Ford has taken the wraps of the seventh-generation 2023 Ford Mustang, showing the latest iteration of the iconic American muscle car at the 2022 Detroit Motor Show. Ford has played it safe with the new generation Mustang by carrying over the outgoing car’s platform and engines, but the new Mustang gets a completely redesigned and tech-laden cabin cabin, an all-new and sharper exterior, and plenty of updates under the skin.
The good news is that an Australian launch is confirmed for late 2023, meaning we won’t have to wait too long to get our hands on the new Mustang after the American markets gets theirs in mid-2023. With local pricing and specifications yet to be announced, here’s what we know so far.
Under the bonnet, Ford is keeping the V8 era alive with a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8. A turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine also exists. Both engines are well-known from the previous generation Mustang. A 10-speed automatic remains available with both engines, however the six-speed manual is now offered only on the V8. Ford is coy about power and torque figures which have yet to be announced, but Ford says the Mustang will be more powerful than the old car, with improved efficiency and faster sprint times on the dragstrip. The old model’s 2.3L four cylinder produces 236kW of power and 448Nm of torque, while the V8 produces 339kW and 556Nm.
The rumours of the Mustang going electric, or even having a hybrid option seem to have all been dispelled, for now. The 2023 Ford Mustang remains a celebration of all that the internal combustion engine stands for in a world of more and more electric vehicles.
Even though the new Ford Mustang is based on the same platform as the outgoing model, all of the external bodywork is new, with fresh styling outside. Still, the design looks as unmistakable as ever. Ford tweaked the front-end design of the new Mustang with a horizontal three-light signature on the brow of each headlight which is now said to match the Mustang’s iconic rear lights.
Despite obviously using the same body as before, the side-profile of the 2023 Ford Mustang looks beefier, the beltline has been lowered and the car’s details all give it an even more athletic look than before. The previous generation looked a little generic to our eyes, this new Mustang ups the ante and really embraces its heritage. At the rear, the Mustang appears visually wider, even if its track remains unchanged.
The V8 GT models are further differentiated from models with the 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine with their unique front fascias, a scoop on the bonnet with a functional vent, and larger lower air intakes. At the rear, V8 models also get quad exhaust outlets instead of the dual outlets found on the four cylinder models.
Ford was keen to highlight some new features of the Mustang, some of which might not make you the most law-abiding of citizens. The new Mustang can be reved remotely and it now has new drift brake function. The handbrake on the centre-console might look like a conventional handbake but it is in fact electronically operated and allows the rear wheels to be locked for extra rotation when drifting. Very legal, we know… Ford says the the new handbrake will help inexperienced drivers drift through corners better, we’re not so sure the feature will be come to Australia. It’s unclear as yet if this feature will come to Australia.
Elsewhere, Ford has tinkered with the carryover suspension system introducing new aluminium lower control arms for the front suspension and and new rear linkages. A damper and spring retune should make the Mustang even better to drive through corners. The adaptive damper Magneride system remains optional. Also under the bonnet is a new steering system with a faster steering ratio.
The cabin of the new Mustang is the place where the biggest changes have taken place however. The all-new interior features a rather stunning 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s latest Sync 4 software and a 12.3-inch instrumentation display all in a single housing. Base models feature standalone displays. The climate controls have all moved onto the touchscreen meaning that purists might lament the loss of climate controls.
The new digital instrument cluster features different layouts for different drive modes and can even show a what the Mustang’s instruments would have looked like back in the 70s. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel sits in front of the driver giving more room for taller drivers’ legs.
Ford is proud that the Mustang has been the world’s best-selling sports coupe for seven consecutive years, selling the car in most of the world. Aussies too loved the previous model so much that over the years, waiting lists blew out well past one year.
We’re very excited to see the updated 2023 Ford Mustang locally, stay tuned to DiscoverAuto to see how the new Mustang gets priced locally and most importantly, what it’s like to drive in late 2023.
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