Old ford mustang. Long road of Ford Mustang history

TRIUMPH OF THE MANAGER

The presentation of the first production Ford Mustang in 1964 is considered one of the most successful in the history of the automotive industry, and the legend owes its appearance to the resounding failure of the previous model, the Edsel. Ford needed to urgently save the day, and General Manager Lee Iacocca, the future author of the best-selling book The Manager's Career, together with a team of designers, economists and marketers, created the first Mustang concept in March 1964. In the car that became the progenitor of the Pony Car class, the features of the Ford luxury cars Continental Mark II 1957 and Thunderbird 1954 are easily guessed, as well as design elements from Maserati, Lincoln and Chevrolet.

Interestingly, the cult car received its name and the figure of a running wild horse on the radiator grill at the last moment: they planned to call it Cougar (“Panther”), but Iacocca’s marketers decided that the Jaguar was enough for the market. There is another version of the origin of the name - in honor of the North American P-51 Mustang single-seat fighter of World War II, but in both cases the car reflected the spirit of rebellion and was a real "American dream" on wheels.

Success for Ford was not just desirable, but necessary: ​​the car, which collectors call the 64-1 / 2 Mustang, was already released as a 1965 model, focusing on market research. In the event of a repeated failure, as with Edsel, the concern could have gone bankrupt, but Mustang did not disappoint: after a loud March presentation on television, 22 thousand copies were sold on the first day, and by the end of the year - over a quarter of a million!

The Ford Falcon Sprint became the aggregate donor for the bestseller - the models got from it, in particular, the engine and front suspension. The engineers made the rear dependent, the brakes were drum on all wheels, and a vacuum booster and power steering were offered as options. The basic set included a 2.8-liter engine with a capacity of 102 liters. with., which could accelerate the car to 150 km / h, fastback and coupe bodies. Later, a convertible body was added to the list of options, and the list of options included an automatic transmission and V8 engines with a capacity of up to 380 hp. With.

IN CHASING SUCCESS

The Mustang was a "poor man's sports car": comfortable and beautiful, though not luxurious, and sold very well. But the competitors did not doze off: the very next year, the Iacocca team had to update the Mustang's appearance in order to bypass the Plymouth Barracuda on the market. In the same year, new interior options were introduced: sun visors, clock and tachometer, electric side mirrors. The suspension and front disc brakes have also been improved.

The blue and white modification of the Mustang Shelby GT-350 with a 306 hp V8 engine was considered a special chic. With. Its authorship belongs to the auto designer and Formula 1 racer Carroll Shelby, who created the GT 500 two years later with a seven-liter V8 engine with a capacity of 335 hp. with., for the installation of which it was necessary to specially lengthen the engine compartment. In the spring of 1968, both Shelby cars, the GT-350 and GT-500, were renamed the Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra, which received another body variation - a convertible.

In 1969, the Mustang experienced a global upgrade. The length increased by 10 cm, the weight - by more than 50 kg, and the line was divided into three versions: economical E, expensive Grande and Mach 1 with a 335 hp engine. With. The production of the racing series began: the first Mustang Boss 302 was created as a competitor to the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 for Trans Am oval tracks, and the Boss 429, of which only 1358 copies were produced, was equipped with a giant seven-liter engine that produced 375 hp. With. and worked together with a mechanical four-speed transmission, spoilers and an oil cooler - already for the NASCAR series.

In 1971-1973, the heavier Mustangs could not find a niche. Some wanted to see them as simplified aggressive dragsters, while others wanted to see them as cute family cars, but in fact they were no longer one or the other. The gas crisis also contributed, which eventually led to an upgrade - again under the leadership of Iacocca, who became president of Ford Motor.

REBIRTH OF A LEGEND

The era of the Mustang II began in 1974-1978, which was marked by a return to classic dimensions and the installation of an economical four-cylinder Kent engine with a power of only 86 hp. With. in the basic package.

Buyers liked the changes - almost 400 thousand Mustang II cars were purchased, and in 1979 the third generation appeared on the unified Fox Platform with European engines as standard and large V8s in the top. At that time, due to the energy crisis, the weakest engines in Mustang history were put on cars - the Ford Windsor 255 V8 with a capacity of only 120 hp. With.

