The Ford Mustang. It’s one of history’s most iconic muscle cars (and now a modern day crowd-hunting missile) that has seen a total of six generations, several different body styles, and one of the most loyal fanbases out there. It’s had its ups and downs but has been in constant production since March of 1964, with the most recent generation coming to life for the 2015 model year. Since then, the Mustang has been reworked a bit, with a new face for 2018 and a revamp of drivetrain options that will cut out the V-6 altogether. Along with the facelift and change to the drivetrain lineup, it was recently announced that even the EcoBoost Mustang will now come with line-lock, and now Ford is announcing a new “Pony Package” for the EcoBoost model that brings some stand-out aesthetics and the classic pony-in-corral grille that has appeared occasionally since it was displayed on the original concept in the mid-1960s

The last time the pony-in-corral grille was seen was back in 2015 as part of the Mustang’s anniversary package, but this time around as part of the package for the EcoBoost, you’ll also get a few other items that include side stripes on the lower body, tri-bar pony badge on the rear deck, a brightened beltline and window trim for hard tops, and a fresh pair of wheels. Inside, you get some floor mats with an embroidered pony logo to tie the whole package together. So far, there’s no price announced yet, but we should learn more about the price of this package as well as pricing for the 2018 Mustang shortly before it goes on sale in time for Halloween.

Continue reading for more information.

If You Want a V-8 No Pony Package for You

So, assuming this package is priced fairly, it sounds pretty good – those 19-inch aluminum wheels should look pretty good on the updated Pony, as will the iconic badge that comes with the package and the stripes. But, that also means you’re stuck with the EcoBoost engine. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing – it does pump out 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque from that little 2.3-liter, all-aluminum mini powerhouse. And, for the record, it also has a shorter wheelbase than both the Dodge Challenger and the Chevy Camaro. Compared to the 2.0-liter Camaro, it has 35 more horsepower and five more ponies than the Challenger with the 3.6-liter. Obviously, the EcoBoost Mustang has it going on.

Ford Mustang

Chevrolet Camaro 2.0T

Dodge Challenger

Engine

2.3-liter EcoBoost

2.0-liter I-4 DOHC VVT DI Turbocharged

3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6

Horsepower

310 HP @ 5,500 RPM

275 HP @ 5,600 RPM

305 HP @ 6,350 RPM

Torque

320 LB-FT @ 3,000 RPM

295 LB-FT @ 3,000-4,500 RPM

268 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM

Transmission

six-speed manual

six-speed manual

six-speed manual

Curb weight

3,542 Lbs

3,354 Lbs

3,894 Lbs

0 to 60 mph

6.4 seconds

5.5 seconds

6.2 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph

130 mph

120 mph


With that said, the 2018 Mustang will represent one of the best Mustangs in the car’s history (the first generation notwithstanding, of course), and it’s more advanced than ever. Not only does it have that powerful EcoBoost engine as the entry-level option, but it also comes with line-lock for track-day racing across the model range not to mention that new 10-speed automatic that should offer good economy and great shift times. A manual transmission is obviously still available because Ford knows better – it comes with a twin-disc clutch, and dual-mass flywheel for 2018 to make it more efficient and capable of handling all that torque.

References

Read our full review of the 2018 Ford Mustang