Ford Mustang 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Ford Australia has paired a lift in performance with an increase in cost for its facelifted Mustang sportscar range due on sale in the middle of this year.

The entry-level manual EcoBoost Fastback has copped a $4000 price rise, to $49,990 before on-road costs, while its automatic counterpart is now $4500 dearer, at $52,990.

Similarly, the automatic EcoBoost Convertible is also $4500 pricier, costing $59,490. A soft-top manual option remains unavailable.

As previously reported, the Mustang facelift consists of a restyled front and rear – including LED lighting.

Meanwhile, the manual GT Fastback jumps by $5500 to $62,990, while its automatic sibling checks in at $66,259, up $6639.

The automatic GT Convertible tops the line-up with its $74,790 sticker price that is $8793 more than before.

However, Mustang buyers are compensated with a boost in performance, thanks to tweaked 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder and 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engines as well as a new 10-speed 'SelectShift' automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Specifically the V8's outputs swell to 339kW of power and 556Nm of torque, up 33kW and 26Nm, with these gains achieved by new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection.

Conversely, the EcoBoost has lost 9kW but added 9Nm, with its outputs now pegged at 224kW and 441Nm.

Thanks to its wide-ratio span and optimised gear spacing, the 'SelectShift' transmission – which replaces the old six-speed unit – provides "quicker shift times, better lowspeed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses", claims Ford.

The six-speed manual gearbox has also been given a tickle, with the V8 version picking up a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel that increases torque capability and clutch modulation efficiency.

Performance figures – including 0-100km/h sprint times – for both units remain under wraps, while fuel consumption and emissions claims are also yet to be revealed.

As previously reported, the Mustang facelift consists of a restyled front and rear – including LED lighting – redesigned alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips (GT only) and a more premium interior, plus a new key fob design.

An active-valve exhaust system has been added to all GT variants, allowing four different levels of sound – 'Normal', 'Quiet', 'Track' and 'Sport'.

This also extends to the overarching 'MyMode' driving modes that allow the driver to adjust steering, suspension, electronic stability and traction control, engine, exhaust and transmission settings on the move.

Performance figures remain under wraps, while fuel consumption and emissions claims are also yet to be revealed.

Upgraded shock absorbers have been added "for better ride control", while the rear suspension has a new cross-axis joint that "leads to increased lateral stiffness"'and sway bars which "bring sharper response and handling", according to the Blue Oval.

Additionally, optional 'MagneRide' magnetic dampers ($2750) can automatically adjust each corner up to 1000 times per second, which Ford says helps to provide "better responsiveness and lateral performance".

The Mustang's suite of safety and driver-assist technologies expands to include auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and high-beam assist, which are likely to help improve upon its current two-star ANCAP safety rating.

Inside, a new 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster features three modes – 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' – that employ different colours and layouts, while an 8.0-inch 'Sync 3' touchscreen multimedia system returns with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Other options include six-way power-adjustable leather Recaro sports seats ($3000, Fastback only), 19-inch forged alloy wheels ($2500, GT only), a single-wing rear spoiler ($750, Fastback only), black 'OTT' stripes ($650), white 'OTT' stripes ($650, Fastback only) and 19-inch 'Lustre Nickel' alloy wheels ($500, EcoBoost only), while paint colour options have expanded to 'Orange Fury', 'Kona Blue' and 'Royal Crimson'.

A full specification breakdown for the updated Mustang range will be released closer to its launch later this year.

Has Ford gone too far with the facelifted Mustang's price adjustments? Tell us what you think in the comments below.