In 1987, the car was marked by a new stage of restyling, and in 1994 - a major reworking of the SN-95 chassis, which became a marker for the fourth generation of the Ford Mustang.

In 1998, customers were offered the Sport package for the first and last time, with black vinyl on the hood and triple split taillights. By 1999, when the Mustang celebrated its 35th anniversary, the New Edge design concept robbed the model of the smoothness that was characteristic of the brand's classic cars.

By the beginning of the fifth generation, the Mach 1 was returned to the Mustang line, and 4.6-liter engines with an Eaton mechanical supercharger were installed on all Cobra models. In 2004, the Ford Mustang got a new S-197 platform and began to look like the very sample of the 60s.

New and vintage Mustangs remain a dream come true for many car enthusiasts: nothing has changed in that sense since Lee Iacocca's team put up the presentation Mustang Pens on the University of Chicago football field in 1964. By the sixth generation, Mustang's popularity has not fallen: in 2015, the concern introduced models with three different EcoBoost engines and an expanded list of options, and in 2018, it again modernized the lineup and announced the development of the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, which can accelerate to a maximum speed of 240 km/h in 8 seconds.

RUN ON THE SCREEN

It is difficult to find a car that would leave a more noticeable mark on the culture. None of the cars so often featured in the movies, as filmed in half a million films "Mustang". The classic 1965 car is driven by Paul Sheldon, the protagonist of the film "Misery" based on King's novel, the light Mustang convertible is filmed in the film about agent 007 "Goldfinger", Will Smith drives a Shelby GT500 in "I Am Legend" in deserted New York, and the 1971 Ford Mustang, nicknamed Eleanor, is even listed in the credits of the original film of the seventies "Gone in 60 Seconds" - and this is only a microscopic part of the films featuring the legendary muscle cars. That is why even those who do not understand cars at all know what this sports car looks like.

"Mustangs" inspire not only filmmakers, but also the organizers of various "remakes" on TV shows. One of them is professional racing driver Brad Deberty, the hero of the Discovery Channel project Turboduet.

In order to fit 18-inch wide Mickey Thompson racing wheels with custom-made Forgiato rims to the rear axle, the rear suspension had to be replaced by independent Watson Racing with different H&R Performance arms, dampers and springs.

Together with his father Doug, a famous tuning master who has been refinishing cars for over a quarter of a century, Brad makes unique cars, but not only for his own pleasure. The younger Deberti lives for racing, he has many championship victories behind him, and ahead of him is the dream of driving in the NASCAR racing series.

Fender flares complemented the TS Designs body kit with an Air Design wing, and a new hood was also made. In addition, the car received color-changing Bullseye Retro LED headlights and a Kicker audio system, due to which the rear seats and spare tire had to be removed.

Father and son work together in the workshop, converting and selling tuned cars to make this wish come true, and the next project of the Turboduet was the Ford Mustang, which the Deberty prepared for SEMA, the largest tuning show in the world. The team got a great chance to make a name for itself in the world of tuning and get new customers.

The engine was boosted to 750 hp. With. by installing a Roush Supercharger boost and a new Borla exhaust system, and the factory brakes were replaced with more powerful Ford Performance.

A brand new five-liter Ford Mustang GT 2018 model year was provided to them by the manufacturer for free, but all tuning costs fell on the team. Deberty immediately scanned the car and created a 3D model, making it easier for themselves to create a body kit: Doug and Brad decided to combine classic muscle car design with the latest Ford developments in the project.

A racing roll cage and a new grille were welded for the car, carbon elements and racing bucket seats were installed in the cabin. There were also some repaints: the team worked to a tight deadline, but attention was paid to every detail.

The car turned out impressive, but whether Brad and Doug managed to surprise their colleagues at the tuning show, you will find out in the Turboduet program, which starts on May 21 and will be on Mondays at 23:00 on the Discovery Channel.

The sixth generation of the legendary American muscle car Ford Mustang in fastback coupe and convertible bodies made its world debut in January 2014 at the international show in Detroit, but it was previewed on December 5, 2013 (simultaneously in six cities around the world - in Dearborn, Los Angeles). Angeles, Barcelona, ​​New York, Sydney and Shanghai).

