American muscle car enthusiasts rejoice! The new Ford Mustang will still have the 5.0-litre V8 engine underneath its bonnet.

Jim Farley of Ford Motor Company was present at its unveiling today at the Detroit Auto Show. Farley stated that he is proud to invest in the next generation of Mustangs at a moment when so many of his competitors have left the industry of internal combustion engines. 

This seventh-generation Mustang will only be the second version that is sold in UK in right-hand driving layout. 

Not only will it have a completely-revised eight-cylinder petrol powerplant but updated styling and a redesigned digital cockpit, with the US brand promising that it will be the ‘most fun-to-drive Mustang ever’.

The American muscle car lives on: Ford has taken the covers off its new seventh-generation Mustang, and confirms it will keep its rumbling 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, despite rivals switching to electrified drivetrains

American muscle cars continue to exist: Ford took the cover off its seventh-generation Mustang and confirmed that it would keep its powerful 5.0-litre V8 petrol motor, in spite of rivals moving to electric drivetrains

Ford already has its iconic brand nameplate attached to the first purpose-built electric car, but the Mustang Mach-E was not ready to transition early to battery power in its famous sports coupe or convertible.

Farley confirms that next-generation cars will not adopt electric powertrains. He says, “Ford turbocharges its ICE [internal combustion engine] growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50billion [£43bn]Electric vehicles until 2026

Muscle car enthusiasts will celebrate the news, as well as Mustang fans who are devoted to the Mustang’s almost 60-year history of unwavering popularity.

In its 58-year-long production, more than 10 million units have been sold. It has also appeared in numerous films, TV, and music videos. Ford says it is the most-liked car on Facebook.

The car’s new design builds upon the phenomenal success of its soon-to retire sixth-generation model. This sports coupe has been the top-selling ever year since 2014. Some 16,000 units have found homes with UK customers.

Prices are widely expected to remain consistent with the outgoing car, starting at around £50,000, and order books will open next summer.

The 2023 Mustang is only the second iteration that will be sold as an official UK car in right-hand drive layout and is due to arrive in Britain late next year, with prices expected to start at around £50,000

The 2023 Mustang is only the second iteration that will be sold as an official UK car in right-hand drive layout and is due to arrive in Britain late next year, with prices expected to start at around £50,000

While Ford has already attached its most iconic nameplate to its first purpose-built electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E (left), the blue-oval brand was always reluctant to make an early transition to battery power for its famed sports coupe

Ford already has its iconic brandplate attached to its first purpose-built electric automobile, the Mustang Mach-E (left), but the blue-oval brand wasn’t keen to transition early to battery power in its iconic sports coupe.

2023 Ford Mustang: V8 continues to live on.

Ford claims that the Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 engine will offer ‘even more response and performance.’

The full details of the vehicle are still to come. We do not know how fast it accelerates to 62 mph, or how flat it travels.

The expectation is that it will improve upon the performance of the previous car. It can reach the speed limit in just five seconds (a little less if the automatic was chosen over a manual) and, on closed roads, it can go up to 155mph.

Performance upgrades promised for the 2023 model include a new air induction system with a dual air intake and dual throttle body design, while it will also boasts six customisable driving models, including a ‘Drag’ setting and one that is restricted exclusively for track use – whether this is a legal requirement, we do not know.

While it might pack more of a punch, it definitely won’t be green; Ford anticipates that CO2 emissions will be between 260-275g/km, meaning it will sit in the highest VED band, which is a first-year tax sting of £2,365.

Although it is likely to get between 24 and 25% of the recommended consumption, that is not surprising for a machine this age.

A 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost motor will also be used in the current-gen Mustang. This is for anyone who wants the car’s iconic looks, but an American version. 

Performance statistics are not yet confirmed but it should better those of the outgoing car, which can sprint from 0-62mph in 5 seconds (slightly less with an auto gearbox) and has a top speed of 155mph

Although performance statistics have not been confirmed, it will be better than the previous car. It can accelerate from 0-62mph (a little less with an automatic gearbox) in 5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 155mph.

While it might pack more of a punch, it definitely won't be green; Ford anticipates CO2 emissions to be between 260-275g/km, meaning it will sit in the highest VED band. Fuel economy will be around 25mpg

Although it may pack more punch than the average car, Ford predicts it to emit CO2 at 260-275g/km. This means it will fall in the lowest VED band. The fuel economy is expected to be about 25mpg

The 2023 Mustang will come as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport limited-slip differential for increased traction and powerful Brembo brakes

Standard equipment on the 2023 Mustang includes 19 inch alloy wheels and a sport differential with limited slip for greater traction.

The Mustang will handle better than ever – it has never been known for its ability to corner. However, it is sure that this Mustang will feel quicker and more agile with the faster steering ratio.

It should be a massage for the driver’s ego, as the 6-speed manual gearbox with a clutch engaged in between shifts and retaining the revs should allow the transmission to make more precise changes.

Ford’s latest automatic 10-speed transmission will be offered to those who don’t need a stick-shift. This option is available at an additional cost.

Other performance highlights includes a standard ‘Performance Pack’ that includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport limited-slip differential for increased traction, Brembo brakes and an ‘Active Valve Exhaust’, which allows owners to quieten the raucous engine note to avoid waking their neighbours, but unleash it if they want to wake up a small town. 

An optional option is active suspension, which can be added to any vehicle. It includes an intelligent system that continuously monitors conditions and adjusts dampers so they absorb the thousands of potholes that litter the UK roads.

