We bet you’re wondering the same thing as we do here at CFN Media Group: is Mustang Store Now Speedway? You bet your sweet ass it is! Ford just released its highly anticipated 2018 Mustang lineup and the sports car world was none the wiser.
The 2018 Ford Mustang lineup represents a paradigm shift in Mustang history. For the first time since the introduction of the original Mustang in 1964, there are four distinct body styles, a range of powertrains, and four exciting racing homologation packages to choose from.
But what exactly is happening under the hood? How does all this newfangled tech work? Let’s take a closer look.
What is New For The 2018 Mustang Lineup?
The most significant change for the 2018 Mustang lineup is under the hood. For the first time since the original Mustang arrived in 1964, there are four distinct engine choices. This is a welcome breath of fresh air for Mustang enthusiasts who have been waiting patiently for years for a platform that affords them choices.
The 2018 Mustang lineup offers a classic V-6 with 3795 cc’s and its supercharged counterpart along with a hybrid variant and a diesel. It also introduces a modular engine architecture that provides users with the flexibility to build their own engine configuration with all the necessary parts or swap them out with factory-installed pieces to create something unique.
Let’s dive into the details.
The 6.2-Litre V-8 With CO2 Emissions
If you’re a hardcore driver whose heart belongs to the open road, then the 6.2-litre V-8 represents the ultimate expression of your driving spirit. The 2018 Ford Mustang lineup offers this legendary powertrain, which was first seen in the legendary GT 390 race car. Why not have ultimate bragging rights?
This is the first time since the introduction of the original Mustang that we see a direct descendant of that car. The 6.2-litre V-8 is bigger than the 5.0-litre V-8 that came before it and boasts more power. Its peak torque reading of 480 lb-ft makes it the most potent engine in the Mustang lineup. Plus, its engine speed is perfect for shifting gears efficiently during aggressive driving. We couldn’t think of a better way to sum up the appeal of this engine.
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT represents a perfect blend of high-performance vehicle and luxury accessory. With its large grille, muscular stance, and muscular tail, the ‘Stang GT makes a grand entrance complete with a roaring exhaust note. Once you’re inside, you can’t help but notice the luxurious interior with its beautifully stitched leather seats and high-quality materials. It’s fair to say that this is a car that’s as at home in the boardroom as it is behind the wheel. The only downside to this wonderful machine is its high price tag.
This year’s update brings with it a wide array of technological advancements including SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. There’s also a 360-degree camera integrated into the display so that you can capture and share your adventures with friends.
The 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The EcoBoost is one of the most popular engines in all of Ford’s history. It’s easy to understand why; while sipping a cup of coffee you can fuel up and go on your way in no time. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is exceptionally refined and economical, costing just $1.15 per hour to operate. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s both beautiful and efficient, the 2018 Ford Mustang ECOSYSTEM is the car for you.
While the name might suggest otherwise, the EcoBoost engine has no connection to electricity whatsoever. It relies solely on liquid fuel for its power. However, its high performance, coupled with its light weight and compact dimensions make it an ideal candidate for efficient long-distance driving. What’s not to like?
The 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500
The last but not the least entry in the 2018 Ford Mustang lineup is the mighty Shelby GT 500. This is the pinnacle of Ford’s performance model, incorporating all the lessons learned over the years from the standard ‘Stang. It has been tweaked and tuned to within an inch of its life. The result is pure driving excitement with an engine that howls like a wild beast. For a while, it seemed that this model would never make it to production, as Ford had to stop taking orders in January 2017.
However, the GT 500 has been long-awaited by enthusiasts and finally arrives to fulfill all of its promises. This is the ultimate expression of high-performance Americana. It’s both elegant and powerful, providing you with the perfect hybrid of luxury and performance. What’s not to like?
Now that you’re well-versed on the new platforms and technologies that the 2018 Ford Mustang lineup will bring to the table, it’s time to tackle another burning question: is Mustang Store Now Speedway?
As we mentioned above, the 2018 Ford Mustang lineup offers a range of engine choices, including a classic V-8 and three different turbocharged four-cylinder layouts. While all of them are based on the same basic architecture, their internals have been thoroughly updated to make them more robust and fuel efficient. The result is that they now produce more power than ever before. This being said, they don’t necessarily operate at peak efficiency levels all of the time. In fact, like any other internal combustion engine, the torque output of the ‘Stang motors dips slightly when under certain operating conditions. Nevertheless, this is still the most potent engine lineup offered by Ford in years.
As you’d expect, the new engines are much louder than their predecessors. This is in part due to increased engine output but also due to the fact that the noise profile of the vehicle has been altered. While the old noise profile of the Mustang would suggest a relatively loud engine followed by a period of silence, this is no longer the case. The new engines make a much louder soundtrack than before, especially when driven fast. It’s as if the manufacturer has taken the ‘60s approach and cranked up the decibel level to unprecedented levels!
The increased noise levels brought about by the new engines are something that Ford has deliberately engineered. As we know, vehicle exhaust is one of the main sources of noise pollution. While it might be tempting to crank the volume on your audio system and enjoy some peace and quiet on the open road, you must resist the urge. Loud vehicles are now a thing of the past, as are the cramped quarters of our grandparents’ time. This era of silent motoring has arrived, and it tastes as good as it sounds.
Another difference that you’ll notice in the 2018 Ford Mustang lineup is the increased use of composites in its construction. This not only results in a lighter vehicle but also makes it more environmentally-conscious, as composites are much more fuel-efficient than the materials that they were previously made of. This is because they are less dense and, as a result, require less energy to propel them through the air.
It seems that Ford is finally waking up to the notion that their customers aren’t exclusively obsessed with horsepower figures. Instead, they are seeking a better balance between performance and the environment. This being said, the company hasn’t dumbed down the vehicles’ performance in any way. They have simply adjusted the character of the engines to make them more efficient.
All Roads Lead To Ford
If you’re a regular reader of car reviews and you’ve noticed that a lot of the cars that are being reviewed are based on Ford models, then you might be onto something. It seems that the ‘Stang has been busy breeding, as we’ve seen numerous offspring based on its design. The result is that there are now more choices than ever before for Ford fans. While this might not seem like a good thing, it is; you might just find that you like one car more than the other. The only question is: which one do you choose?