cars news 10: 11 Significant Changes to the Refreshed 2018 Ford Mustang

The refreshed 2018 Ford Mustang has a new look, but under that new face is a slew of updates that improve its performance. Additionally, the car also receives updated tech and more features as part of the available Performance package. Here are 11 significant changes made to the 2018 Mustang inside and out.

Magnetorheological Shocks Are Available to All

Yes, that’s right. Every trim level of the 2018 Ford Mustang is available with MagneRide dampers, which are now part of the optional Performance package regardless of the engine choice. Additionally, all refreshed Mustangs get new shock absorbers, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension and improved stabilizer bars for better ride and handling.

Updated Manual Transmission Comes Standard

Ford updated the standard six-speed manual transmission for both engine options, but the V-8-powered GT gets the most love. As part of the gearbox’s update, a new twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel has been added to help put power to the road better, and improve its responsiveness.

10-Speed is the New Optional Automatic

Replacing the old six-speed automatic in the Mustang is a 10-speed unit that Ford co-developed with cross-town rival General Motors. First appearing in the 2017 F-150 Raptor, the 2018 Mustang is the second performance vehicle to utilize the 10-speed unit in Ford’s lineup. The automaker says that the new gearbox shifts quicker and has less friction losses, adaptive shift scheduling, multiple drive modes, and superior tip-in response at low speeds.

Direct and Port Injection for the Mustang GT

Even though Ford didn’t disclose how many ponies the updated Mustang GT gained, it did say how it got them. The 5.0-liter V-8 now has direct and port injection, which should help improve its fuel economy, low-end torque, and power at higher revs.

A Soundtrack Exclusive to the Mustang GT

For maximum aural pleasure, opt for the Mustang GT and the optional active valve exhaust system. This will ensure that you hear the 5.0-liter V-8’s song as you accelerate and revs rise, giving you lots of wonderful pops, crackles, burbles, and growls behind the wheel.

No, You Can’t Have Six Cylinders

From the 2018 model year onward, a V-6 engine is no longer available in the Mustang as the automaker has discontinued the option. The EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbo-four, which has received some tweaks with the refresh, is now the base engine.

Extensive Personalization

Along with the performance upgrades, the 2018 Mustang comes with a host of new exterior colors and alloy wheel choices. One of the exterior colors, Orange Fury, is the car’s new signature color and is one of three new exteriors — the other two being Royal Crimson and the ever popular Kona Blue, which returns to the Mustang color palette after a short absence.

Full LED Headlights Now Standard

Ford gave the 2018 Mustang redesigned headlight clusters that give the car a more aggressive front fascia. LED lighting is now standard across the entire lineup regardless of which engine you choose and even the available fog lights are LED units. To complement the new LED headlights, the 2018 Mustang also receives revised LED taillights.

Lower Hood Gives a More Aggressive Look

Ford lowered the Mustang’s hood for 2018 to improve the car’s aerodynamics. It also gives the car a more aggressive front fascia that distinguishes it from the pre-refresh model. The lowered hood also means the headlight clusters are thinner than before and the grille is narrower.

Customizable Digital Gauge Cluster

The pre-refresh Mustang featured a center display flanked by two analog gauges but for the 2018 model year, that has been replaced by a fully digital 12-inch display that can show more information. You’re also able to customize everything from the color of your font, the information that’s displayed, and the type of gauges displayed.

New Active Safety Features

Just because you’re in a sporty rear-drive two-door doesn’t mean safety has to take a back seat. For those who want more safety features, the 2018 Mustang has an expanded suite of optional active safety features that includes distance alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and the Pre-Collision Assist system, which combines forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.