[Auto] New 2023 Ford Mustang keeps atmo V8 and manual gearbox

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Ford has unwrapped its new seventh-generation Ford Mustang, which could be the final model in its 58-year history.

Launched at a huge outdoor event following the opening of the reborn Detroit motor show, the Mustang will hit the UK next year.

Ford has unwrapped its new seventh-generation Ford Mustang, which could be the final model in its 58-year history.

Launched at a huge outdoor event following the opening of the reborn Detroit motor show, the Mustang will hit the UK next year.

This means the new Ford Mustang (codenamed S650) is more of a comprehensive reskin of the current car and that it will miss out not only on long-rumoured electrified powertrains but also the American brand's next-generation autonomous driving aids.

Under the bonnet, both the 2.3-litre twin-scroll turbocharged Ecoboost four-cylinder and 5.0-litre 'Coyote' V8 are carried over, although the former has been comprehensively updated with a new bore and stroke design and a fresh turbo.

The naturally aspirated V8, meanwhile, gets less dramatic updates, but does come with a new dual cold-air intake.

Both engines are claimed to push out more power and torque, while being more efficient.

Like before, a six-speed manual will be offered, but only on the most powerful Mustang GT with the 5.0-litre V8. An updated version of the 10-speed torque-converter automatic is optional in the V8 but is standard for the 2.3-litre Ecoboost.

Performance figures have yet to be released, but the fastest V8 version is tipped to launch from 0-62mph in around 4.0sec and top out at more than 170mph.

For the first time, Ford's designers have provided strong visual cues to differentiate the V8 version from the Ecoboost.

Of the two, it's the four-cylinder turbo that gets less shouty styling, including a new grille inspired by the original 1964 Mustang flanked by a pair of slimmer headlights, featuring new tri-bar LED daylight-running lights. 

The GT, meanwhile, gets more aggressive cues such as a gloss black grille surround plus a pair of nostrils within the grille that feed air to the new intakes.

Other changes are a new lower front bumper and a large bonnet extractor that not only vents hot air, but also channels high-pressure air from the front air intakes to reduce lift over the front axle.

At the rear, the V8 receives a larger diffuser and quad tailpipes in place of the turbo four's dual pipes.

Within the cabin, the base models get twin screens, but mid-grade and above trims gain a new 'continuous' screen combining a 12.3in digital instrument cluster and a larger, 13.2in infotainment screen running Ford's latest Sync 4 software.

Capable of being updated over the air, this new system enables a huge level of customisation that Ford hopes – along with the car's styling – will attract younger buyers. One party piece is the ability to swap the modern gauge graphics for a digital recreation of the 'Fox body' (1979-1993) Mustang's clocks.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2023-ford-mustang-keeps-atmo-v8-and-manual-gearbox