There are assurances from Ford that it will be the best-handling Mustang yet thanks to a quicker steering ratio that should make it feel more responsive and nimble

Ford has promised that the Mustang will feel better handling thanks to a faster steering ratio.

For customers who opt for the convertible Mustang, they get a one-touch activating power roof, which attaches to the car with a single latch that can be locked and unlocked with one hand

Customers who choose the Mustang convertible get the one-touch activating power top. This attaches to your car using a single latch and can be unlocked or locked with just one hand

Ed Krenz (Mustang chief nameplate engineering) says that this Mustang is “the most athletic and confident-inspiring Mustang ever to drive.” 

Drive Modes, combined with finely tuned digital engine, suspension, steering and control controls allow us to provide drivers the best possible performance, no matter if they drive an auto or manual transmission.

A Mustang Dark Horse will be available as a hard-top GT variant.

The resulting car is described by Ford UK as the “ultimate expressions of track capabilities and the foundation for their motorsport efforts,” and it offers greater power. Ford UK confirms that the variant will be offered to UK customers beginning next year.

The front end has a new brow that runs from the revised LED headlights, over the widened front grille and across the front of the bonnet, which also has a gilled panel for engine cooling

Front end now has new eyebrows that run from the LED headlights and widened grille to the bonnet. It also features a gilled panel which allows for cooling the engine.

Mustang’s classic silhouette has been updated to be more edgy 

According to the old saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix them.” Ford’s design team seems to agree with this sentiment.

The seventh generation car looks sharper than ever, but it is still a Mustang with its large hood and bulging arches.

New brows run along the front, from the new LED headlights and the wider front grille to the bonnet. The bonnet also features a gilded section for engine cooling.

Ford states that the design of the new feature was influenced from the original 1960s design. However, it will be able to increase pedestrian protection in crash testing.

It still retains its elegant roofline, which extends to the rear. New tri-bar light clusters are placed within an indented panel. This includes the boot opening.

When in the Convertible's roof in the down position, there is still said to be enough rear boot space to accommodate two golf bags, Ford claims

Ford asserts that there’s still enough space in the Convertible’s rear trunk to fit two golf bags even if the Convertible roof is in its down position.

The GT coupes get a small rear wing that stretched across the boot lid. This spoiler is deleted for the convertible version, though both get a reshaped diffuser housing four exhaust outlets

GT coupes receive a smaller rear wing that runs along the bottom of their boot lids. Convertible versions get the spoiler removed, however both have a new diffuser with four exhaust outlets.

GT coupes have a smaller rear wing, which isn’t available for convertibles. A reshaped diffuser houses the quad exhaust outlets.

Convertibles come with an activating power roof that attaches to your car using a single latch. This can be unlocked or locked with just one hand. There is enough space in the rear to store two bags of golf bags if you put your foot down.

Ford also upgraded the welcome lights system. It used to shine a dancing mule below the car’s wheels when it was unlocked. Now, this light is animated and reacts with the interior screen so that the driver can greet them when they come.

One of the major upgrades Ford is making a big song and dance about is its new ' technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit'

Ford’s new, technologically advanced and driver-centric cockpit is one of the most talked about upgrades.

This instrument cluster behind the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel is a 12.4-inch digital panel that is fully customisable. Owners are even able to display the classic Mustang's gauges in pixel form on the high-definition screen

A 12.4-inch, digital panel is available to customize the instrument cluster located behind the sport steering wheel. You can even display your classic Mustang gauges on the screen in high definition pixels.

Mustang cabin for digital age

Ford’s new, technologically advanced and driver-centric cockpit is one of its major improvements.

The 12.4 inch digital instrument cluster is customizable to show any combination of information desired by the driver. Purists will have the option to view the gauges of the Mustang in their original pixel format on the high definition screen.

HD driver’s display links to the 13.2-inch LCD screen. This panel looks like a one-piece, glass-clad panel. The lower portion of the dashboard houses the HD driver’s display. Ford’s latest Sync4 operating software is featured on the main screen. This allows for wireless upgrades to add ‘Power Up’ upgrades to your car.

The HD driver display is linked to a 13.2-inch screen in what looks like a single-piece glass-clad panel sitting on top of the lower section of the dashboard

HD driver displays are linked to a 13.2-inch display that is mounted on top of the lower portion of the dashboard. This panel looks almost like a one-piece, glass-clad panel.

Ford says many of the upgrades to the cabin are to suit 'Millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike' who want controls integrated into the infotainment displays rather than individual buttons and switches

Ford claims that many upgrades to the cabin will be suited to ‘Millennials and Gen-Z as well as traditional Mustang drivers’. They want control integrated in the infotainment screens and not individual buttons.

Craig Sandvig is Ford Mustang’s interaction design manager. 

“We have the ability to show driving information creatively and let drivers choose colours, Mustang gauges, or a screen with fewer details.

The removal of many physical buttons won’t be appreciated by everyone. Ford has decided to remove radio and climate buttons from the digital display. This is Ford’s decision to appeal to Millennials and Gen-Z Mustang drivers, but it will make the operation more frustrating.

Ford has also packed it with the latest safety kit, including Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. Mustang customers can also get a ‘Stolen vehicle Services 9’ feature that provides 24 hour support in case of theft.

In the weeks ahead, we will likely have more information about Mustang, including performance statistics. 

CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST

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