Compared to previous models, the car has changed dramatically - it received beautiful styling, a modern technical component, new engines and equipment that was not available before.

In mid-January 2017, the "American" experienced a planned update, one of the main innovations of which was the appearance of a 10-speed "automatic" instead of a 6-band transmission. However, Ford did not stop there and thoroughly shook up the whole car: it was “refreshed” in appearance, tweaked the interior, added new options, upgraded engines and removed the 3.7-liter “aspirated” from the line.

Externally, the sixth generation Mustang is beautiful and quite modern, but a piece of primitiveness still lingers in it. The streamlined and wide body of the muscle car with a long hood, low roofline and short stern sprout is crowned with “evil” front and stylish rear lighting, which together creates a powerful and insanely brutal image. The picture is completed by huge "rollers" of wheels measuring from 18 to 20 inches.

The "sixth" Ford Mustang is available in two body versions - a fastback coupe and a convertible with a multi-layered fabric top. The “closed” two-door is 4784 mm long, 1381 mm high (the convertible is 13 mm higher) and 1916 mm wide, and the “open” car is 13 mm higher. Between the axles of the muscle car "seen" 2720 mm distance, regardless of the solution.

The interior of the Mustang looks organic and stylish, and as befits a "thoroughbred" sports car, it resembles an airplane cockpit. The characteristic symmetrical front panel in the central part houses an 8-inch "TV" of the multimedia system, a "trapeze" of the multimedia installation and a quartet of toggle switches that control driving settings. Behind a weighty multifunctional “donut” with a three-spoke design, there are “cylinders” of a speedometer and a tachometer with a color display of the on-board computer in the middle (a “drawn” instrument cluster with a 12-inch screen and a bunch of settings is available as an option). In the decoration of the decoration, mainly high-quality materials were used, but there are also plastics with hard textures.

For front passengers, the sixth generation Ford Mustang has anatomical seats with a tenacious profile, electric adjustments and ventilation, but in powerful versions they give way to Recaro buckets. In both the coupe and convertible, the rear seats are more suitable for children or compact passengers due to limited legroom and headroom.

The luggage compartment of the Mustang in the coupe is 408 liters, in the convertible this figure is reduced to 332 liters due to the folding awning mechanism.

The soft top of the “open” version is semi-automatic, and its transformation in motion is impossible.

Specifications. For the 6th generation Ford Mustang, two standard gasoline modifications have been prepared in the European specification, each of which is based on a 6-speed “mechanics” or an optional 10-band “automatic”:

• The base muscle car is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four with direct injection and variable valve timing, which outputs 317 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 432 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. With such a “heart”, the car accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h after 5.8 seconds and exchanges a maximum of 250 km / h, and its “fuel gluttony” does not exceed 8-10 liters in mixed driving conditions for every “hundred”.

• The engine compartment of the "top" version GT powered by a 5.0 liter V-8 engine with combined petrol injection generating 421 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 530 Nm of torque. As a result, the starting spurt to 100 km / h submits to the Mustang in 4.8 seconds, and the “maximum” of opportunities is fixed at around 250 km / h. In the combined cycle, the fuel consumption of a car varies from 12 to 13.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

Prior to the update (carried out in January 2017), another unit was also offered in the USA - a 3.7-liter V-shaped “six” with a distributed fuel supply, producing 305 “mares” at 6500 rpm and 366 Nm of rotating thrust at 4000 rpm minute.

The “sixth” Ford Mustang is built on a new “bogie”, similar in architecture to the CD4 front-wheel drive platform, which “flaunts” a fully independent suspension - MacPherson struts with a double hinge system in front and an advanced “multi-link” on a rear subframe. For a surcharge, the two-door is equipped with MagneRide adaptive shock absorbers filled with magnetorheological fluid (which, before the update, were the privilege of exclusively “hot” modifications of the GT350 / GT350R).
The American muscle car is equipped with electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering with three modes of operation - Normal, Sport and Comfort. All wheels accommodate powerful ventilated discs of the brake system (the dimension of the front mechanisms, depending on the version, varies from 320 to 380 mm) with ABS, EBD and other modern “helpers”. By default, all Mustang versions are equipped with a self-locking rear differential.

