2018 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Ford Media Center
For 2018, the new Ford Mustang GT Coupe offers a sleeker design, more advance technology and improve performance.

Exterior and Interior
New, with a sleeker design, more advanced technology and improved performance, the 2018 Ford Mustang features a lower, restyled hood and grille, and new hood vents that give it a more athletic look. For the first time, the entire lineup features all-LED front lights, plus there are revised LED taillamps, new bumper, fascia and an available performance spoiler. The V8-powered Mustang GT gets a standard quad-tip exhaust.

Improved touch points and visual cues with a more premium look and feel characterizes the new cockpit. The center console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminum. Restyled seating surfaces feature new patterns and color choices, the instrument panel sports an updated Mustang badge and there’s a new key fob design. A heated steering wheel is optional.

One of the features that I really like, it’s the technology and design changes that give owners new options to personalize their Mustang, highlighted by the available all-digital instrument cluster. Ford’s first 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument offers various screen layouts, 26 color options and displays for up to eight gauges. The screen can be easily personalized, offering different views for normal / snow / wet / sport / track and drag modes. Drivers can use new Mustang MyMode to save their favorite settings for suspension and steering and exhaust note preferences.



Performance
Performance is at the core of Mustang DNA, offering drivers a unique thrill of acceleration and cornering for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling.

MagneRide active suspension is a new option with Performance Pack and standard with Performance Pack Level 2. The active damping system uses sensors positioned around the vehicle to adjust the suspension based on various inputs, including speed, steering angle, brake pressure, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, drive mode selection, and even outside air temperature.

The 5.0-liter V8 engine on Mustang GT has been thoroughly reworked; with 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, it is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT before it. The power increase was achieved with the first application for Mustang of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.

I’m old school when it comes to sport cars, the manual transmission really makes this car fun to drive, for the V8, the manual transmission has been completely redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.

The 2018 Mustang will also be the first North American production car to feature the newest high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S summer tires. Designed to improve wet grip, dry grip, braking and handling, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires are available as part of the Mustang Performance Package; Enthusiasts will find a new level of fun with the Mustang Performance Pack Level 2. The package includes a collection of drive-enhancing components such aerodynamically balanced high-performance splitter and rear spoiler designed to add downforce and enhance driver confidence when attacking curves at high speed.



Technology for greater personalization
Owners of a new Mustang can even adjust the car’s sound to their liking. Using the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust System, drivers can choose from normal, sport, track and quiet modes. The system includes a time-configurable Quiet Start function, which lets drivers schedule times of day, such as early in the morning when neighbors are sleeping to turn down the volume of the 5.0-liter engine’s roar.

For the first time, Mustang features several Ford driver-assist technologies, including Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection including Distance Indication and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and Driver Alert System. The driver assists systems use radar and cameras to recognize objects in the road and may take autonomous emergency action such as braking to mitigate or avoid a collision.

Summary
Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car; the visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven on. The clean-sheet design of the Mustang evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements including the long-sculpted hood and short rear deck with contemporary execution.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $39,095.00, for the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Coupe, the one I drove included the Equipment Group 401A (Premier Trim with Clear Accent Group / Voice Activated Touchscreen Navigation System / Premium Floormats with Accent Stitching) $2,200.00, Safe and Smart Package (Adaptive Cruise Control / BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert) $1,495.00, GT Performance Package (19 Inch Ebony Black Aluminum Wheels / P255F/P275R/40R19 Summer Tires / Performance Rear Wing / 3.73 Torsen Rear Axle) $3,995.00, Magne-Ride Damping System $1,695.00, Enhanced Security Package $395.00, Active Valve Performance Exhaust $895.00, Shaker Pro Audio System with HD $895.00, and Recaro Leather Trim Sport Seats, it came at $53,160.00 including destination and Delivery $900.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 15 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway with the 5.0L TI-VCT V8 engine and the 6-Speed Manual Transmission.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Ford.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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