2023 Ford Mustang detailed including V8 engine, design and more!

Evolution meets revolution - that’s the message from the new 2023 Ford Mustang, which was unveiled in Detroit today.

On the outside the seventh-generation of the American pony car features an evolutionary look, albeit with greater diversity between the V8-powered GT and the four-cylinder EcoBoost models. But on the inside, there has been wholesale change to bring the car out of the past and into the future.

Ford is hoping to lure back younger buyers with what it has labelled an “edgy, sexy and disruptive” design. However, it’s still clearly a Mustang in its silhouette and takes inspiration from the sixth-generation it replaces, as well as the now-iconic 1960s Fastback models.

To try and create more differentiation between the GT and EcoBoost models, Ford has designed unique front ends for each. Both are characterised by a strong horizontal line across the front of the more angular grille that meets the new ‘tri-bar’ daytime running lights.

The EcoBoost has an upper grille similar in size to the outgoing model, whereas the GT has a much larger upper section which incorporates a pair of ‘nostrils’ as well as a bonnet vent - both of which are functional for cooling and aerodynamics.

Down the sides, Ford has lowered the beltline and created a more defined rear fender ‘shoulder’ that helps create the impression of a wider car.

At the rear, the famous ‘tri-bar’ lights remain and there are unique diffusers for each model, with the EcoBoost running two exhaust tips and the GT getting quad pipes.

But it’s inside where the biggest design changes have happened. The retro-inspired cabin of the sixth-generation - which features shiny silver plastic toggle-like switches and round air-con vents - has been completely overhauled.

Significantly, the ‘double brow’ design to the dashboard, which dates back to the original ‘64 Mustang, has been dropped in the name of more technology. Every new Mustang will now come equipped with two large digital screens, with the entry-grade model getting two separate panels while higher grades get the two integrated into what appears to be one very large panel.

There’s a 12.3-inch display for the digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen. Ford says this design move was made after feedback from millennial customers who want more smartphone-like technology in their cars.

The switch to this new design allows for greater customisation and variety of displays, with Ford developing six different instrument panel options depending on the setting the driver chooses. The primary three are the Normal, Sport and Track modes, which have been inspired by the GT supercar and the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, while there’s also a Calm setting, providing only the necessary data, such as speed, in a simplified format. The final two have been created to tailor to fans of the brand’s 1980s ‘Fox Body’ Mustang, with digital versions of its round analogue dials in both a ‘Day’ and ‘Night’ mode, with the former using white graphics and the latter getting ‘80s style green dials.

Ford has also reacted to the criticism that the materials used in the sixth-generation looked and felt cheap in places and has introduced new higher-quality finishes. There are improved fabrics, cloth, faux leather and genuine leather for the seats, and new ‘laser grain’ trim elements for the dash and doors.

The steering wheel has also been redesigned and modernised, with a three-spoke, flat-bottom design standard across the range.

Some carryover parts remain though, including the automatic gear shifter and the elbow rests and door handles.

The evolutionary theme continues under the bonnet, with the EcoBoost 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and 5.0-litre V8 engines from the previous model continuing in the seventh-generation.

Despite having the same displacement, Ford says the EcoBoost is an “all-new” design that is part of a new modular family of four-cylinder engines.

The 5.0-litre V8 is a development of the Coyote from the previous Mustang but features some key technical changes, including dual throttle-bodies and separate airboxes to help improve performance.

Ford hasn’t released performance figures for the engines but claims the V8 is the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine it has ever fitted to a Mustang.

The V8 remains available with either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, while the EcoBoost will only be available with the auto.

Despite rumours of hybrid and even electric powertrains for this seventh-generation, Ford only discussed the internal combustion engines at the launch and made no comment on any other powertrain options.

Stopping power will come from Brembo brakes, with three different sized rotor packages available across the line-up. One new feature for the seventh-generation is the addition of Mustang branding on the callipers, which are available in four colours (black, red, blue and silver).

The company has claimed steering feel has been improved too, with the new wheel attached to a faster steering rack and stiffen linkages.

Another new element that has been inspired by its search for younger customers is what Ford is calling the ‘Electronic Drift Brake.’ While the original Mustang’s performance was centred around drag racing, younger buyers are more interested in drifting according to Ford, so they’ve replaced the mechanical handbrake with an electronic one that allows the driver to pull it and help slide the back of the car more easily. It will be fitted as standard on all models with the Performance Package.

Unfortunately for Australian audiences, the handbrake will remain on the left-hand side of the centre console even when the steering wheel shifts to the right-hand side, so the positioning may be awkward.

Detailed Australian timing and pricing for the new Mustang remains to be confirmed but a Ford Australian spokesman said it would arrive in “late 2023” in local showrooms.

It will hit US showrooms by the middle of next year, during the northern hemisphere summer months.