In addition to the basic versions, there are more “charged” options in the Ford Mustang palette, and one of them is Shelby GT350. Along with an even more aggressive appearance and some modifications in the interior, such a car has a lightweight body, reinforced suspension with adaptive dampers and an efficient brake system with Brembo calipers. But the main thing in it is the 5.2-liter V8 Voodoo engine, which produces 533 horses at 7500 rpm and 582 Nm at 4750 rpm.

An even more interesting version - Shelby GT350R. She is assigned the same power unit as the car without the letter “R”, but at the same time her body is even lighter, the wheel disks are made of carbon fiber, and the functionality includes some “racing” equipment.

Well, the most “extreme” performance of the sixth generation Mustang is GT King Cobra. Outwardly, such a muscle car does not differ much from its usual “brother”, and the main emphasis in it is on the refinement of the technical part.

It is driven by a 5.0-liter "eight" with a drive supercharger, the performance of which exceeds 600 horsepower. In fact, "King Cobra" is a complete package of improvements to the engine and other components and assemblies.

Options and prices. In the US, sales of the restyled Ford Mustang will start in the fall of 2017, and it will reach the countries of the Old World at the beginning of 2018 (it is possible that its sales will begin in Russia as well).
In the European market, in particular in Germany, the "sixth" Ford Mustang in the pre-reform solution is sold at a price of 38,000 euros (~2.42 million rubles at the current exchange rate) for a fastback coupe, and a convertible will cost 4,000 euros more. The muscle car should also reach Russia, but when exactly this will happen is still unknown.
In the “base”, the car is equipped with seven airbags (a convertible has five), ABS, a multimedia system with a color screen, a dual-zone “climate”, a rear-view camera, power accessories, a “cruise” and many other modern “chips”.

The most famous Mustang models are GT, Boss, Mach 1 (factory modifications), Shelby GT, Shelby Cobra and Saleen Mustang (tuning studio modifications).

All these models did not appear immediately. The Ford company and tuning studios created them as demand arose. Since this article will constantly mention Mustang generations, we recommend that you first, and then move on to studying this article.

The Mustang received the GT modification a year after the start of sales of the first generation - in April 1965. It was distinguished from the base model by a modified suspension setup, sharper steering, the presence of front disc brakes, a dual exhaust system and a special body painting, characterized by a stripe on the board. Subsequently, in addition to the strip, a separate emblem was developed.

As is always the case with successful models numbering hundreds of thousands of copies, the market begins to demand exclusivity. In the same 1965, the Ford Company entered into an agreement with a well-known at that time to create a truly powerful sports modification, which later received his last name in the name:.

This Mustang model gets a 289 rider-tuned V8 engine that develops 30% more power (306 hp vs. 225 hp), redesigned suspension and a special body color that has become the studio's hallmark - 2 longitudinal stripes along the upper body from the hood to the trunk.

The sports car market was constantly demanding more and more power, so in 1968 Ford introduced the 428 Cobra Jet engine, which later became legendary, developing 550, and at the peak - all 610 hp. After this, modifications from the "court" atelier were called Shelby Cobra.

But the name "Cobra" stuck to the version not from Shelby, but to the factory modification with this engine. In particular, the second generation (when cooperation with Shelby was terminated) had one, positioned as the most powerful.

The modernization of 1969 introduced 4 new modifications to the Mustang line: cheap E, expensive Grande and sports Boss and Mach 1. Models E and Grande are not in great demand nowadays, but sports versions are still in demand among Ford Mustang collectors and fans.

The modernization of 1971 “removed” the Shelby Cobra and Boss modifications from the Mustang lineup, leaving only the Mach 1 as a sports version. vinyl top, as well as the Mach 1, which lost power due to the fuel crisis and was discontinued in 1978 due to declining demand. There was also Cobra, but their number does not allow us to talk about the return of this modification to the market.

