PONY EXPRESS (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_fordmustang_2022_preview

By Jonathan Crouch

Thanks to this update, Ford's Mustang will be with us a little longer. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword 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.

Backgroundword 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 Experienceword count: 244

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. We haven't yet mentioned the engine and transmission options, basically because they haven't really changed. Ford claims the contrary, pointing out that the base 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost 290PS unit has been updated with a fresh bore and stroke design and a new turbo. It makes 62mph in 5.8s en route to 145mph. Ideally though, you'd choose the 5.0-litre 'Coyote' V8, which is as before with 450PS, though with the addition of a new dual cold air intake. Both engines usually work with a lightly updated version of the previous 10-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but, thank goodness, the V8 can still be ordered 'authentically' with a manual, which cuts the 4.8s 0-62mph sprint time to 4.6s. 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.

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