The new seventh-generation Ford Mustang has been spied in Melbourne ahead of a launch in late 2023.
A reader sent in these shots of a GT pre-production prototype, which Ford Australia says is here for spec check and validation purposes.
We can see a new style of amber indicators at the rear.
In the US-market sixth-generation Mustang, as red rear indicators are permitted in that country, each segment of the tail light flashes in sequence. Export models, in contrast, had clear tail light lenses, with just one of the three strips featuring an indicator.
In this seventh-generation model, however, each of the three strips in the tail light has an amber element towards the bottom.
In US-market GT Premium guise, which in the sixth-generation model corresponded with the local-spec GT, there are now nine different 19-inch alloy wheel designs.
This spied example wears one of two black-finish wheel styles. The outgoing Australian-market GT features black-finish wheels.
Ford Australia has yet to confirm more specific launch timing, or what the local line-up will look like.
The Mustang is underpinned by a version of the sixth-generation’s platform, which Ford says was the “best fit” for the car.
There’s carryover suspension architecture, though there have been some updates here, including new aluminium lower control arms and new rear linkages. The Magneride adaptive damping system remains optional.
Ford says there’s a new steering rack and a faster steering ratio, while it has a new generation of safety equipment including adaptive cruise control (with stop/go on auto models), lane centring, evasive steering assist, and reverse brake assist.
Styling is an evolution of the outgoing model, though the interior has been radically changed.
It loses the dual-cowl look the Mustang has had for multiple generations, in favour of a more modern look with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in one wraparound housing.
The latter has a selectable theme to give it the appearance of an old Fox-body Mustang’s analogue instruments.
Ford has confirmed outputs in the US market.
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Mustang Dark Horse
For now the Dark Horse tops the Mustang range with a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 tuned to deliver 373kW — that’s 500 horses even — and 567Nm to the rear wheels.
It features a unique crankshaft and forged connecting rods compared to the V8 used in the standard GT. The automaker claims the Dark Horse’s engine has been tuned by Ford Performance for track work, and can withstand sustained driving near its 7500rpm redline.
For comparison’s sake, the Mach 1 in the outgoing range had 345kW to its name.
Stepping down a rung, the GT also has a 5.0-litre Coyote V8, but with 356kW and 563Nm.
If you stump up for the optional active-valve performance exhaust system these numbers rise slightly to 362kW and 567Nm.
Whichever exhaust setup buyers opt for, it’s a significant increase in power and torque from the current GT’s 339kW and 556Nm.
For the Dark Horse and GT, output figures are the same regardless of whether you choose the six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
The entry-level EcoBoost has a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet making 235kW and 475Nm.
In addition to boasting port and direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, variable cam timing, and exhaust gas recirculation, the 2.3-litre mill has a new bore-to-stroke ratio.
Like the GT, the EcoBoost is also available with an optional active-valve performance exhaust system. No word yet on whether this setup liberates a few extra ponies or not.
The four-cylinder Mustang is available exclusively with a 10-speed automatic.
MORE: Everything Ford Mustang