In 1983, already in the third generation of the Ford Mustang, the GT version with a 175-horsepower engine returns to the market. But due to the increased demand for more powerful cars in the compact class, the company enters into an agreement with the newly opened tuning studio of Steve Salin to supply the market with “charged versions”.

In 1984, the studio presented samples, and in 1985 launched a modified version of the Mustang, which was named Saleen. These cars were luxurious and fast like no other Mustang of the time.

In 1999, for the updated 4th generation model, the Cobra version returned with a 320-horsepower unit, and in 2003, the Mach 1 with a capacity of 305 “horses”. Boss with 444 hp engine returned to the market in 2012 and was produced only until 2013 inclusive.

So, let's sum up.
The GT modification was offered in all generations except the second. Shelby GT and Shelby Cobra from the Shelby studio were present in the Mustang line in the first, a little in the second and, starting from the fourth generation, constantly. Boss and Mach 1 appeared in the first generation in the late 60s. The Boss was only offered to customers until the end of first generation production and during the 2012-2013 period, during the era of the fifth generation Mustang. Mach 1 lived longer: it was also offered for the second generation until 1978, and then for the fourth, in the period 2003-2004. Modification from the Saleen tuning studio continues to be present in all generations, starting from the third.

The Mustang car stands out in particular. As the owner of a great history, this flagship quickly became one of the leaders, consolidating its position to this day. The history of the Ford Mustang during its existence has gone from the beginning of the lineup, snatching the lion's share of the market, has become a benchmark for buyers.

Start of the story

Initially, the brand was focused on the sports segment. The release of the first car falls on 1964. It was immediately received positively by users due to its high technical characteristics. The car appeared thanks to the engineering solution of Lee Iacocca. The "basis" for the Mustang was the Ford Thunderbird, which in 1954 was the reference representative of the sports class.

During the introduction of new models, Ford was going through hard times. Then they were in trouble because of the release of Edsel, which only created big losses. The manufacturer has decided that researching the market for progressive development is a disadvantageous process. But the fact remained and it had to be corrected. For this, specialists from all departments were gathered in order to present to the buyer with a single effort. And so the Ford Mustang was born.

1964 movement

The first step was to create a social orientation of the car. It was also important to maintain the image. The creators focused on Thunderbird, however, they wanted to get a more social focus from it. For this, the Monya model was taken from the Corvair automotive series. This made the car recognizable. Further, the designers took the features of the body from the Lincoln Mark II because of its rather prominent hood, bright silhouette and small trunk.

In order for the Mustang to convey the assertiveness of the company's intentions, they paid attention to the sharp corners of the famous Maserati. This was complemented by a low landing, which was positively received by the average buyer. At the very beginning, the name of such a car was Cougar, which was accompanied by the same figure on the hood. The management changed its name just before the release of the series. On March 9, 1964, the market saw

Main advantages

Had a special modification, which had an opening top. It used a special power plant for 28 liters, which has a V-type. Thanks to its characteristics and attractive appearance, the car quickly reached the first position in the brand's sales. Experts note the thoughtful design, which qualitatively distinguished the novelty from competitors. Since that time, many manufacturers began to copy the original style of the car.

In 1965, the company offered a special package of modifications to the GT: an improved steering system, disc mechanisms on all wheels, a clear suspension, an unusual body color and a dual-type exhaust system. Manufacturers went further, and already in 1966, the buyer could get one of 34 ways to decorate the interior of a car.

Model updates

The idea of ​​​​development of the popular flagship was supported by the release of a sports modification. It was created in collaboration with specialists from Carroll Shelby. This made it possible to obtain engine power of 306 horsepower for the Shelby GT-350 model and 360 hp. With. for Shelby GT-350R. Later, this was supplemented by a Paxton supercharger, which increased the power to 420 hp. With.

Since the process did not stand still, it was necessary to periodically update the parts of the Mustang car. This was especially true of the Shelby GT 500, in which the horizontal inserts on the radiator were removed, and the air divider was fixed on it. The motors also received changes in the form of 6 cylinders, although the V8 model was still relevant. Of course, each user could order increased power from Cobra, if 270 hp. With. was not enough for him.

