Ford showcased the 2018 Ford Mustang at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show that opened last week. The company had introduced the facelifted model in January this year.
With the mid-cycle refresh, Ford has made minor changes to the sixth-gen Ford Mustang’s exterior. From the front, however, the new model is immediately recognisable because of the more aggressive headlights. Other changes at the front include lower bonnet profile with integrated air vents, revised lower grille, sharper bumper and new turn signals.
For a new look on the sides, Ford offers the 2018 Ford Mustang with new 19-inch forged alloy wheels in different designs and colours. At the rear, changes include C-shaped tri-bar tail lights and remodelled bumper and diffuser element. There is an option for a boot spoiler now. The car’s headlights, DRLs, indicators and tail lights now all feature LED technology as standard. LED fog lights are available.
Inside, Ford offers a 12-inch fully digital instrument cluster in the Ford Mustang now. The centre console has a new hand-stitched, soft-touch wrap, finished in a contrast colour. There are new aluminium finishes for the instrument panel surround. The door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminium. The Ford Mustang is easier and safer to drive now, thanks to new driver assistance and safety technologies. The facelifted model is available with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, as well as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid.
The 2018 Ford Mustang is available with 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines. The model showcased in Dubai was fitted with the latter. Ford has further developed this engine to deliver more power and a higher rev-limit than ever before. The maximum power is up by 29 PS to 450 PS. Ford was able to achieve this with the application of new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine’s maximum power has reduced by 27 PS to 290 PS. A new 10-speed automatic transmission has replaced the old 6-speed automatic transmission.
Other mechanical changes include recalibrated shock absorbers that improve stability through corners, a stiffer rear suspension setup with a cross-axis joint, thicker anti-roll bars and a new optional MagneRide Damping System. In addition, the new Ford Mustang features new Active valve Performance Exhaust technology, which means that the driver can adjust the exhaust note’s intensity now.
The 2018 Ford Mustang should go on sale in the Middle East sometime next year.