As preempted by previous findings from parts dealers and tuning houses, the smoke was indeed proven to stem from fire tended to by development of Ford’s 2018 Mustang, or the mid-cycle update version of the 6th-generation car.
There will indeed be a higher tier Performance Pack available for the American pony car upon launch, bridging the gap between the more basic Level 1 package and the track-honed Mustang Shelby GT350(R). Judging by Ford’s intentions, the changes outlined, and simply the more scowling look of the car, it would indeed be a fitting foil for the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, a car that might be arriving locally next year with help from HSV.
There are already a raft of new features being added to the Gen-6 version for the 2018 model year, not least of which are the styling changes and improvements made to the cabin and powertrain package. Then there’s the more unconventional of inclusions, ones that Ford’s marketing department probably had less trouble to publicise: the Line Lock feature (basically a burnout button), Drag Strip Mode, and less hardcore, a ‘quiet mode’ to not annoy your neighbours too much with that rumbling V8.
Speaking of which, the revised 343kW Coyote 5.0-litre naturally aspirated motor does not receive any further power or torque hikes upon selecting the Performance Pack Level 2. Instead, the engineers have focused on matters such as handling and grip. The upgrade treatment is reserved for the GT (obviously) coupe and comes standard six-speed manual transmission.
What sets the Level 2 Mustang apart would be the 19-inch cast-aluminium wheels in a new, more motorsport-inspired Y-spoke design. They are matched to the same set of extra sticky rubber that’s provided on the GT350R: the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, while greatly improving dry traction, should be used with more caution in wet weather due to their semi-slick nature.
There’s also some aero assist to keep it more planted, coming from a new and quite aggressive looking front splitter that’s claimed to offer 10kg of downforce at 130km/h. At the rear, too, we have a ducktail spoiler that - visually - is an equal balance of dramatic and subtle, but also functional.
Naturally the, the Performance Pack Level 1 upgrades feature here as well. This means that the Level 2 cars will also receive the upgraded Brembo brake rotor and calliper package, a Torsen limited slip differential, thicker anti-roll bars, firmed up suspension via revised spring rates, and alternate calibrations for the variable magnetic dampers.
Ford said they will charge new Mustang GT coupe customers a $6,500 US Dollar premium for the Level 2 upgrade, which is a good chunk more than the USD$3,995 announced for the Level 1 Performance Pack. While the first production examples of the 2018 Mustangs should soon be reaching dealers in North America (followed shortly by international markets), deliveries of cars with Performance Pack Level 2 are expected to begin later in Q2.
For more on Ford cars, check out our Showroom.