Carroll Shelby GT 500

This model appeared in 1967. It included small changes in the body and its increase by several centimeters. The general range of such modifications included a new engine: it used to be 3.3 liters, with a power output of 115 hp. With. Now it has been replaced with a V8 format, which had 7 liters and a power output of 355 hp. With. Actually, the increase in the size of the car made it possible to change the format.

Among the innovations, FMX is noted - a hydromechanical type transmission, which provided control in both automatic and manual formats. Already in 1967, changes took place - the production of Mustang passed under the control of Ford Motor, and the original line received the Shelby prefix. It also changed the very format of production, closing the department for the production of sports cars.

In 1968, the history of the model was marked by new eight-cylinder format engines. The company continued to provide users with the opportunity to choose the features of the Mustang car. Thus, you can choose among engine volumes from 3.3 to 7.0 liters. Power was also present at the discretion of the buyer from 115 to 390 horsepower. In the same year, the company presents a modification of the Shelby GT-500KR, which has a seven-liter engine from the Ram Air 428 Cobra Jet. It is distinguished by a special way of air intake, which increased the power to 410 hp. With.

Mustang modifications

An improvement in the lineup was scheduled for 1969, when the length was increased by 10 cm. To expand its position in the market, the brand released a cheap model E and a more expensive Grande. This was supplemented by a special edition of the Boss flagships, which had 290 and 302 hp engines. With. This allowed the firm to compete in Trans Am racing against the Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

This period was also marked by the appearance of the Mustang Boss 429. A set of eight-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower was complemented by lighter parts, which was provided by their special warehouse. Since such an engine had a lot of power, a revision had to be made for the front suspension. Because of this, the shock absorbers have changed places, and the wishbones have moved lower by 25 mm. There were also general improvements in appearance and technical side. Buyers noted the exceptional maneuverability of the car.

Motion support

1974 was remembered by Ford for the release of a fundamentally new line of Mustang cars. The company has worked hard to reduce the scale, but the safety of the usual bodies. Such innovations were supported by the release of the next generation Cobra and Mach I engines. This was followed by the debut for the Mustang III in 1978. Characteristic features of the Mustang car were pronounced corners and a body more familiar to a European user.

In 1982, the targa and coupe body were introduced, and a year later the updated Convertible came off the assembly line. The company decided to pay attention to the speed class, so they organized the release of improved Mustang models. The result was the SVO car in 1984, and a year later the already well-known Mach and Cobra were modified.

New format

Given the market trends, production decided to make changes to the fourth generation. This period fell on 1997. The format of the body elements was corrected, in which the lighting engineering was rebuilt (it was placed vertically). The following year, an improved 320 hp SVT was introduced. With. Alas, in practice, such an indicator of speed could not be developed, so the release of the model had to be quickly closed.

The new millennium began with a redesign of the automotive range. It has become characteristic of the Mustang to have a brutal appearance. This affected the installation of new headlights, a bumper and even a hood. Wheel arches began to have a steeper angle. The interior also received a new 4.6-liter engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 240 km / h. The same applied to the emblem - the usual horse found a chrome edging.

In the trend of time

In 2003, the anniversary of the 10th anniversary of the release of the well-known line of SVT cars took place. For this event, Ford introduced a new modification for the Mustang. In the current version, the car was available to buyers in two versions: a convertible and a coupe. Such machines were produced exactly 2003, which corresponded to the year. The power of the Mustang car was provided by a 390 hp supercharger. with., as well as a valve-type engine from Triton. All this was complemented by an independent suspension and the possibility of ordering a modification with a 5-speed transmission.

The anniversary production had differences in appearance. The 17-inch rims had a gold-plated color and double-format spokes. On the panel was the name 10th anniversary with the image of a cobra in a throw. The user had several color options to choose from: Silver Metallic, Black Clearcoat and Torch Red. The salon was equipped with red leather and carbon fiber inserts.

Mustang SVT Cobra

During the anniversary of the existence of the Mustang, Ford created the new Mustang GT-R. It included a modern aluminum-based V8 engine with two camshafts. The power of the novelty was able to reach 440 hp. with., which complemented the torque of 542 Nm. The company allowed the client to make changes in the technological features of the device, choosing a power of up to 500 horsepower.

