The 2018 Mustang Features have been leaked! We’re here to spill the juicy beans on the trims, packages, tech and goodies that are tucked away in the new Pony car.
First thing’s first: Don’t expect exciting powerplant news (save that for the Shelby’s 7.0L). The new Mustang is only being shown with its existing 2.3L EcoBoost and classic 5.0L Ti-VCT V8. That said, rumors are whispered about higher compression in the GT, so expect some refreshed performance. We say an increase of 20 digits is expected, putting the 5.0L at 420 lb-ft of torque (up from 400) and 455 horses (up from 435).
Pleasantries aside, Ford’s latest show horse doesn’t disappoint. Prospective buyers will get plenty of standard features that some other brands consider luxury appointments: Ambient lighting with MyColor custom adjustment settings, Intelligent Access with key-less push-start, 4.2” color LCD screen in the center stack, SYNC 3 with an 8” color LCD touchscreen with AppLink, and a limited slip diff for proper skids, by default. With a base price expected to run around $27,000, there are plenty of creature comforts and accoutrements that add surprising value.
New Color Options
The color options don’t disappoint, either. While the 2018 has mostly been spied in its subdued, sunset-like Triple Yellow, buyers can pick from Oxford White, Orange Fury, Race Red, Ruby Red, Crimson, Lightning and Kona Blue, Silver, Magnetic, and of course, Shadow Black. Interior colors are also getting a refresh with the addition of Tan and Showstopper Red to the good ole’ Ceramic Grey and Ebony base options.
Luxury, Leaning Exotic
But Ford stopped relying on appearances for the sake of packaging the Pony car long ago, and plenty of options make it appear as though they’re catering to a truly high-end market. Available features include an upgraded 12” LCD instrument cluster (yes, all-digital gauges, a la Italian exotica), adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, the latest rendition of Ford’s Shaker Audio system, now titled the Pro System, and a Euro import-esque, 10-speed SelectShift transmission with flappy paddles.
If you wanted a proper American road racer, listen to this: Ford is optioning the legendary MagneRide Damping System, giving the Pony adaptive, magnetically controlled shocks with an equally innovative ECU. While the 10-speeder is exciting news, the inclusion of MagneRide raised our brows. This drivetrain function is highly advanced and relies on some rather tricky, real-time adjustments based on inputs fed through the car’s improved ECU. This technology was previously reserved for the likes of the Ferrari 599, the FF, the 458 Italia, and Lamborghini’s Aventador.
To be sure, this is no gimmick that bumps the base price without much performance. MagneRide requires a completely revamped computer and new Monotube dampers that use magnetized iron particles and dynamic magnetic fields. If that all sounds advanced, well, it is. The Camaro ZL1 1LE used MagneRide on the Nurburgring to blow away records previously held by Ferrari and Porsche – it looks like Ford took a hint.
Move Over, Ferrari?
With a 400 ft-lb-and-hp motor, a ten-speed flappy paddle gearbox, California tan leather, Race Red gloss, MagneRide, digital gauges, and computer dashes, the new Pony is starting to look and sound quite a lot like a certain other stallion that roams Italy’s roads. With a redesigned, turned down front fascia that scowls and ducks like a sprinter ready at the pistol topping the whole package off, the new Mustang looks like it’s departing classic muscle in favor of exotic undertones. Or, perhaps Ford’s simply redefining what exotic really is. Maybe they’ve stolen some thunder from overseas to reinvigorate American muscle’s archaic image. We like to think they’re shooting for the latter.
