Ford has unveiled the 2023 Mustang at the Detroit Auto Show. Good news, it’s still got a V8, and there’s already a hotter version available at launch.
With Ford’s biggest American muscle rivals all turning their attention to electrifying their line-ups (Dodge has its EV Exhaust Note…), Ford has stuck to its roots and shoehorned a good old naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine up front, with all the power being sent to the rear wheels.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, said: “Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles. Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE 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 $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”
Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the new Ford Mustang won’t be available until late 2023, into 2024, but enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that a hotter, Dark Horse, model will be available too, which is Ford’s factory-built, track-day weapon. More on that below.
Now in it’s seventh-generation, the Ford Mustang is powered by a new 5.0-litre V8 engine (most likely a revised Coyote engine) as well as the option for a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine (again, likely revised). The new V8 features dual air intakes and dual throttle bodies for more airflow and more power. There are no official performance figures yet, but Ford is angling this 2023 Mustang as delivering more naturally aspirated horsepower than any Mustang GT before it. You can either opt for a six-speed manual gearbox (our choice) or a 10-speed automatic will be available.
Ford has looked to rectify the previous-generation Mustang’s slow steering by quickening the ratio and reducing compliance from steering wheel to tyre; although that may make it harder for owner’s to avoid spinning while leaving events.
A standard Performance Pack gives the Mustang 19”inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, 19inch Brembo brakes and an valved exhaust system. You can also opt for the MageRide active suspension system on the 2023 Ford Mustang, which happened to be a standout option on the S550 Mustang. Oh, and Ford has introduced an electronic “drift brake” apparently to help novice drivers hone their abilities…
Inside, it’s all change. If you were a fan of traditional buttons then we’re sorry, as they make way for the new digital era. There’s a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, which is connected to another 13.2-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system and angled towards the driver. The speakers are from B&O and yes will amplify fake engine noise into the cabin.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Revealed alongside the 2023 Ford Mustang GT was the track-ready version of the new muscle car, badged Dark Horse. As standard, the Dark Horse model gets MagneRide suspesnsion a Torsen limited-slip differential, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a transmission cooler (for automatic gearboxes only) and a lighter coolant radiator and better fans. It also gets a front strut brace, rear K-brace, larger rear anti-roll bar and beefed up front dampers.
Again, power hasn’t been confirmed, but if our suspicions of a 500hp starting point for the 2023 Ford Mustang in on the money, then this one is surely starting in a great place. And if that still ain’t enough, Hennessey have got you covered.
Replacing the standard cars brakes are bigger Brembo six-piston calipers and around those sit new staggered-fit 19-inch wheels (9.5J at the front, 10J at the rear).
On top of the standard Ford Mustang Dark Horse model, customers can option a Handling Package, which brings about stiffer springs, bigger sway bars and wider wheels with Pirelli Trofeo tyres of Pirelli PZ4s, and a rear Gurney flap.
If a road-going track car isn’t your thing, you want something a little more hardcore, Ford is offering customers the chance to buy a Dark Horse S model, which is a fully-stripped out version with accompanying safety equipment and adjustable rear wing. You also get proper Multimatic DSSV damper and a pit lane spit limiter.
At the top of the line-up is the Mustang Dark Horse R, which adds seam welding, a long-range fuel cell, Ford performance wheels and approval for racing. This sits alongside the Mustang GT3 that Ford announced recently, as well as the GT4 class. Quite the line-up of Mustangs we have coming in 2023!
