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New Optional Recaro Seats
Also new on V6 and GT are optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro seats that
are currently available on the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302. Designed to enhance
the high-performance driving experience, lateral bolsters in the cushion and
seatback are used to ensure drivers have the support needed on the track during
hard cornering and to deliver a comfortable ride.
The seats also come complete with integrated head restraints with ample room for
drivers and passengers wearing helmets when at the track. Openings on the
seatback are included for customers looking to create performance setups for
their car on track days. The Recaro seats are the result of a global team effort
led by SVT along with the Mustang engineering group in North America, Team RS in
Europe and Recaro.
New Driving Technologies
The 2013 Mustang with 5.0-liter engine will now deliver 420 horsepower. Based on
learnings from developing the high-output 444-horsepower Mustang Boss 302, the
team was able to adapt several of the designs to the 5.0-liter.
The new Mustang can be specified with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic
transmission. This advanced control strategy offers the driver a choice between
fully automatic operation and manual control. The system is controlled with a
selector button on the side of the shifter. The shifter has been upgraded for
2013 with more modern style and improved accessibility.
"This lets owners take an automatic out on a track day or whenever they want to
drive sportier, and lets them have the convenience of switching to manual
control," said Tom Barnes, Mustang vehicle engineering manager. "It's a
significant improvement to our powertrain offerings that lets the driver take
control."
This capability makes the Mustang experience sporty yet smooth. Unlike some
competitors' transmissions, SelectShift won't second-guess the driver with an
override shift. With SelectShift, manual control is truly manually controlled.
GT Track Package
A new option, the GT Track Package, debuts for 2013 for customers who want to
push their Mustang even further at the track. Available only on manual GT
Mustangs with a 3.73 axle, the package gives track enthusiasts an engine cooler,
upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads and the same Torsen
differential that's on Mustang Boss 302. The package includes everything in the
current Brembo Brake Package, with 14-inch vented front discs, unique 19-inch
alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Other optional package updates for 2013 include offering the Brembo Brake
Package on both manual and automatic transmissions on Mustang GT.
Hill Start Assist
Hill start assist makes its debut on manually equipped Mustangs. This feature
helps keep the car from rolling backward, making it easier to pull away when on
a slope or hill. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the car is on a
slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the
braking system and the car remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds
after the driver releases the brake pedal.
4.2-Inch LCD Screen Shows Performance and Economy Info
A new 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that lets customers access information
related to fuel economy and vehicle performance also makes its debut on Mustang.
The screen is navigated through a five-way control button located on the
steering wheel and offers Track Apps, which delivers performance metrics for
drivers right from the factory. The app measures g forces, shows acceleration
times in quarter-mile and 0-60 increments, and displays braking times, complete
with automatic and countdown starts.
The 2013 Mustang also offers customers two new audio systems for even better
sound quality for incredible clarity and crispness. The optional Shaker system
comes with eight speakers and pumps out 370 watts of power. The upgraded Shaker
Pro offers nine speakers and delivers 550 watts of power.
The 2013 Ford Mustang GT will be manufactured at AutoAlliance International
Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
Ford Mustang GT Convertible: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications