influenced by the original 1960s design. Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.
The roofline is optimised for the driver’s entry to and exit from the vehicle without removing their helmet on the track, and an extended rear spoiler module houses new crisp signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned diffuser for improved aerodynamic balance in the rear.
Each model in the Mustang lineup carries its own unique front end. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grill openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance. The car’s aerodynamics are optimised further with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter.
“Both the EcoBoost and GT Mustang have unique styling cues that deliver on their promise of Mustang Performance,” said Christopher Walter, design manager, Mustang. “The new Mustang is more chiseled and edgier, leaning into Mustang’s classic brawniness and timelessness.”
Mustang Convertible continues its drop-top legacy offering maximum open-air freedom. A simple, one-touch activation with a single-handle centre latch opens and closes the fully lined and insulated fabric roof. The compact roof design and independent rear suspension also contribute toward generous luggage space that can accommodate up to two golf bags.
Mustang’s Most Advanced and Athletic Engines Ever
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes drivers want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new and advanced engine technologies.
It starts with Mustang GT, powered by an advanced, 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine. The fourth-generation 5.0-litre is set to deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT.
“This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet,” said Ed Krenz, Mustang chief engineer. “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 has saved the manual transmission for a new generation and the 5.0-litre V8 continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for customers who want an uncompromised connection to eight-cylinder power. Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission is also available, and it almost instantaneously reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected drive mode.
Customers who desire Mustang’s fun-to-drive feeling with fuel efficiency benefits can opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an updated, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-litre powertrain.
The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they take control of how the car behaves.
On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track plus a customisable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver’s view ahead of them. As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life like a videogame.
Mustang GT with the manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged to retain peak torque between manual gear changes, delivering even more precision, thrill and better refinement.
More Available Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies
The new Mustang is available with next-generation Driver Assistance Technologies4, including speed sign recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control – with stop-and-go functionality on automatic transmission equipped variants, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist.
The all-new Mustang goes on sale in Australia in late 2023 and is assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan in the United States.
