Ford’s Latest Mustang Update for the New 2018 is a Dilemma Similar to that of 1967

As Ford Motor Company approached the new 1967 model year for their successful Mustang, they faced a dilemma: How to change the latest model without really changing it.  They now find themselves in the same dilemma for 2018.

The 1967 Ford Mustang: How to Improve a Classic

The Mustang had been introduced in 1964 with much fanfare and was riding an incredible wave of sales success through the 1966 model year.  With almost 1.3 million Mustangs sold from 1964 through the end of 1966, Ford was not anxious to upset the apple cart with a new, entirely different model.  However, they realized that modern car lovers were always looking for the latest thing, and a mid-cycle update was necessary.  They finally had serious pony car competition with the Camaro, Firebird, and Barracuda.

Ford’s approach was a smart one.  They looked for areas to improve the car with minor tweaks that wouldn’t detract from their original formula of success. 

Unique Safety Features

With increased safety on the minds of consumers, they added a collapsible steering column along with a cushioned steering wheel and a dual-chamber brake master cylinder.  Ford had borrowed many features from the Falcon interior to save on development costs for the original Mustang.  The 1967 model got its own unique new instrument panel.  Ford also added more options like a tilt-away steering column, speed control and warning lights that are all standard equipment on today’s models.

A Bigger Pony Car

As is often the case with updated models, the 1967 Mustang grew-in-size by a couple of inches in width and length.  The larger size and strengthened body helped accommodate the new larger engines in the lineup. 

The 390 big-block was added and rated at 320 HP and a hefty 427 ft. lb. of torque.  However, this wasn’t enough grunt to compete against the 396 Camaro with 375 horses.  This horsepower disparity didn’t seem to have an adverse impact on sales for the Mustang. 

More Success for the Ford Superstar Sports Car

The new 1967 Mustang soundly beat the Camaro that year with over 472,000 sold, compared to the Camaro with just under 221,000 sold.   

Meanwhile, Carroll Shelby was working his magic with the new Shelby GT500.  He went with the 428 Police Interceptor motor and added dual-quad 600 cfm Holley carbs.  That engine was rated at 355 HP.

New 2018 Mustang Reboot Looks Positive for Ford

Now let’s fast-forward to 2017 as Ford looks to do a mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model.  A similar situation now faces them.  The latest 2015 Mustang was an entirely modern design that was a departure from the retro look of the previous ten years.  The new look was a huge success. 

Ford needed to use a measured approach, much like they did for the 1967 model.  Now that Ford has announced the details for the 2018 model, it seems that they have followed the same strategy as 1967.

There are many subtle changes to the new 2018 Mustang.  Let’s start with the body: 

Understated Alterations to the Latest Model

All the body panels are new from the windshield forward, but the only noticeable difference is the lowered hood and vents.  Ford lowered the hood for a more aggressive look. 

Out back the tri-bar taillights are slightly reshaped, and dual exhausts will be standard.  However, the GT will get quad exhaust tips, along with the new active valve exhaust system that changes the exhaust note, depending on conditions. 

New paint colors will also be available, including Kona blue, orange fury, and royal crimson. 

State-of-the-Art Options for the 2018 Mustang Interior

The interior of the reinvigorated model will look familiar but offer a new optional 12-inch digital dashboard that includes a quarter-mile and lap timer.   Other new interior options include two-tone leather seating, metal start button and heated steering wheel. 

Big Updates to the Mustang Engine Options

Ford finally confirmed the rumors that they are dropping the 3.7-liter V6 and will make the turbo 2.3-liter 4-cylinder their standard engine. 

The Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 will get more power and torque with the addition of port fuel injection and an increased compression ratio from 11:1 to 12:1. 

Both engines will benefit from an improved 6-speed manual transmission and a new 10-speed, paddle-shifted automatic.  Carl Widman, Mustang’s chief engineer, stated that this new automatic will offer the “quickest shifts on a Mustang” ever. 

To improve the suspension, Ford will offer the option of their advanced adaptive MagneRide shock absorbers that have been so successful on their high-performance Shelby GT350. 

Big Changes to a Legendary Pony Car

Like 1967, much is at stake whenever Ford makes changes to its flagship model brand. You know they don’t make these changes lightly. Every adjustment must be considered an improvement on the past.

Ford is committing considerable resources to ensure the continued success of the next Mustang model.  Mustang’s marketing manager Mark Schaller commented on that commitment:

“This is one of the biggest midcycle changes ever for the Mustang.”

The new 2018 Ford Mustang will be available this fall, along with the latest pricing and fuel economy figures.