Good news if you are a fan of Ford’s iconic muscle car. The Mustang has been reinvented but not at the expense of endearing, classic virtues.
Though modernised, it seems to stay true to the ethos of its forebear in the areas that matter. For example, it has not gone the electrified route as many have predicted: that duty remains the preserve of the Mach-E sport-utility vehicle.
Visually, the latest version appears flatter and wider, with a totally redesigned frontal section, meatier side profile and pointier rear. Some cues raise eyebrows: what is up with the Maserati-esque grille, for instance? The latest Mustang appears somewhat demure and sedan-like in execution, but perhaps we ought to reserve final judgment until we meet it in the metal.
Ford says the interior is the most driver-centric and technologically advanced of any Mustang to date. Hard to argue with that assertion, based on features like the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4-inch central display. The screens span across the fascia in a manner not unlike what BMW and Mercedes-Benz have done in recent times.
Purists will rejoice that the Coyote V8 remains a part of the line-up. The beefy 5.0-litre engine is still normally-aspirated and can be had with a six-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic option. As before, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost is on offer, catering to budget-conscious types after four-cylinder frugality. You know, those shoppers who want the Mustang image but without the eight-cylinder Mustang theatrics or fuel bills.
A wider spread of driver assistance functions is also on the cards, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, even a feature dubbed active pothole mitigation, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts responses accordingly.
More exciting is the prospect of the Dark Horse version. Powered by the 5.0-litre engine, the special edition model boasts additional power, distinguished, aggressive exterior appointments, racier cabin elements and suspension enhancements. There will also be track-only Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R offerings, part of six new Mustang iterations bred solely for racing.
Ford South Africa has not yet confirmed an arrival date for the newcomer.
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