- Responsive and fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine
- Powerful 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine
- Good ride/handling balance
- Attractive retail pricing
- Steering lacks feel
- Mustang EcoBoost lacks dynamic ability of Mustang GT
- Two star safety rating
- For V8 engine, overly sharp throttle repsonse
- Reports of misaligned panels
Review: Ford S550.I Mustang (2015-17)
Overview
Manufactured in Michigan, USA, production of Australian-delivered Ford Mustang vehicles commenced in late 2015, followed by deliveries in the second quarter of 2016. For Australia, the rear-wheel drive Ford S550 Mustang was available as a four-seat fastback or convertible, powered by 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.
EcoBoost and Coyote V8 engines
The 2.3-litre ‘EcoBoost’ engine had a die-cast aluminium alloy cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps, a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, cast aluminium Mahle pistons with steel piston-ring carriers, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll Honeywell turbocharger, an intercooler, double overhead camshafts, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ford’s Ti-VCT), four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a counter-rotating balance shaft. The EcoBoost engine has 31 mm diameter intake valves and 30 mm exhaust valves; intake and exhaust valve lift is 8.31 mm and 7.42 mm, respectively.
Assembled in Ontario, Canada, the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine had an aluminium cylinder block with reinforcing webbing in the casting, a forged steel crankshaft, sinter forged connecting rods, cast aluminium pistons, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, sequential multiport injection, double overhead camshafts, cam-torque-actuated (CTA) Ti-VCT, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller finger followers, and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The Coyote V8 engine has 37.3 mm diameter intake valves and 31.8 mm exhaust valves; valve lift is 13.0 mm for both intake and exhaust valves. Furthermore, the V8 engine has a 7000 rpm redline.
| Engine | Body | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 2.3-litre turbo petrol I4 | Coupe | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
233 kW at 5600-5700 rpm | 432 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Convertible | 6sp auto | ||||
| Mustang GT | 5.0-litre Coyote petrol V8 | Coupe | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
303 kW at 6500 rpm | 525 Nm at 4250 rpm |
| Convertible | 6sp auto |
Getrag MT82 and Ford 6R80 transmissions
The EcoBoost and V8 engines were mated to either six-speed Getrag MT82 manual transmissions or six-speed Ford 6R80 ‘SelectShift’ automatic transmissions (shared with the SZ Territory TDCi ). For the SelectShift automatic transmission, the driver can perform sequential gearshifts via the steering wheel paddles.
Body and dimensions
The Ford S550 Mustang was 4784 mm long, 1916 mm wide, 1381 mm tall (1394 mm for convertibles) and have a 2720 mm long wheelbase. To reduce mass, the Mustang had an aluminium bonnet and front wings, and aluminium components in the suspension, transmission and brakes.
Kerb weights for the Mustang ranged from 1655 kg for the EcoBoost fastback with manual transmission to 1792 kg for the V8 convertible with automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Mustang EcoBoost fastback and Mustang V8 fastback had front:rear weight distributions of 53:47 and 54:46, respectively.
The body for the 2015 Mustang fastback was 28 per cent stiffer than its fifth generation predecessor – this was achieved through a higher proportion of high-strength steels and manufacturing techniques such as laser welding and hydroforming.
Suspension and steering
The Ford Mustang had double ball joint MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, integral-link rear suspension. For Mustang models with the Ecoboost engine, the rear suspension utilised twin-tube dampers; for models with the V8 engine, however, monotube dampers were used.
The Mustang had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance and a steering ratio of 16.0:1; its turning circle was 12.2 metres.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ford Mustang included dual two-stage front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The Mustang fastback was also fitted with curtain airbags.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Ford Mustang V8 fastback initially received a two star safety rating which included a 72 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 32 per cent child occupant protection rating; because autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and other active safety technologies were not available, the ‘safety assist’ rating was 16 per cent. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s neck and thighs were rated as good, but head, chest, lower leg and foot protection was rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). During the frontal offset test, the driver’s head also ‘bottomed out’ the airbag and contacted the steering wheel. While maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, chest protection in the pole test was rated as adequate.
In Europe, the post-July 2017 Ford Mustang V8 fastback was fitted with Ford’s Pre Collision Assist (with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking) and Lane Keeping Aid. Due to the addition of these safety technologies, the post-July 2017 Mustang was re-assessed and given a three star safety rating which included a 61 per cent ‘safety assist’ rating. Since the structure of the vehicle was unchanged, no new collision tests were performed. According to Ford, however, the restraint system was updated to prevent the airbag bottoming out for the driver and front passenger.
Wheel and braking packages
Ford S550 Mustang models with the EcoBoost engine had 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 R19 x 9.0J tyres. Furthermore, these models will be fitted with 352 mm by 32 mm vented front brake discs with four-piston 46 mm fixed aluminium calipers and 330 mm by 25 mm vented rear discs with single-piston 45 mm floating iron calipers.
For Ford Mustang models with V8 engines, however, the 19-inch alloy wheels had 255/40 19 x 9.0J front and 275/40 R19 x 9.5J rear tyres. These models also had an upgraded front braking package consisting of 380 mm by 34 mm vented front brake discs with Brembo six-piston 36 mm fixed aluminium calipers.
