We just got the Mustang, and now there’s a new one

Ford launched the Mustang last year and the first time we got to drive it on Indian roads was only last month. We drove it on track a while ago and you can read that story here. As for the Mustang we drove, it came in a small launch batch for 2016 and for those who booked, you sir/madam have a very rare car. Because Ford has just given it a mid-life update and new Mustangs that come to India will look like this. And frankly, we aren’t quite sold with the botox shots. Design is subjective however so do let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

The Mustang is American muscle, not a European sportscar, and in its prettiest angle, the Mustang looks just that – pretty. All the sharp and chiselled front end bits taking over from the blocky identification marks of a Mustang aren’t the only changes though. There’s a lot that’s changed under the skin.

For starters, there is no V6 now, something that won’t make a difference to us because it was never sold in India. The V8 is the engine that a halo muscle car deserves and thankfully, it stays and stays naturally aspirated.  Ford also says that it will hit the redline faster than before due to its higher compression and a dual injector. If the detuned Indian spec Mustang needed anything, it needed a quicker build up of torque and this update probably gives it that. Inside, there’s a new 12-inch touchscreen display that comes compatible with Apple CarPlay. The instrument cluster is fully digital too, and allows you to customize them according to your driving needs. A few softer touch materials are thrown it too to make it feel more upmarket.

A happy departure is the six-speed automatic. It was slow and nothing compared to cars even half its price. It makes way for a new 10-speeder that promises quicker shifts and the overall refinement of what you get with the new 9-speed torque converters the modern Mercedes cars are using. The interesting bit of information is that this gearbox will be shared with the Camaro as it is developed by GM.

The juiciest bit is saved for last though, and that is the magnetorheological dampers the Mustang GT will get. Coined MagnaRide, the Mustang’s handling should increase drastically with its new adjustable suspension, and adding to that, Ford has revised the shocks, increased stiffness and tweaked the stabilizer bars too. The Mustang GT will also get sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The Mustang GT also gets more thunder in the tail pipes if you opt for the active exhaust valves. Mechanically then, it seems to be a whole lot better than the pre-facelift model.