The new Ford Mustang has been revealed in Detroit ahead of its 2023 launch – and it’s coming to the UK.
The famous Mustang muscle car has a modern new appearance, but retains all the hallmark styling features of the current model. In a world of increasing electrification, it also retains its petrol-powered engines – including the famous 5.0-litre V8.
The coupe sector isn’t as large as it once was, but the new Ford Mustang will face some stern challengers, including the BMW 2 Series Coupe, Toyota Supra and GT86, and Audi TT – not to mention Ford’s own pure electric alternative: the Mustang Mach-E.
New 2023 Ford Mustang price and release date
The exciting new Ford Mustang is expected in the UK from late 2023. Ordering will open well in advance of customer deliveries, so enthusiasts can create a custom Mustang built to their exact preferences.
Prices are yet to be confirmed. The current model is available to buy from around £50,000 in V8 guise. It is not yet confirmed which variants Ford will bring across to the UK – although the 5.0-litre V8 remains easily the most popular version for muscle car fans looking to buy or lease a high-powered new sports car over here…
New 2023 Ford Mustang: exterior and interior
The new Ford Mustang will be familiar to fans of the current car, but its styling has been expertly evolved to give it an all-new appearance. Ford bosses say they’ve given the heritage-inspired design a modern edginess, and they expect it will appeal to the broadest Mustang customer base yet.
The new Mustang has a more impactful look at the front end, which is meaner and moodier. Its horizontal brow is lower, and combines with the new LED headlights to mimic the original 1960s design. The broad, three-section bonnet is another classic Mustang theme.
There are three different models in the new Ford Mustang line-up and each has its own unique front-end theme. The core GT version boasts larger grille openings, plus bonnet vents and a sharp-looking front splitter.
The new Ford Mustang has a shortened rear overhang, widened rear haunches and an extended deck that includes ‘edgy’ tri-bar lighting. A feature that you won’t find on classic 1960s Mustangs is an upswept rear diffuser to boost the car’s aero balance.
Ford is proud of the new Mustang’s driver-focused interior. It ‘combines the best of past, present and future,’ says the company. The retro double-brow upper dashboard has been replaced by a more open-plan look, with twin screens enclosed in a single piece of glass. The driver faces a 12.4-inch fully-customisable cluster, which offers a plentiful choice of displays – including retro-look Mustang gauges.
The central touchscreen is a 13.2-inch stack operating Ford Sync 4 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. ‘We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever, while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit,’ says Ford.
Controversially, it has even removed physical buttons for the radio and climate control, integrating them into the digital display instead. It was ‘popular in research with millennials, Gen Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike,’ we’re told. The space saved has been used to create a wireless smartphone charging pad instead.
The new Ford Mustang will be offered in a choice of 12 colours, including three new hues: Blue Ember, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. The Mustang-branded brake calipers are available in two different colours, too – either red or black. Both are branded with the Mustang logo.
New 2023 Ford Mustang: engines and gearboxes
The only engine confirmed in the new Ford Mustang so far is the classic 5.0-litre V8, now into its fourth generation. It will be available with both manual and automatic gearboxes, and configurable drive modes will allow Mustang owners to optimise performance ‘from their favourite roads to their local track’.
There are up to six drive modes, which Ford says are ‘interactive and customisable’. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track and a customisable setting. ‘As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.’
Power and performance figures are yet to be revealed. Ford has conceded CO2 emissions will start from 260g/km though, meaning it won’t be the greenest of new cars on sale. Likewise, average fuel economy will kick off from 25.4mpg.
Indeed, the firm admits that ‘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 engines’. However, the Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports coupe, with more than 10 million sold – and is even the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. Hence all the investment in creating a brand-new model.
Ford has also gone a step further with the launch of the Mustang Dark Horse version. This is described as ‘the most track-ready, naturally-aspirated Mustang ever, with upgraded suspension, aerodynamics and 5.0-litre V8, leading Mustang’s return to global motorsport’. On the latter, there’s plenty more to come, including entry into GT3, GT4 and NASCAR racing.
The Dark Horse has a higher-output 5.0-litre V8 (Ford isn’t revealing power figures just yet), plus dual throttle-body intakes and, as part of the standard Performance Package, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, Torsen limited-slip differential and more powerful cooling fans.
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse also has unique chassis tuning with larger rear anti-roll bars and uprated front dampers, 19-inch Brembo front brakes, a rear K-brace, Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tyres and MagneRide active suspension. Ford means business, alright. There’s even an electronic drift brake.
Oh, and the Performance Pack is standard on the Ford Mustang GT as well. It includes the 19-inch alloys and Brembo brakes, plus a sport limited-slip differential and Active Valve Exhaust. MagneRide suspension is optional.
Find a used Ford Mustang for sale
At any one time, there’s a fantastic line-up of used Ford Mustangs on sale at heycar. You can buy a 2016 or 2017 version of the current model from less than £30,000, which sounds tempting to us – particularly as there’s a good choice of V8 Mustang GTs at this level, as well as the 2.3-litre turbocharged Mustang that shared its engine with the famous Ford Focus RS.
We must admit, our attention was caught by a 2016 Ford Mustang GT V8, in red, with around 22,000 miles on the clock, looking pristine and glamourous while boasting a price tag of just under £29,000. If you can’t wait for the new one – or can’t stretch to its steeper list prices – a used Ford Mustang like this is a great alternative.
Looking for more new car news?
Here at heycar, we keep our finger on the pulse of all the car news you need to know. Take a look at our article on the thrilling new Ferrari Purosangue SUV, the green new Peugeot e-308 – and another modern Ford icon, the all-new Ranger pickup. Keep up-to-date with our dedicated 2022 new car news guide.
The new Ford Mustang comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, or a 10-speed automatic as an option.
As well as offering a V8 engine, the new Mustang also has Ford’s Electronic Sound Enhancement technology to amplify engine sounds directly into the cabin.
The new Ford Mustang is codenamed S650. This will quickly become second nature to online enthusiasts when chatting in forums, we’re sure.
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