Features: Ford S550 Mustang
Standard features for the Ford Mustang included 19-inch ebony black painted alloy wheels, a nine speaker sound system with an amplifier, iPod integration and USB integration, Ford’s ‘SYNC2’ connectivity system with an eight-inch colour touch screen, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, ventilated leather seats, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with automatic operation, front fog lights, daytime running lights, a rear view camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and parking brake, remote central locking, a proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, push-button start, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, ambient lighting, illuminated visors, illuminated scuff plates, floor mats, aluminium-faced pedals, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
As standard, the Mustang was fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Paint colours
The Ford Mustang was available in ten paint finishes:
- Oxford White;
- Competition Orange;
- Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat;
- Ingot Silver Metallic;
- Magnetic Metallic;
- Triple Yellow Tri-coat;
- Race Red;
- Deep Impact Blue Metallic;
- Guard Metallic; and,
- Black.
Brochure
Related links
Review: Ford S550.II Mustang (2018-on)
Overview
Production of the Ford S550 Series II (S550.II) Mustang commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017 and it was released in Australia in June 2018. While the S550.II Mustang continued to be powered by 2.3-litre ‘EcoBoost’ and 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 petrol engines, these engines were revised for greater power and available with ten-speed automatic transmissions.
Styling changes
Visually, the Ford S550.II Mustang could be identified by its lower bonnet and grille, new grilles, re-positioned bonnet vents, LED front lights (for the low-beam headlights, signature lighting and turn signals), new rear bumper, fascia and revised LED tail-lamps. According to Ford, the styling changes also reduced aerodynamic drag. Inside, the Ford S550.II Mustang had a 12.4-inch LCD instrument cluster which the driver could configure for normal, sport and track modes.
EcoBoost and Coyote V8 engines
For the 2.3-litre ‘EcoBoost’ turbocharged petrol engine, a transient overboost function was introduced. For the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 engine, changes included a new dual injection system (which consisted of high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port injection), and a higher maximum engine speed. For the Mustang GT (V8), an active valve exhaust system could provide a louder exhaust note.
| Engine | Body | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang | 2.3-litre turbo petrol I4 | Coupe | 6sp man., 10sp auto |
224 kW at 5600-5700 rpm | 441 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Convertible | 10sp auto | ||||
| Mustang GT | 5.0-litre Coyote petrol V8 | Coupe | 6sp man., 10sp auto |
339 kW at 7000 rpm | 556 Nm at 4600 rpm |
| Convertible | 10sp auto |
Transmissions
Compared to the outgoing six-speed 6R80 automatic transmission, Ford claimed that the ten-speed automatic transmission provided faster gearshifts, better ‘low-speed tip-in response’ and reduced friction losses. Furthermore, the electronic control system included unique tunes for different drive modes and ‘real-time adaptive shift scheduling’.
For the Ford S550.II Mustang GT (V8), the manual transmission had a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to ‘increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation’.
Suspension
For the Ford S550.II Mustang, Ford claimed that new shock absorbers provided ‘better ride control’, that a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension increased lateral stiffness and that ‘innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling’.
As an extra-cost option, the Ford S550.II Mustang could be specified with ‘MagneRide’ suspension which used magnetorheological fluid in the dampers. When an electric current was applied to the fluid, the alignment of the magnetic particles changed and this varied damping resistance.
Safety equipment
As standard, the Ford S550.II Mustang was equipped with the following active safety technologies:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection (AEB): could detect vehicles or people that were on or around the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path. The system would initially issue visual and audible warnings (‘Forward Collision Warning’), while the brakes would be automatically applied if the driver did not respond and a collision was anticipated (‘Autonomous Emergency Braking’ or AEB);
- Adaptive Cruise Control: a radar-based cruise control system which could maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. If the system detected that the vehicle ahead was decelerating or too close, it could apply the brakes to maintain the set distance. Once the road was clear, the system would then accelerate the vehicle back to its selected cruising speed; and,
- Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist: operating at speeds above 60 km/h and using a forward facing camera, Lane Departure Warning alerted the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifted out of its lane. Furthermore, the Lane Keeping Aid would actively steer the Mustang back into its lane.
Features
Inside, the Ford S550.II Mustang featured a 1000 watt B&O Play audio system which had twelve speakers and a customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. Furthermore,
- A ‘MyMode’ memory function enabled the driver to save their favourite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences; and,
- The ‘FordPass’ app enabled the driver to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle via their smartphone.
For a complete list of features, please refer to the brochure below.
2018 Ford Mustang Bullitt
The Ford Mustang Bullitt was released in Australia in October 2018 and had a list price of $73,688 (excludes on-road costs). Released to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Bullitt, the film starring Steve McQueen, the Mustang Bullitt was fitted with a Performance Package that included a Shelby GT350 intake manifold and 87 mm throttle bodies. For the US market, the 5.0-litre V8 engine for the Mustang Bullitt produced peak power and torque outputs of 354 kW and 569 Nm, respectively. The Mustang Bullitt was solely available with a manual transmission.
The Mustang Bullitt could be identified by its ‘Shadow Black’ and ‘Dark Highland Green’ paint finishes, unique black front grille, red painted Brembo brake callipers and black ‘NitroPlate’ exhaust tips. Inside, the Mustang Bullitt featured green accent stitching for the dashboard, door panels, centre console and seats, while the gear shifter had a white cue ball shift knob.
Mustang GT Fastback: Black Shadow Pack
From July 2019, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback could be specified with a Black Shadow Pack for $1000 which included 19-inch ten-spoke dark-finish alloy wheels, a black painted roof, black bonnet stripes, black grille Pony badging, black ‘5.0L’ guard badging and black side stripes.
Brochure
Brochure: Ford S550.II Mustang (March 2019)
Related links
