PONY EXPRESS(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 72

This seventh generation Mustang isn't really designed for the future. Instead, it mainly references the past, carrying over its engine and platform from the previous model. Ford wants to give its best-selling sports car a final stay of execution before this model goes the way of all combustion things - hence the sharper exterior and more modern cabin. So it's still authentic and if you loved it before, you'll love it now.

Background word count: 161

So here we are at the end of an era. This seventh generation Ford Mustang will almost certainly be the last in this iconic model line of hairy-chested muscle-bound US sports coupes and convertibles, which dates back to 1964. Not to be confused with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E electric hatch, which stands for everything most 'Stang owners would abjectly hate. "Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles" said Ford CEO Jim Farley at this MK7 model's Autumn 2022 launch. Except that this isn't really another generation of Mustang; more a far-reaching facelift of the previous coupe and convertible. The engines and suspension are basically the same as those of the previous Fastback and cabrio models, which were launched back in 2015, as is the 'S-550' platform. So just how different is this MK7 Mustang from what went before? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience word count: 280

Ford says that this is the 'most authentic and confidence-inspiring Mustang to drive yet'. That seems a contradiction in terms because an 'authentic' slightly unwieldy heavy-set Mustang experience hasn't been in the past been one to deliver much confidence - at least not on damp tarmac. But there's promise here because all models have a torsen limited-slip differential and the contents of Ford's 'Performance Pack', which gives you magneride adaptive dampers; big Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers; and sticky tyres, the rears being 20mm wider 275-section items. This time round, Ford is only offering this Mustang with its 5.0-litre 'Coyote' V8, which has a new dual cold air intake but puts out a similar level of power to before - 446PS in standard form and 453PS in 'Dark Horse' guise. Both variants put out 540Nm of torque and usually work with a lightly updated version of the previous 10-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, via which the car gets to 62mph in 4.9s in standard form or 4.4s in 'Dark Horse' guise. Both models can still be ordered with an 'authentic' manual gearbox, but that pushes up those times to 5.3s (standard) or 5.2s ('Dark Horse'). Top speed across the range is restricted to 155mph. As before, the auto has been configured to work with a selectable 'Drag Strip' driving mode which irons out the torque and power drop-off you'd normally get between gear shifts, so it's just one seamless burst of acceleration. Other markets still get the base 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost 290PS unit, which has been updated with a fresh bore and stroke design and a new turbo. It makes 62mph in 5.8s en route to 145mph.