(continued from above)
"The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on
excellence," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "It takes the greatness
of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes refinement to the next level. The car has
been spot-on functionally, and now we're adding more features and technology to
further improve the driver's experience."
More Aggressive Design
For the 2013 model, which goes on sale this spring, the front end of the car
offers a more aggressive design with a significantly more prominent grille. A
more powerful splitter adds to the appearance. Functional heat extractors on the
hood of the GT are specifically placed and designed to help move hot air out of
the engine compartment and cool the engine.
"With this new Mustang, we are delivering a more distinctive and emotional
design presence that celebrates the total performance of Mustang," said Darrell
Behmer, Mustang chief designer. "This latest Mustang design is very respectful
of its heritage while continuing to look forward with a more powerful and modern
look."
Rocker panels running along the car are now body-color, adding a more premium
look. The rear of the car has been updated with a high-gloss black panel that
connects the taillamps. Keeping the sequential turn signal Mustang is known for,
the taillamps have a smoked appearance that matches the more purposeful look up
front.
New design elements include standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps on
both V6 and GT cars. Three high-tech LED bars form the iconic rear lights.
Signature lighting plays into the technology upgrades, with two individual
light-emitting diode bars accentuating the headlamps.
The new Mustang offers a revamped wheel lineup, ranging from standard 17-inch
wheels for the V6 all the way up to 19-inch optional wheels on the GT and V6
Performance Package. With updated designs, the wheels also offer new finishes
and touches for a more powerful appearance.
There are two different finishes on the 17-inch wheel - machined-aluminum and
painted-machined. Three optional V6 wheels include an updated 18-inch
polished-aluminum set, an 18-inch painted-aluminum and a 19-inch painted design,
with a new theme for V6 Performance Package.
The standard 18-inch painted-aluminum wheel on both GT and premium GT is an
evolution of the five-spoke design. The 19-inch optional GT wheel comes with a
gloss-black finish with machined face for a more sinister look, while the wheel
for Brembo and Track Packages offers an updated 10-spoke dark stainless-painted
aluminum.
The new car offers optional heated mirrors with a pony projection light, which
casts the image of Mustang's famous pony emblem on the ground when the unlock
button is activated. New colors, Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green, join
the existing sporty colors for 2013.
Also new on V6 and GT coupes 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 seat back are used to ensure drivers have the support needed on the track
during hard cornering and to deliver a comfortable ride.
The seats come complete with integrated head restraints with ample room for
drivers and passengers wearing helmets on the track. Openings on the seat back
are designed for customers looking to create performance setups for 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.
The 2013 Ford Mustang in the "Gotta Have It Green" color.
Ford Mustang V6: Review (2/2)
