Ford prices seventh-gen Mustang for Oz

FORD Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for its seventh-generation Mustang, the sporty coupe and convertible range due in local showrooms from Q2 next year priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs.

The model range now begins some $12,400 dearer than the outgoing line-up, while V8-powered models start from $77,002 +ORC, or $11,712 more than in the current generation (see full pricing detail below).

Landing in time for the model’s 60^th anniversary, the latest Mustang will again be available in EcoBoost (four-cylinder turbo) and V8 format, with coupe and convertible body styles available. Ford Australia will also land 1000 examples of its powerful Dark Horse Special Edition, the flagship variant priced from $103,002 +ORC when optioned with an automatic transmission.

With chiseled looks inspired by heritage models, the Mustang’s low, horizontal brow emphasises the model’s width, and is characterised by an upper grille that is inspired by the 1960s original and LED headlights that continue a classic lighting signature.

The coupe’s roofline and “broad sprinting stance” are again reflective of the proportions of the first-generation model, while the widened rear haunches “point to power over the rear wheels”.

Australian Mustang models feature many performance options as standard, the highly specified range including Brembo brakes, a larger radiator and cooling fans, Ebony Black alloy wheels (19 x 9.0-inch front / 19 x 9.5-inch rear), and Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

Additionally, Dark Horse variants add shadow graphic surrounds and darkened LED headlights up front, a gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils, a unique lower bumper with high gloss “fangs”, lower side skirts, a fixed rear spoiler, rear diffuser, darkened quad exhaust outlets, and bespoke badging.

Each Dark Horse vehicle is further identified by its own individual chassis number.

The Aussie Mustang range is available in two solid paint colours – Oxford White and Race Red – and 10 prestige paint ($700) colours, including Shadow Black, Vapour Blue, Atlas Blue, Grabber Blue, Dark Matter Grey, Carbonised Grey, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, Yellow Splash, and Blue Ember (Dark Horse only).

Ford’s latest ‘Stang measures 4811mm in length (4823mm for Dark Horse), 2097mm in width, 1407mm in height (1413mm for Dark Horse), and rides on a 2719mm wheelbase. EcoBoost models tip the scale at 1746kg while the automatic-equipped Dark Horse is the heaviest at 1842kg.

But it is inside that the Mustang takes its biggest step forward. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit is the most technologically advanced yet, with a driver-centric layout, curved 12.4-inch and 13.2-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment respectively, and premium 12-speaker B&O sound system on all variants.

Several Track Apps are also included, providing the driver with an acceleration timer, accelerometer, brake performance read-out, lap timer, launch control (manual only), line-lock function, and the ability to review or clear results.

Additionally, the Mustang Dark Horse adds a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with microsuede inserts and contrasting Bright Indigo Blue stitch work. Anodised silver paddle shifters feature on automatic variants, while a dedicated drive mode button is at thumb’s reach, allowing drivers to “quickly choose the desired driving setup”.

Dark Horse variants further include a 3D printed titanium shift ball, Bright Indigo Blue stitching across the door cards and upholstery, and on the gear shift boot and centre console. Blue seatbelts and optional Recaro seats ($2950) in Deep Indigo Blue are available, the variant also featuring Black Alley dark metallic gloss interior garnishing.

Ford says it has made several track-focused enhancements to the Dark Horse variant, including the addition of brake cooling ducts, a transmission cooler, a rear axle cooler, unique chassis tuning, stiffer front springs and bespoke MagneRide shocks, and wider, staggered alloy wheels (19 x 9.5-inch front / 19 x 10.0-inch rear).

The variant also features Brembo six piston front brakes grabbing 390mm rotors and a Torsen limited slip differential.

Under the bonnet, the Mustang range again offers Ford’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol EcoBoost unit in base trim. Paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the unit outputs 232kW at 5500rpm and 475Nm at 3000Nm and driving the rear wheels.

The updated powerplant scores a revised, twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate, revised exhaust manifold, revised camshaft timing and an integrated air induction system. Port and direct fuel injection continues to provide optimal fuel delivery at respective low and high engine speeds.

The cracking Coyote V8 will again be offered throughout the range, the 5.0-litre unit available with six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission options and driving the rear wheels. The unit delivers 347kW at 7250rpm and 550Nm at 4850rpm in GT variants and 349kW at 7250rpm and 548Nm at 4850rpm in Dark Horse tune.

Ford has enhanced the V8 engine with revised, dual 80mm throttle bodies and air intakes to “maximise power”, the engine again utilising a combination of port and direct fuel injection to increase low-end torque and high-rpm power.

Mustang models will be available locally with an electric park brake and ‘Drift’ brake, the latter giving the appearance of a traditional mechanical park brake while allowing the ability to initiate a drift via “unique software calibrations”.

Further, all Mustang series feature an Active Valve Performance Exhaust which may be controlled via the steering wheel or central display through four modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Quiet.

Optionally, and in addition to Prestige Paint, the Mustang range is available with a Black Pack ($1500), EcoBoost Appearance Pack ($1500), GT Appearance Pack ($1500), Dark Horse Appearance Pack ($2750), Recaro Sports Seats ($2950), and MagneRide Suspension ($2950).

“We are thrilled to bring the new seventh-generation Ford Mustang to Australia,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Andrew Birkic.

“The Mustang has always been a favourite among Australian drivers, and the new model takes the experience to a whole new level. It’s sure to make owners smile every time they drive it.

“We are confident that the new Mustang will be a hit with Australian drivers. The car’s improved performance, handling, and the addition of the Mustang Dark Horse special edition make it a great choice for anyone looking for an exhilarating driving experience.”

2024 Ford Mustang pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.