In 2005, a performance took place in Detroit, where the Mustang GT-R was shown. This is a new generation focused on the sport class. It featured an improved platform that featured a powerful engine, rigid design and improved stability. Designers have worked hard on the interior, making it truly sporty. Thanks to a complete redesign, the novelty quickly took a leading position.

Thus, the Ford car series is still one of the leaders today. Buyers choose this brand because of its high quality and modern features. Also, classic models are a success, often used in cinema. The history of the creation of the legendary Ford Mustang is based on the right decisions that led the company to success.

When choosing a car, many try to highlight the main quality that you should pay attention to. But this increases the possibility of getting flaws from the purchase, because rarely does a manufacturer care about a balanced assembly. This is not the case with Ford, which has been proving its quality and reliability for a long time.

In 2017, as part of the auto motor show held in Detroit, a presentation of the updated Ford Mustang 2018-2019 model took place. For the most part, this is not a new model, but a restyling of the 6th generation shown in 2014.

The car has two body types: a two-door fastback coupe and a convertible. The car has a wide range of buyers, both in the US and in Russia, because in addition to its legend, it is attractive in terms of price and reliability of an average car. It is actively purchased by men aged 30-40 who want to stand out in the stream and have fun on the weekend.

Design changes

Changes in design are present, both in the front of the car and in the rear. Not to say that they have become cardinal, relative to the previous presentation of the car, but the fact that the car has received a new look is hard to argue with. The changes affected the grille, LED optics, the hood, which became 10 mm lower, which gave the Mustang additional streamlining, the spoiler and exhaust pipes also changed.

In general, the car received a modern and aggressive appearance with bright body elements, however, even in 2018-2019, the designers managed to maintain that very iconic look of primitiveness.

• Crimson;
• Blue;
• Orange.

In addition to these versions, the car also has 9 colors. There are also 11 types of rims with unique design styles to choose from. It must be admitted that the buyer needs to choose the configuration of his model - this is not easy.

According to the classics, the front of the car is a huge 6-coal false radiator grille with large-mesh filling and a massive logo in the very center. Under it, a small air duct is barely noticeable, which, with a large “protrusion” of the lower lip, the bumpers give the car aggressiveness. Most attention is drawn to the front optics, with LED filling in the form of curved vertical stripes. A massive hood with numerous stampings hangs over the optics of the Ford Mustang. Directly below the front optics are LED fog lamps with a horizontal orientation, which are only available as an option.

From the side, the car looks very impressive: a long hood with a “hump”, “falling” A-pillars and a domed roof that goes into a short rear. The image will be complemented by a high window sill line, rough edges and wide wheel arches, in which there are 20-inch wheels on low-profile rubber.

At the rear, the car received built-in vertically oriented LED lights, which are similar to the lights of the first Mustang, but have a styling of today. A spoiler rises above them, which is not available for all modifications, and the lower part is decorated with single or twin exhaust pipes (depending on the modification).

Dimensions:

• The length is 4784 mm;
• The width depends on the type of body - 1916 mm;
• Height - 1394 mm for the convertible and 1381 mm for the coupe version;
• The distance between the axles is 2720 mm.

Salon

Interior designers decided not to change much. However, the model has a new feature in the form of a color 12-inch dashboard display, which is located behind the standard 3-spoke steering wheel. In the basic modification, the sports car is equipped with standard analog instruments with two wells and an on-board computer display.

The central torpedo in the center is decorated with three round air ducts, under which there is a small 8-inch display of the Ford Mustang 2018-2019 multimedia system. Beneath it is a large scattering of buttons, knobs and toggle switches that are responsible for the audio system, climate system, heated and ventilated seats, and much more.

The seats received good lateral support and anatomical profile. In the "charged" modifications put buckets from Recaro. The salon has a 4-seater layout, but, perhaps, only children will be able to accommodate in the back, since there is practically no free space above the head and legs.

In general, the car has very high-quality finishing materials and a good level of assembly. For European competitors, this salon is still very far away, but for American manufacturers this is a high level.

