Mid-year release for 2018 Mustang
As previously reported, the MY18 Mustang will be an advance over the current model, with more power and torque from the GT V8, more torque for the EcoBoost 4, and the debut of new features, including a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Styling has also been updated and more in-cabin tech added.
Improved Engine, Trans and Note
On the MY18 Mustang GT, the 5.0-litre V8 remains, but power is up, mainly thanks to the adoption of dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection. The result, says Ford, is robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency. Peak power is now 339kW, a 33kW improvement over the current GT V8, while 556Nm maximum torque is an increase of 26Nm.
V8-equipped Mustangs also get an all-new active valve exhaust system that offers different exhaust notes through the acceleration range. Four driver-selectable modes are available: Normal, Quiet, Track and Sport.
Mustangs with the turbocharged EcoBoost four deliver unchanged maximum power of 224kW, but peak torque has been increased 9Nm to 441Nm.
The major change is the new 10-speed ‘SelectShift’ auto transmission - available with both the EcoBoost and V8 - that features a wide-ratio span and optimised gear spacing, resulting in higher average power for acceleration. Ford call it the best automatic ever offered in a Mustang, with quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses compared to the current six-speed auto.
The manual transmission has been upgraded for optimal torque delivery with both engines. For the V8, a new twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel increase torque capability and deliver what Ford says is more efficient clutch modulation.
More Tech, Digi Dash
New shock absorbers are fitted to both GT and EcoBoost variants, delivering improved ride control, allied to a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension and “innovative” stabiliser bars.
The MY18 Mustang will also feature a first in ‘MagneRide’ magnetically-adjustable damper technology that was previously only available on the Shelby GT350. An extra-cost option, the MagneRide system allows automatic adjustment of each corner of the car – up to 1,000 times per second – resulting in what Ford says is improved chassis responsiveness and lateral performance, especially at speed.
Amongst the other tech inclusions is an all-new electronic control system that delivers unique throttle and transmission tuning for the different drive modes - Normal, Sport and Track - and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling.
Track Apps record the action behind the wheel, while an all-new ‘Mustang MyMode’ with memory function allows owners to save their favourite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.
There’s also a new 12-inch, all-digital instrument cluster with customisable colours and displays for the different driving modes.
Standard Ford Driver-Assist Technology will now feature Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection as standard, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist.
Ford SYNC 3 is standard, too, with Emergency Assist function, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus an 8.0-inch full-colour infotainment screen.
Sharper Style
For 2018, Mustang styling is more “athletic”, according to Ford, with changes both front and rear.
The bonnet is now lower, with repositioned air intakes, a remodelled grille and slimmer headlights.
Front lighting is now fully LED, including signature tri-bar lighting – a first for Mustang in Australia.
At the rear, there’s a new bumper, valance and optional performance spoiler. The GT features a quad-tip exhaust as standard, along with a black rear diffuser, while the LED taillamps on both variants have been revised “for a more technical look”.
EcoBoost Mustangs get a new alloy wheel design for 2018, with 19-inch Lustre Nickel alloys available as a factory option. GT wheels are unchanged, with five-spoke, 19-inch forged alloys optional.
New paint options include Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Royal Crimson, which can be combined with optional Over the Top (OTT) stripe packages normally seen on the Shelby GT350.
Inside, Ford claims that touch points and visual cues have been improved for a more premium look and feel. The centre console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters, while aluminium trim has been added to the door handles and various trim rings and bezels.
Surfaces on the standard seats feature new patterns, while six-way adjustable, leather-upholstered Recaro sports seats are optional.
Other minor changes include an updated Mustang badge on the instrument panel and a new key fob design.
Coming Mid-Year
Upon arrival, the MY18 Mustang will carry a premium of between $4,000 and almost $9,000 over the 2017 versions they replace. In the case of the premium GT automatics, they’re now over the current $65,094 threshold for the Luxury Car Tax.
Note: This threshold increased for the current financial year by $962, while the threshold for “fuel efficient” vehicles remains unchanged at $75,526.
2018 Ford Mustang pricing*
Ford Mustang EcoBoost fastback (manual) - $49,990 MLP
Ford Mustang EcoBoost fastback (automatic) - $52,990 MLP
Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible (automatic) - $59,490 MLP
Ford Mustang GT fastback (manual) - $62,990 MLP
Ford Mustang GT fastback (automatic) - $66,259 MLP (incl. LCT)
Ford Mustang GT convertible (automatic) - $74,709 MLP (incl. LCT)
*All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and do not include ORCs
2018 Ford Mustang – Key Factory Options
Black OTT Stripes – $650
White OTT Stripes (Fastback only) – $650
Single-wing rear spoiler (Fastback only) - $750
Recaro leather seats (Fastback only) - $3,000
19-inch Lustre Nickel alloys (EcoBoost only) - $500
19-inch forged alloys (GT Only) - $2,500
MagneRide Suspension - $2,750
For further details and to order, see your Ford dealer.
