The seventh-generation Ford Mustang will land Down Under in late 2023, and now we know much power it will be packing under its long bonnet.
Outputs have been revealed for US-spec vehicles, though a spokesperson for Ford Australia said “We look forward to sharing Australian-spec power and torque figures closer to launch”.
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 a mere 356kW and 563Nm to its name.
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.
These numbers are up from the standard EcoBoost engine offered in the Mustang in the US, but they are bit of a mixed bag compared to the EcoBoost High Performance variant sold in Australia, which made 236kW and 448Nm.
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.
Production of the seventh-generation Mustang begins soon at the company’s plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. Sales will begin Stateside from the middle of 2023, with the first Australian deliveries expected to arrive towards the end of next year.
While the new Mustang has a completely new body and a new screen-heavy interior, it is based on an upgraded version of the platform used on the sixth-generation model.
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