It's been less than a year since the sixth-generation Ford Mustang arrived in U.S. dealerships, and the Blue Oval->ke31 has already unveiled a few new features for the pony car. Meet the 2016 Mustang, a more customizable take on the redesigned muscle car,->ke507 and one that revives a couple of classic trim packages, as well as one of the more emblematic features of the first-generation Mustang.

The sixth-gen pony may have been criticized by some fans for its new styling or the lack of the good ol' live rear axle, but the fact that Ford made sure it carried design cues borrowed from the original Mustang kept the majority happy. For 2016, FoMoCo wants to take things up a notch by reintroducing two visual enhancement packages that were popular in the 1960s.

The update also brings the hood vent-integrated turn signals, also revived after a very long hiatus, as well as a couple of options that debuted on the 2016 Shelby GT350. Ford released a technology update as well, but only for Mustangs->ke428 equipped with the Premium Package, one of the more expensive factory options. In fact, most new options and packages are only available for the EcoBoost and GT models, a hint that Ford is targeting buyers interested in the more expensive trims rather than the entry-level V-6. Let's have .

Updated 05/18/2015: A leaked document reveals that prices for the 2016 Mustang remain unchanged. So, when the model will arrive at dealers it will be priced identical to the 2015 model year: starting $23,800 for the coupe and $29,300 for the convertible. (Mustang6g)

Continue reading for a closer look at what the 2016 model year brings to the Mustang.

ford-mustang - do not use

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-mustang
Pros
Cons

2016 Ford Mustang

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ford Mustang
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 6500
  • Torque: 280 @ 4000
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Exterior changes for the 2016 model year Mustang are mostly limited to new options and packages. The only new features that are offered as standard, but only on the GT trim, are the hood vent-integrated turn signals, first introduced on the first-generation Mustang back in 1967. These turn signals are mounted in the hood vents and are oriented toward the windshield so the driver can see them from behind the steering wheel. Not that it matters, but the Mustang just won bragging rights to a segment-exclusive feature. Now let's wait and see how Chevrolet->ke199 doesn't give a hoot about it.

Moving on, Mustang EcoBoost and GT buyers now have access to over-the-top racing stripes (as seen on Shelby GT350 models) in either black or silver. Ford says they are available "on most color and trim packages," but no actual info is given. A black roof option, also taken from the Shelby GT350, is now available on EcoBoost and GT trims.

Along with the hood-vent turn signals, the Pony Package also makes a comeback for 2016. Exclusive to the Mustang EcoBoost Premium (and only for fastback bodies), the Pony Package adds bespoke 19-inch, polished aluminum wheels, a tri-bar pony logo on the front grille, side stripes, and chrome window surrounds.

The Mustang GT also gets its own exclusive bundle, dedicated to customers in need of a stealthier look. Dubbed the Black Accent Package, it enhances GT fastback and convertible models with 19-inch, black-painted alloy wheels, a black decklid spoiler, smoked taillight trim, and 5.0 and pony logos in black.

More goodies come via the iconic California Special Package, also made famous by the first-generation Mustang. It includes 19-inch, ebony-painted, machined aluminum wheels, side and hood stripes, a faux gas cap, smoked taillight accents, black side mirrors and hood vents, a performance front splitter, and a special grille with tri-bar pony logo. The bad news is the California Special package is only available on the Mustang GT Premium trim, which makes sense given the original California Special came as a GT only.

Lastly, the final visual update comes with the newly introduced Performance Package for the GT Convertible, which adds a more aggressive front splitter and deletes the rear spoiler.

Customers will spend a lot more time customizing their Mustangs with so many new options up for grabs.

Interior

The interior of 2016 Mustang remains unaltered except for the new entertainment system that comes with the Premium Package.

Specifically, Ford equipped the 2016 model year pony selected with the Premium Package with SYNC 3, which is faster, more intuitive, and easier to use than the previous unit. SYNC 3 also features the ability to update system software via any Wi-Fi network, improving functionality.

New features are also available through the California Special Package. When that specific box is checked on the options sheet, the GT Premium's interior receives ebony leather and Miko suede seat inserts with red contrast stitching and embossed logos, special door-panel inserts and premium carpet with red stitching, and a bespoke aluminum dashboard finished with a California Special badge.

Customers who add the Performance Package to the Mustang GT convertible get an aluminum instrument panel with auxiliary gauges.

Drivetrain

As expected given the sixth-generation Mustang is still fresh, the 2016 model continues with identical drivetrains.

That being, base V6 models feature last year's updated 3.7-liter V-6 engine rated at 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. With this unit under the hood, the pony can hit 60 mph in about six seconds. That's about as quick as the current base Chevy Camaro->ke248 with the 3.6-liter V-6 under the hood.

