Ford South Africa have unveiled the new Mustang in South Africa. This seventh-generation model promises to be the most exciting and visceral version yet, with standout features including an edgier design, a fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit and an advanced 5,0-litre V8 engine.
An edgier design with timeless Mustang cues
The new Mustang GT adds modern chiselled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out to appeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet.
A low, horizontal brow across the front emphasises overall frontal width, while the upper design shape is heavily influenced by the original 1960s design. Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang’s classic lighting signature. A sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhangs along with widened rear haunches are authentic to the original.
Aerodynamic improvements include large, aggressive grille openings for increased airflow, new hood vents, a redesigned front splitter and a race-inspired rear diffuser. Wheels are 19 inches in size but are available in standard Ebony Black painted multi-spoke or optional machined Tarnished Dark Aluminium.
Redesigned interior
The interior represents the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can quickly be customised to show information the driver wants or needs to see.
The car’s 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster displays different animated designs and new Drive Mode-dependant visuals. Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games, when choosing personalised drive mode settings, the car’s current setup is displayed on the centre stack as a real-time graphical rendering. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually, in a true gamified style.
The digital instrument cluster can be configured to flow seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack behind a single piece of integrated glass that is angled towards the driver. A premium B&O sound system is standard fitment along with 12 speakers including a subwoofer.
Touchpoints include a new race inspired, flat-bottomed, steering wheel and Black Onyx trim, which includes full leather seats incorporating heating and cooling functions. Accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts further enhances the high-quality interior ambience, which is complimented by colour-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts.
The centre console includes a wireless mobile phone charging pad while new overhead switches are ideal for powering devices such as action cameras and telemetry devices when taking to the track.
Most powerful Mustang to date
The new Mustang promises an even more exciting driving experience thanks to the use of new technologies.
The Mustang GT is powered by an advanced naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine that delivers the most power of any Mustang GT to date with 328kW and 540Nm on offer. This was achieved thanks to innovations such as a dual air intake box and dual throttle body design which enables higher air flow rates.
The V8 engine is paired to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission which reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected Drive Mode. The driver is able to tailor the driving experience and factors such as steering feel, engine response, transmission and electronic stability control via six available drive modes.
Performance Pack comes standard in SA
In South Africa the Mustang GT will be sold with the Performance Pack as standard. This adds a number of track focused features to the specifications list including a front suspension tower brace, Torsen limited slip differential, MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tyres and larger Brembo brakes. The Performance Pack also includes additional cooling in the form of ducts for the brakes and an auxiliary engine oil cooler. An active valve performance exhaust system allows the driver to select how quiet or raucous they want the exhaust note to be.
A Performance Electronic Parking Brake which helps drivers unlock the rear-wheel drive drifting capability of the Mustang, thanks to a traditional, mechanical style hand brake also forms part of the Performance Pack.
Advanced driver assistance technologies
The new Mustang is equipped with a wide variety of advanced driver assist features including Speed Sign recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. Active Pothole Mitigation is included with the Performance Package and MagneRide active suspension. This system continuously monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.
Local availability
The all-new Ford Mustang will be offered in South Africa in GT Fastback guise with the 5.0L V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission only when it goes on sale on the 1st of October. This will be followed in the fourth quarter by the first-ever Mustang Dark Horse, which is an even more exhilarating performance model that is equally at home on the road and the track.
