Continuing the heritage

Ford has unveiled the seventh-generation Mustang that features an all-new design and is available with both 4-cylinder and V8 powerplants as well as hardtop and convertible body styles.

The all-new Mustang continues a 60-year heritage in terms of design highlights and the latest technology, plus gimmicks like the Remote Rev feature that lets you rev up the engine remotely via the key fob.

Sales are expected to commence in summer 2023 for the US market, and it is likely that Ford Thailand will offer the 2024 Mustang in Thailand due to the popularity of the current model.

The Mustang is available with a turbocharged 2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine or a normally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 in the GT.

Design

In terms of design, the new car is chiselled and edgier while maintaining the unique styling cues of the original Mustang.

The new Mustang measures 4,810mm in length and is 1,915mm wide, coming with a wheelbase of 2,717mm.

The wide front end features a radiator grille that's influenced by the original 1960s design, flanked by tri-bar LED headlights. The V8 model gets larger and more aggressive grille openings for greater airflow, while aerodynamics are optimised further with a hood vent and redesigned front splitter.

From the side, the Mustang comes with a sleek roofline and a sprinting stance, plus a short rear overhang. Wheels range from 17in to 19in depending on the variant with optional 20in rims being offered too. Ford says that the roofline is optimised for driver entry and exit without removing a helmet when driving at track events.

The tri-bar tail lights are mandatory in the Mustang, with the new model getting redesigned diffusers for better balance at the rear.

While convertibles usually suffer from small luggage space due to the roof mechanism, the Mustang convertible boasts a compact roof design and independent rear suspension that gives it segment-leading trunk space. According to Ford, it's possible to fit two golf bags in the boot.

According to Ford, the seventh-generation Mustang comes with the most advanced and driver-centric interior of any Mustang to date.

The cockpit carries a jet fighter theme and features two flowing curved displays that can be customised in a variety of ways. The 12.4-inch instrument cluster particularly can be customised to display animated designs as well as different drive mode graphics. The steering wheel, meanwhile, is flat-bottomed to provide more space for the driver.

A 13.2-inch centre touchscreen is angled towards the driver and features the Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system. Controls for the radio and climate have been integrated into the digital display, which designers say is popular with millennials and Gen Z.

Synthetic and real leather upholstery is available depending on trim, with a choice of colour accent stitching and perforation for the seat inserts.

Updated features include a wireless phone charger, overhead USB port for track cams and a B&O sound system. Amazon's Alexa is built-in with Ford Streaming and allows music and podcasts to be played with simple voice commands. There's also Ford's power-up software update capability.

Performance

Ford hasn't released official output figures for the two engines offered in the new Mustang, although the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine is projected to deliver up to 500hp.

The V8 (offered in the GT and track-focused Dark Horse) comes with a dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design which helps minimise induction loss by enabling high air flow rates.

Both 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic gearbox choices are offered. The manual gearbox also comes with a rev-matching function, which helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is depressed.

There are six drive modes and a customisable setting with up to six profiles. There's also a Performance Pack for the 2.3 EcoBoost and V8 GT that includes a front tower brace, torsen limited slip differential, active dampers, wider wheels and tyres, and larger Brembo brakes. There are also optional Recaro seats and an active exhaust.

A new feature in the Mustang, which is also a segment-first, is the drift brake that basically acts as a mechanical handbrake and helps with locking the rear wheels to start a slide.

The suspension comprises McPherson struts and a stabiliser up front plus multi-link suspension with a stabiliser at the rear.

Apart from various intelligent safety functions, the new Mustang also features the Active Pothole Mitigation (included with the Performance Package) that continuously monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input, and adjusts suspension response accordingly.