Photo: Ford
Love it or hate it, the Mustang is the best-selling sports car in the world. In fact, Mustang is one of the most popular passwords out there, but who could blame the user for it? After all, the original pony car strikes a chord with both enthusiasts and non-car people. 2018 sees the rear-wheel-drive American go through a mid-cycle refresh, with the model coming to Europe early next year.
Previewed by the U.S.-spec Mustang at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the European model will make its world debut tomorrow at the IAA 2017. The pony shares the stage with a multitude of passenger and commercial vehicles bearing the Blue Oval ornament, including the EcoSport subcompact crossover, Ranger Black Edition pickup, and Tourneo Custom van.
So, what’s new? First of all, there’s the styling. Sharper, more modern than the pre-facelift S550, the 2018 Mustang is a showstopper. Unmistakable and beguiling, the newcomer comes as standard with something that’s available as an optional extra in the United States: 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The tri-bar daytime running lights are also standard, as are the quad exhaust tips and active valve exhaust system in the case of the V8-fed GT.
When it comes to the oily bits, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost features fewer ponies than before. At 290 metric horsepower (286 brake horsepower), it’s 27 PS (27 hp) down on the pre-facelift’s 317 PS (313 hp). Ford doesn’t give a reason for this downgrade, but to the defense of the entry-level Mustang, torque is up by an unspecified amount. When all is said and done, it's still a downgrade.
Happily, however, the Coyote V8 burbles away in naturally aspirated notes, packing 450 PS (444 hp). Both engine options can be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which promises smoother shifts, faster acceleration, and better fuel economy thanks in part to real-time adaptive shift-scheduling.
On the technological front, big improvements have been made in terms of safety. Just to name a few of them, the highlight features come in the form of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Aid.
So, what’s new? First of all, there’s the styling. Sharper, more modern than the pre-facelift S550, the 2018 Mustang is a showstopper. Unmistakable and beguiling, the newcomer comes as standard with something that’s available as an optional extra in the United States: 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The tri-bar daytime running lights are also standard, as are the quad exhaust tips and active valve exhaust system in the case of the V8-fed GT.
When it comes to the oily bits, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost features fewer ponies than before. At 290 metric horsepower (286 brake horsepower), it’s 27 PS (27 hp) down on the pre-facelift’s 317 PS (313 hp). Ford doesn’t give a reason for this downgrade, but to the defense of the entry-level Mustang, torque is up by an unspecified amount. When all is said and done, it's still a downgrade.
Happily, however, the Coyote V8 burbles away in naturally aspirated notes, packing 450 PS (444 hp). Both engine options can be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which promises smoother shifts, faster acceleration, and better fuel economy thanks in part to real-time adaptive shift-scheduling.
On the technological front, big improvements have been made in terms of safety. Just to name a few of them, the highlight features come in the form of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Aid.
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