The biggest change to the Mustang lineup for 2018 is that the V6 engine will no longer be available, according to website Mustang6G. The naturally aspirated 3.7-liter six develops 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s overshadowed by the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a unit that develops 310 horses and 320 pound-feet of twist.
The decision to deep-six the V6 will upset some Mustang enthusiasts. Those who don’t like the idea of a pony car with a turbo four under the hood will need to step up to the GT model, which will continue to offer a powerful V8. The Shelby GT350 is expected to stick around for at least one additional model year, and earlier rumors claim the range-topping GT500 will return with up to 800 horsepower on tap. Dodge’s vaunted Challenger Hellcat might not be the most powerful muscle car on the block for long.
Ford will expand the list of extra-cost options with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a dual exhaust system with four exhaust tips, and an adaptive suspension named MagneRide borrowed from aforementioned GT350. The leaked documents also reveal the launch of a new option package named Performance Package 2, though they don’t shed insight into what it includes. Mustang6G believes it will include track-sourced components needed to help the Mustang fight head-to-head against the Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.
As is typically the case, the mechanical upgrades will be joined by a handful of visual tweaks. Expect the redesign to include new lights and redesigned bumpers on both ends, new-look alloy wheels, and two additional paint colors named orange fury and royal crimson, respectively.
The 2018 Ford Mustang could debut either in January during the Detroit Auto Show or in April at the New York Auto Show. It will go on sale shortly after its official introduction.
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