Now with a 10-speed automatic, revised styling, more power and a nastier exhaust note, the new Ford Mustang is tougher than it was.
Louder, prouder – Ford has updated their V8 Mustang, introducing a host of changes for 2018 that improve the appeal of its coveted muscle car. Already the most popular sports vehicle on sale in Australia, the midlife facelift uncovers more speed, dynamics, tech and safety.
First up, appearance. The new model boasts a reshaped bonnet and has gained some air vents. There’s a 60mm broader grille, plus countersunk ‘eagle eye’ all-LED headlights. The remodelling in the rear is subtler: techier-looking LED taillights and quad exhaust tips. Less muscle car, more motorsport effect, then, but from the rear this is a tougher looking car.
The interior of the Mustang has never been built to high-street opulence, it’s materialistically modest and has been built-to-cost since the 1960s. This helped it retain its nice level of American-tinged kitsch, rather than a premium Euro-look. One noticeable upgrade is the all-digital 12-inch digital instrument cluster with countless personalisation menus. The modest 8-inch centre touchscreen has been upgraded to Sync3 software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a reversing camera and sat-nav are both standard.
This new GT absolutely roars because, according to Ford, customer feedback made it clear the outgoing V8 was way too quiet. But quiet can be cool. The adaptive exhaust’s Good Neighbour mode allows you to electronically preselect time-of-day parameters for the Mustang so it starts up in Quiet mode rather than the already-bellowing Normal setting.
The 2018 Mustang starts from $66,259 plus on-road costs, and despite the price hike with the new model, it still represents eyebrow raising bang-for-your-buck. The range includes the Mustang GT Fastback auto, GT Fastback manual and the top-end GT Convertible auto.
GT fastback features
- Engine – 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 petrol
- Maximum power output (kW/rpm) GT : 339 @ 7,000 rpm
- 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
- Automatic On-Off LED Headlamps with Automatic Levelling
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- New optional Recaro seats
- Active Exhaust Valve with four selectable modes
- Sync3 software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Limited Edition Ford Mustang Bullitt
Ford Australia has confirmed that 700 units of the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt will be coming to Australia in October.
Built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Steve McQueen film Bullitt (famed for its epic 10min car chase that stars a 1968 Mustang GT 390 fastback tearing up the streets of San Francisco), the Bullitt Special Edition will be offered in a new one-off colour; a Dark Highland Green that matches the tone of the movie car.
The new version is distinguished by Bullitt badging, a darkened front grille, gloss-black 19-inch ‘Torq Thrust’ wheels and a beefed-up version of the Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 engine. While in the cabin, Recaro seats, a badge bearing your unique chassis number and a new B&O 1000-watt sound system with 12 speakers also join the standard features list.=
Time for a new set of wheels?
If you are interested in learning more about the new 2018 Ford Mustang, or any other vehicles, the team at Platform Direct Finance have extensive experience in negotiating, procuring vehicles across Australia.
Speak to one of Platform Direct’s expert consultants for an obligation-free quote.
