A comprehensive mid-cycle refresh of the 2018 Ford Mustang adds coolness and capability to the automaker’s original pony car. Although several pertinent details are being held back until its on-sale date this fall, Ford said the upgraded Mustang will complement its more aggressive styling with enhanced performance plus a selection of sophisticated new tech touches and driver assists.
More aerodynamic profile
The most obvious changes to the 2018 Mustang is its edgier nose and tail treatments. All new from the A-pillar forward, the Mustang’s bolder front fascia houses reshaped grille elements flanked by new — and standard in all models — LED lighting. Lower by nearly an inch to help improve aerodynamics, the Mustang’s redrawn hood flows into more prominently bulged fenders. A similar tweaking is in evidence out back. Although the shape carries over, there’s a more distinctive soft cap, bumper and revised tri-bar LED taillamp design which can be set off with an optional spoiler. The 2018 Mustang will also offer a dozen new alloy wheel choices and a more vibrant color palette including the signature Orange Fury seen here.
RELATED: Looking for Fair Purchase Price on a 2018 Ford Mustang? Click here
This revamp continues inside of the 2018 Mustang. Upgraded materials, additional soft-touch surfaces and revised trim provide a more premium feel. There’s also a selection of new personalization features, including an available 12-inch digital LCD instrument cluster. Similar in concept to the new digital panel in the Ford GT, it offers Normal/Sport/Track modes in their color-selectable hues. Also appearing for the first time is a Ford MyMode feature with memory function that lets a driver save a settings that can be recalled at the push of a button as well as the Ford Sync Connect with Ford Pass app that adds new convenience capabilities accessible via smartphones.
Upgraded engines
Motivation for the basic 2018 Mustang line will come in two forms: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder and the optional 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8. Both have been revised to enhance performance. While Ford has not released output figures on either, we know the EcoBoost engine will offer the firm’s transient overboost feature to help raise its torque for wide-open-throttle acceleration. There’s even better news for the reworked 5.0-liter V8 in the new Mustang GT. Now fitted with Ford’s new dual-fuel port and direct injection system that will bolster off-the-line kick as well as top-end thrust, it promises to deliver more power and torque than before plus improved fuel economy along with a higher redline than any previous production GT. And should you be wondering, the Mustang’s current 3.7-liter V6 is being quietly mustered out of service.
Also: Ford F-150 facelifted for 2018
Both of the 2018 engines will be backed by an improved (and comprehensively redesigned in the case of the 5.0-liter V8) standard 6-speed manual transmission or Ford’s new 10-speed automatic as an option. In addition to a more efficient selection of ratios and steering-wheel-mounted paddles, this advanced gearbox features full electronic adaptive control, better responsiveness and quicker shifting.
Ford engineers also massaged the suspension on all 2018 Mustangs to improve ride and handling. Key changes include new shocks, a cross-axis joint in the rear suspension that enhances lateral stiffness and more effectively matched anti-roll bars. For 2018, GT buyers who step up to the Performance Package also can add the new MagneRide magnetorheological adaptive damping system.
Finally, safety gets notable boost for 2018. Ford will offer the remade Mustang with a selection of new driver-assist features that include Lane-Departure Warning, Lane-keeping Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, Distance Alert and a Driver Alert System.
More to Know
Build and price your own 2018 Ford Mustang to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more, or check out the Mustangs for sale today at dealers near you.
More New and Redesigned Cars for 2018
