Ford has unveiled an updated version of its Mustang for 2017, which features a number of revisions to its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, and 5.0-liter ‘Coyote’ V8 engines. The 2.3-liter engine uses Ford’s ‘transient overboost’ technology that has been uniquely calibrated for Mustang, meaning that overall torque is increased under wide-open throttle acceleration.
Ford states that the V8 engine has been ‘thoroughly reworked’. As a result of its revisions, the engine is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT that has gone before. This power increase was achieved with the first application for Mustang of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine – delivering more low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission for both engine options has also been upgraded. For the V8, the manual transmission has been ‘totally redesigned’ to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.
A 10-speed automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines, is also new. With a wide-ratio span the all-new gearbox is said to help deliver higher average power for acceleration. Compared to the previous six-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.
Ford has also announced that the new Mustang furthers its customisation options, with the engine note now able to be adjusted. An all-new active valve exhaust system is now optional on the Mustang GT, which offers ‘a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range’.