The manufacturer did not deprive the owners of the luggage compartment, the volume of which in the coupe version is 408 liters. The convertible, thanks to the semi-automatic folding roof system, boasts 332 liters. By the way, to fold the roof, a complete stop of the car is required.

Specifications Mustang 2018-2019

Type	Volume	Power	Torque	Overclocking	Max speed	Number of cylinders
Petrol	2.3 l	317 HP	432 H*m	5.8 sec	250 km/h	4
Petrol	5.0 l	421 HP	530 H*m	4.8 sec	250 km/h	V8
Petrol	5.2 l	526 HP	583 H*m	3.9 sec	289 km/h	V8

Two standard modifications and several charged modifications are offered, which differ from each other in different parameters.

1. The simplest modification in its engine compartment has a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Direct injection and high turbine pressure from the engine made it possible to “remove” 317 hp. and 432 Nm of thrust.
2. The standard version of the GT is equipped with a classic American V8, the displacement of which is 5.0 liters. This atmospheric power plant "gives out" up to 421 hp. and 530 Nm of torque.

Both of these motors are paired with both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 10-band “automatic”.

The manufacturer also provides "charged" modifications of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R. The letter "R" in the title stands for lightweight bodywork, carbon fiber wheels and "track" suspension settings. Otherwise, they have the same power filling, represented by a 5.2-liter V-shaped “eight”, which develops 533 “horses” and 582 Nm of torque. The motor works exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The suspension of the muscle car is completely independent. At the front, it is represented by a double ball joint with anti-roll bar, and at the rear by independent coil springs with a stabilizer bar. The car is also equipped with a MagneRide damping system. "Charged" versions of the 2018-2019 Ford Mustang are distinguished by aluminum steering knuckles.

The car has got a powerful brake system with ventilated brake discs measuring from 320 to 380 mm. According to the classics, they are equipped with electronic assistants and ABS, EBD systems. Shelby modifications received 15 and 15.5-inch Brembo wheels with 6-piston calipers in front and 4-piston calipers in the rear.

Dynamics and consumption

The standard modification accelerates to 250 km / h, spending only 5.8 seconds on the first “hundredth”. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle does not exceed 9 liters.

The GT version can please with acceleration to a hundred in 4.8 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited to the same mark of 250 km / h. Combined fuel consumption - 12.5 liters.

In the performance of Shelby, Ford is able to overcome the first hundred in 3.1 seconds, and the maximum speed will be 285 km / h. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle here can be limited to 15 liters per 100 kilometers with a quiet ride.

Ford Mustang price

The most affordable option in the US is the basic modification with a 2.3-liter fastback engine, the cost of this option starts from 1,780,000 rubles. The Premium package costs from 2,100,000 rubles. If the buyer wants to buy a convertible, then its minimum price will be 2,150,000 rubles.

GT prices:

• For the GT version, you will have to pay at least 2,400,000 rubles;
• GT Premium - 2,750,000 rubles;
• GT Premium convertible - 3,100,000 rubles;
• Shelby GT350 - 4,000,000 rubles;
• Shelby GT350R - 4,500,000 rubles.

The standard modification is equipped with:

• 7 airbags;
• ABS, EBD;
• multimedia system display;
• LED optics;
• cruise control;
• Rear view camera;
• Dual zone climate control;
• 17 inch discs.

Premium added:

• Leather trim;
• seat ventilation;
• Voice control;
• Spoiler;
• 18 inch wheels;
• Pedals;
• Audio system with 9 speakers.

The GT version is different:

• power plant;
• exhaust system;
• brakes;
• nameplates;
• Seats.

Shelby GT350 features:

• Unique design;
• Recaro seats;
• Reinforced manual transmission;
• Magne Ride Suspension
• Productive motor;
• Brembo brakes;
• Premium interior trim;
• Electronic dashboard.

The R version will surprise:

• carbon fiber wheels;
• Adjustable exhaust;
• carbon fiber hood;
• carbon spoiler;
• Audio system with 12 speakers.

Ford Mustang 2018-2019 is a car that gives emotions, and in addition to them, it is able to give a fast and confident ride, pushing the “tail” of European competitors. Adjusted for price.

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