Ford has unveiled its new-look seventh-generation Mustang at the North American Auto Show, with the model expected to double as a swansong for the brand’s rich V8 heritage.
In a release issued alongside the new Mustang’s unveiling, Ford Australia confirmed the model would be landing in local showrooms late next year.
Ford revealed the new Mustang in its EcoBoost four-cylinder and GT V8 formats, with the latter also shown off in drop-top form.
It also launched a new flagship performance variant, called the Dark Horse [pictured above]. This too has been confirmed for the Australian market, although it is expected to arrive in limited supply.
While the Mustang features a familiar two-door silhouette and proportion set, its styling within represents a departure from the outgoing S550 generation. Slimmed down headlights sit either side of a larger grille, itself framed by bigger vent openings on the front bumper’s flanks.
The Mustang gets sharper rear haunches, with some already drawing comparison between them and those of the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. In the back it retains its traditional three-bar taillights, a large diffuser, and quad exhaust pipes.
Mustang GT models can be spotted via their gloss black grilles, larger bumper vents (sending air to the front brake ducts), and ventilated bonnet.
Under the skin, the new Mustang features a new-to-the-model platform, with the iconic nameplate sharing its architecture with the Explorer and Aviator.
As with the outgoing model, the Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT are powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, respectively, with Ford tweaking both powertrains to increase output.
The Dark Horse, meanwhile, is described as the most track focused Mustang ever made, effectively replacing the Mach 1 in the model’s line-up. It features bespoke seam weld construction unique to the model, plus performance suspension, uprated Brembo brakes, Pirelli rubber, additional aero and styling tweaks, and more.
Those wanting to pair the V8 with a traditional manual can do so, with Ford offering customers the choice of either a further refined 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual.
Inside, the Mustang’s cabin is significantly more tech focused than the outgoing model. Centre stage is a dual-screen SYNC 4 digital interface that weaves the digital cluster and touchscreen into one unit behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel.
This generation is set to be the last internal combustion Mustang Ford produces before it commits to full electrification across the nameplate. Hotted up Shelby variants and other in-house Ford models are set to come down the pipe in the coming years, ensuring the V8 Mustang goes out with a bang.
Ford Australia has confirmed that local pony fans will be able to purchase both the EcoBoost and the GT, with pricing for the line-up still to be confirmed.
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