Mustang Club of Maryland

First Look: 2013 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang returns for the 2013 model year, with a revised design, more technology, and a new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang powered by an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. Better yet, the Mustang GT gets a power increase, cranking out 420 horsepower. Other highlights include an optional six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a GT Track Package, and a new 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that lets drivers access information related to fuel economy and vehicle performance, including track Apps. The V6 Performance Package is now available on automatic Mustangs for the first time, and two new audio systems are available with a new Shaker Pro system offering nine speakers that pump out 550 watts of power.

Highlights
GT Mustang Produces 420 Horsepower
5.8-liter supercharged GT500 producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque
Optional six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission
A GT Track Package
Track Apps via a 4.2-inch LCD Screen

In addition, the Boss 302 Mustang returns, with a new, reflective hockey stick graphics package. Also new for the 2013 Boss Mustang is heritage-inspired School Bus Yellow paint and Sterling Gray accents on Boss Laguna Seca, which delivers race-ready suspension, aerodynamic details and removed rear seat.

“The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes the refinement to the next level,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience.”

More Horsepower and Improved Performance
The 2013 Mustang lineup will once again feature the 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 engine, available on the GT Mustang option. The 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 V6 Mustang will once again sport a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine which is capable of producing up to 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The big highlight of the 2013 model year is the Shelby GT500 Mustang. The new Ford Shelby GT500 is powered by an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 engine in the world. In addition, Ford says nearly every vehicle system in the GT500 has been optimized, including the powertrain, brakes, gearing and suspension. Another new feature of the 2013 GT500 is an optional Performance Package with SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The offering can be coupled with a track package for all-out racetrack performance.

Meanwhile, the V6 Performance package will be offered on automatic Mustangs for the first time. That said, GT Mustang owners will be able to order their own performance package. Available only on manual GT Mustangs with a 3.73 axle, the package offers up an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads and the same Torsen differential that’s used 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.

Another performance upgrade for the 2012 Mustang is an optional six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Ford says 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.” Ford adds, unlike some competitors’ transmissions, SelectShift won’t second-guess the driver with an override shift. With SelectShift, manual control is truly manually controlled.

The returning Boss 302 Mustang will once again produce 444 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to a 3.73-ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential to improve handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is available, coupled with Recaro front seats.

Exterior Upgrades and Improvements
"2013 Ford Mustang GT Front"

The most noticeable, and long overdue, upgrade pertains to the GT Mustang. The GT now features a more prominent grille, thanks to a powerful splitter. Upon first glance, the 2013 Mustang looks pretty similar to the previous model year. Closer inspection yields a few improvements, both inside and out. For instance, rocker panels running along the car are now body-color, making for a more premium appearance. In addition, the rear has been updated with a high-gloss black panel that connects the taillamps. Even better, the taillamps feature a smoked appearance. Three LED ropes forming the iconic three-bar rear lights.

The most noticeable, and long overdue, upgrade pertains to the GT Mustang. The GT now features a more prominent grille, thanks to a powerful splitter. The look is similar to that of the GT500 Mustang. In addition, functional heat extractors on the hood of the GT were specifically placed and designed to help move hot air out of the engine compartment and cool the engine. “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.”

The 2013 Mustang will come with new wheel options, from the standard 17-inch wheels for V6 all the way up to 19-inch optional wheels on the GT and V6 Performance Package. Ford says there are two different finishes on the 17-inch wheel – machined-aluminum and painted. Three optional V6 wheels include an 18-inch polished aluminum set, an updated 18-inch painted aluminum and a 19-inch painted wheel design, with a new theme for the V6 Performance Package. In addition, 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.

Other new exterior features include mirrors with pony projection light, which casts the image of Mustang’s famous pony emblem on the ground when the unlock button is activated. The 2013 Mustang will also be available in two new colors, Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green. Of note, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps will be standard on both V6 and GT Mustangs.

The 2013 Boss Mustang will feature a new hockey stick graphic featuring reflective stripes, inspired by the 1970 Boss 302 Mustang. “Everything we did for 2013 is consistent with and links directly back to our 1970 heritage. The reflective stripes and hockey stick graphic in particular mean something to Mustang enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Last year, we proved the car had what it takes to perform, and this year we focused on enhancing its eye-catching looks and celebrating its history.” The Boss Mustang will also feature a more prominent grille thanks to an improved splitter and functional hood extractors. Boss Mustang has new signature lighting, with standard HID headlamps and LED-surround taillamps. Unlike the previous model, the car’s roof will not feature colored accents.

As for the GT500, its front fascia and splitters were modified to handle the extreme loads at 200 mph, resulting in a car that Ford says tracks more securely and feels more planted to the road at higher speeds. The company says it offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model.

Interior Upgrades and Drive Enhancements
Like the exterior, the interior of the new 2013 Mustang has also been improved. Those buying a V6 or GT Mustang can opt for optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro seats that were previously only available on the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302. Ford says 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.

The 2013 Mustang Boss will now come with Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system, as a standard feature. In addition, Ford will offer Mustang owners an optional 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that lets drivers access information related to fuel economy and vehicle performance. 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. 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.

Ford also says they will offer 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. Optional 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen

The V6 and GT Mustangs, as well as the GT500, will once again be available as either a coupe or convertible. The Boss 302 Mustang is only available as a coupe.

The 2013 Mustang V6 base will start at $22,995, while the base GT coupe starts at $31,095. The Boss 302 will start at $42,995, with the Laguna Seca model starting at $49,990.

*Note: All the prices above, and below, have been adjusted to include a $750 destination fee.

2013 Mustang V6 base – $22,995
2013 Mustang V6 Premium – $26,995
2013 Mustang V6 convertible base – $27,995
2013 Mustang V6 convertible Premium – $31,995

2013 Mustang GT coupe base – $31,095
2013 Mustang GT coupe Premium – $35,095
2013 Mustang GT convertible base – $36,095
2013 Mustang GT convertible Premium – $40,095

Options
6-Speed Automatic Transmission – $1,195
3.31, 3.55 and 3.73 Ratio Axles – $395
The V6 Performance Package – $1,995
Glass Roof – $1,995
Reverse Sensing System & Security Package – $695
Comfort Group for Premium model only – $650
Convertible Soft Boot (V6 Premium Convertible) – $160
Electronics Package (NAV & DZATC) – $2,340
Rear Video Camera with Electronics Package – $240
Red Candy Specialty Paint – $395
Powercode Remote Starter (Automatic only) – $475
Engine Block Heater – $35
Gotta Have It Green Metallic Tri-Coat Paint – $495
Brembo Brake Package for GT model only – $1,695
Mustang GT Track Package – $2,495
California Special Car Cover – $375
All Weather Floor Mats – $85
Recaro Sport Seats in Leather or Cloth – $1,595
Recaro Cloth Sport Seats & Torsen Differential for Boss 302 – $1,995
Boss 302 Accessory Package – $475
Shaker Pro Audio System – $1,295

The 2013 Ford Mustang will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Ford reports the 2013 lineup will begin to roll out in the spring of 2012.

Source: Ford Motor Company

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