Image: Ford
Image: Ford
Image: Ford
Image: Ford
Image: Ford
Image: Ford
Ford’s ponies and stallions that inhabit its stables have long since been seen as an eight-cylinder totting rear-wheel-drive coupe. Bellowing V8s have been a copyrighted trait of the American-based automaker’s fleet, but with the enormous investment in Ford’s electrified future, that legacy may be coming to its end. The seventh-generation Mustang may very well be the last pure-blooded Mustang, but by Jove, it’s certainly not a dull pallbearer.
Image: Ford
Automotive sacrilege. A 1975 Ferrari 308 GTB outfitted with cut springs and slammed onto the ground; a classic ICE sports car modified to utilise an EV’s battery; a four-cylinder powered C63, to name a few cardinal automotive sins. As far as American muscle cars go, no V8 in the bonnet would incur a stoning of biblical proportions.
Image: Ford
Thankfully, the seventh-generation Mustang will be offered with the firm’s tame 2,3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost engine and the most powerful Coyote 5,0-litre V8 to date, which is said to feature a dual air intake box and dual throttle body setup. The seventh-generation Mustang comes in three flavours, Ecoboost, GT and convertible. The #SAVETHEMANUALS movement seems to have enticed Ford to mate the potent V8 to a six-speed manual transmission, which has auto-rev matching tech, but those who fancy two pedals instead of three can choose Ford’s ten-speed auto gearbox.
Image: Ford
Other than power plant news, the seventh-generation Mustang receives a myriad of refinements such as steering ratios and feeling adjustments to allow for a greater driving feel but those eager to embrace their racing spirit can opt for the optional Performance Package which adds a front tower brace, a Torsen limited differential, wider rear tyres and much larger brakes. On the GT’s Performance package are additional brake ducts and an auxiliary engine oil cooler. Additionally, Ford offers MagneRide active suspension.
Image: Ford
Most of your time spent with a car like this takes place in the driver’s seat. With that said, Ford says that its “fighter jet inspired” cockpit is the most technologically advanced interior to date. Supporting this claim is the 12,4-inch digital instrument cluster that can be seamlessly paired to a 13,2-inch centre console using Ford’s SYNC4 software. If you’re somehow tired of hearing the sonorous V8, Ford avails its B&O Sound System to its owners. Other changes to the interior include a flat-bottomed steering wheel. No bucket seats, but leather seat inserts on the higher trim GT models are available with Ecoboost variants outfitted with the ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery.
Image: Ford
It’s no secret that a Mustang can’t compete with the elegance and comfort of a Rolls Royce Phantom, but comfort isn’t the attractive feature of the mustang. It’s aggressive styling, wild power and heartbeat-elevating performance. Echoing the brutish power plant is the seventh-generation Mustang exterior. Tri-Bar LED headlamps are reminiscent of the classic Mustang appearance. The seventh-generation Mustang has a broader stance and shorter overhang with wider rear haunches able to house wider tyres. The GT is separated from the Ecoboost variant by its larger front grille, added hood vents and unique front splitter.
Image: Ford
Seemingly identical to the ludacris GT500, the seventh-generation Mustang is propped up as the possible final resting place of Ford production car V8s. Eager buyers can expect sales to begin at the tail-end of the second quarter of 2023.
Keyword: The seventh-generation Mustang finally unveiled in all its V8 glory