Ever since the grand debut of the first-generation Fairlane-based Ford Mustang at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, whenever a new Ford Mustang arrives, it’s a big deal.
With the covers lifted off the 2023 seventh-generation Mustang for the first time just a few days ago, and the outgoing Mustang S550 that’s been on the market since 2014, expect this fresh new face from Ford to get a lot of exposure in the immediate future before finally being . replaced by a next-generation vehicle (the V8 will remain if there’s demand, says Ford CEO Jim Farley).
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While Ford’s original 1960s pony was launched into the baby boomer generation during a period of significant postwar economic expansion, ostensibly inventing its own vehicle segment for many first-time recreational sports car buyers , the 2023 Mustang is aimed at a much younger demographic. in the face of a crowded, globalized sports car segment with a greater emphasis on modern, inoffensive style and technology.
The outgoing generation of the Mustang is of particular Australian relevance, having reigned as Australia’s best-selling sports car since it hit the scene. Ford Australia previously offered a special limited-production 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra “officially converted” by Tickford, but the sixth-generation S550 was the first factory-produced Mustang ever.
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It’s an immensely popular car whose instant local success was unforeseen even by Ford Australia. The new one will have to impress.
Read on below as we break down all the ways the new-look Mustang looks new.
Outdoor
Ford has taken a cautious approach to the 2023 Mustang and looks at how a modern facelift could be expected from the outgoing Mustang.
The front end now features a sharper horizontal leading edge, giving the illusion of width, and a lower hood.
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The new grille is larger, with a less bottom-weighted profile than the outgoing S550. The new grille’s more symmetrical anchor points evoke the smoother curves of the original 1960s Mustang. The headlights, like all new cars, are slimmer.
Out back, the three-bar taillights mimic that of the US-only Mustang Mach-E, with the current car’s blacked-out rear spoiler replaced by body-color paint. The integrated rear diffuser has also been reshaped to visually swallow more of the bumper’s space.
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The new rear chainstays have blistered dramatically, giving the whole rear-quarter vision an edgy, almost cyberpunk vibe.
Turbo four-cylinder Mustangs and V8 GTs can recently be distinguished by the GT’s more aggressive grille, hood vents, and distinctive front splitter.
interior
The interior of the 2023 Ford Mustang takes more divergent steps from the familiar Mustang we know and love. The cockpit-inspired cabin is topped by a new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that flows seamlessly into the driver-facing 13.2-inch central touchscreen. The new Mustang also features Ford’s latest Sync4 operating system
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For nerds, the digital dashboard graphics are powered by video game developer Epic’s Unreal Engine, just like Fortnite, Gears 5 and Borderlands 3.
The seventh-generation Mustang features a new flat-bottom steering wheel with an octagonal center pad, albeit with very similar button layouts.
The Mustang’s three existing central air vents have been replaced by two larger horizontal units mounted below the central touchscreen, with a redesigned HVAC interface above similarly placed USB ports, a 12V power outlet and a charger redesigned mobile phone.
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The 2023 Mustang also features additional active safety features as part of Ford’s new CoPilot360 suite, including: intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist and reverse brake assist.
Active Pothole Mitigation is part of the US Performance Package and allows the car to monitor the road, detect incoming potholes and dynamically dampen the system, effectively ‘catching’ the wheel before the suspension travel allows it to drop into the pothole .