Next up is the turbocharged, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost, which was introduced as an all-new engine for the 2015 model year. Good for 310 horses and 320 pound-feet of twist, the four-banger can push the Mustang from 0 to 60 mph in as quick as 5.2 seconds with the automatic transmission, or around 5.5 seconds with the manual.

Lastly, there's the range-topping, 5.0-liter, "Coyote" V-8 that Ford upgraded to 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque for the sixth-gen model. In this case, 0-to-60 sprints drop to around 4.5 seconds and quarter-mile times are just under 13 seconds. These figures are comparable to Chevy's range-topping Camaro SS powered by the 6.2-liter V-8 with 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

All three engines can be mated to an updated Getrag, six-speed manual gearbox or the optional, six-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

New for 2016 are the features added by the Performance Package to the Mustang GT Convertible. I'm talking about the same updates previously available on the fastback model, such as chassis tuning with a strut tower brace and K-brace, a larger radiator, revised suspension with heavy-duty front springs, six-piston Brembo front brake calipers, a Torsen limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio, and tuning for stability control, ABS and electric power-assisted steering. These are only available on manual transmission models.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6

2.3-liter EcoBoost I4

5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8

Configuration

Aluminum block and heads

Aluminum block and head

Aluminum block and heads

Intake manifold

Composite shell-welded with runner pack

Composite shell-welded with runner pack

Composite shell-welded with runner pack and charge motion control valves

Exhaust manifold

Cast iron

Three-port integrated into aluminum head

Stainless steel tubular headers

Valvetrain

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independentvariable camshaft timing

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing

Bore x stroke

3.76 x 3.41 in./ 95.5 x 86.7 mm

3.45 x 3.7 in./ 87.55 x 94 mm

3.63 x 3.65 in./ 92.2 x 92.7 mm

Displacement

227 cu. in./3,727 cc

140 cu. in./2,300 cc

302 cu. in./4,951 cc

Compression ratio

10.5:1

9.5:1

11.0:1

Horsepower

300 HP @ 6,500 RPM

310 HP @ 5,500 RPM

435 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

280 LB-FT @ 4,000 rpm

320 LB-FT @ 2,500-4,500 rpm

400 LB-FT @ 4,250 RPM


Prices

Model

Price

2016 Ford Mustang V6 fastback

$23,800

2016 Ford Mustang V6 Convertible

$29,300

2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback

$25,300

2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

$29,300

2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium convertible

$34,800

2016 Ford Mustang GT fastback

$32,300

2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium fastback

$36,300

2016 Ford Mustang GT convertible

$41,800


Options

EcoBoost Performance Package

$1,995

EcoBoost Pony Package

$895 - convertible/$995 - fastback

Performance Package

$2,495

Black Accent Package

$995

California Special package

$1,995

Black roof

$695

Top racing stripe package

$475

6-speed automatic transmission

$1,195

3.55 rear axle setup

$395

Recaro cloth sport seats

$1,595


Competition

Chevrolet Camaro

The Mustang's long-time rival will receive a complete overhaul for the 2016 model year, including restyled, more compact body work, a significantly lighter chassis, and enhanced drivetrains.

Meanwhile, the model that already entered its final year on the market carries on with the same 3.6-liter V-6 and 6.2-liter V-8 engines. The base unit produces 323 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, while the V-8 comes in two configurations in the SS model. The less-powerful version cranks out 400 horses and 410 pound-feet, while the range-topping unit delivers 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of twist.

Find out more about the outgoing Camaro in our full review here.

Dodge Challenger

Dodge->ke28 facelifted the Challenger->ke249 for the 2015 model year, giving it revised front and rear fascias inspired by the classic, 1971 model. The interior also got a refresh, while the biggest news in the drivetrain department is the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the old five-speed unit.

The engines remained unchanged, starting with the base 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter V-8 continues with 375 horses and 410 pound-feet, while the mighty 6.4-liter, Hemi V-8 pumps out a whopping 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet, besting both the Mustang GT and the Camaro SS.

Dodge also enhanced customization possibilities for the Challenger by adding or updating packages such as the Super Track Pak or the Scat Pack. A Shaker is also available for customers in need of some classic Mopar heritage.

Read more about it in our detailed review here.

Conclusion

Overall, the sixth-gen Mustang doesn't get that much for the 2016 model year, but it's only natural it continues mostly unchanged. Having been sent to dealerships less than a year ago, the pony is still fresh and a couple of years away from any significant updates. Nevertheless, I'm sure customers will appreciate the new options and packages. The fact that the California Special and the hood-vent turn signals have returned for the 21st century can only be good news for Mustang gearheads in the U.S.