Muscle cars made their way onto the world automotive stage in 1949 with the debut of the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Fifteen years later, on April 17, 1964, the first Ford Mustang was unveiled at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. Since then, old greasers and teeny-boppers alike have fallen hard and fast for America’s favorite stallion.
And it’s no surprise why. In the more than half a century since the Mustang’s inception, Ford Motor Company has stayed a step ahead of the competition, with continued redesign and innovation. The result is a stunning, modern twist on a timeless classic, with more power and torque than ever before.
A Brief History of the Ford Mustang
In the few years following the release of the first generation Ford Mustang, which sold more than 1 million cars in its first two years of production, competitors raced to the scene to throw their brand name in the muscle-car hat (most notably Chrysler, GM, and AMC).
The first generation of Ford Mustangs, which spanned the years 1964 to 1973, was largely based on the Ford Falcon Chassis, with a big redesign in 1967 to accommodate more people and more engine.
Second generation Mustangs (years 1974 to 1978) were born into tough times, where “emissions regulations, safety standards, high insurance premiums for powerful performance cars, and the looming oil crisis” all mixed together to create the perfect automotive-industry storm.
Based on the design for the Ford Fairmont, the third generation Mustang (1979 to 1993) saw a Fox-body redesign and better handling and performance.
The year 1994 saw the beginning of some exciting upgrades with the fourth generation Mustang (1994 to 2004). Base model Mustangs now came standard with a V6 engine, among other improvements.
In 2005, Ford when back to its roots and modeled the fifth generation Mustang (2005 to 2014) after its predecessor, the 1969 Mustang Fastback.
Now, more than fifty years later, Ford has released six generations of Mustang. Looking to purchase a 2018 Ford Mustang in Cincinnati, Ohio? Introducing the 2018 Ford Mustang line-up driving into a dealership near you:
EcoBoost® Fastback
Starting at $25,585
EPA-Est. MPG 21 City / 31 HWY
Notable Features: The EcoBoost® Fastback features a six-speed manual transmission that delivers a powerful launch without losing the smooth transition between gears. It also has integral-link independent rear suspension to help minimize body roll and for a more responsive ride and precise handling. The new 2.3L EcoBoost engine boasts 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
EcoBoost® Premium Fastback
Starting at $30,600
EPA-Est. MPG 21 City / 31 HWY
Notable Features: SYNC® 3 is a voice-activated technology that syncs with your smartphone for a seamless transition. It also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to your Mustang. This model also features premium heated and cooled leather-trimmed front bucket seats and the 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
EcoBoost® Convertible
Starting at $31,085
EPA-Est. MPG 20 City / 28 HWY
Notable Features: New standard issue LED headlamps use less, around 30 percent less power than the previous HIDs. Also, standard issue are the 17-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels. This model also features integral-link independent rear suspension for smooth handling.
GT Fastback
Starting at $35,095
EPA-Est. MPG 15 City / 25 HWY
Notable Features: The revamped 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine makes an appearance in the GT Fastback model, which translates to more power and more speed at 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance metrics tracking now comes standard with Track Apps™. New for 2018 are 18-inch high-gloss Ebony Black-painted pockets wheels, which are available on Mustang EcoBoost®, EcoBoost® Premium, GT and GT Premium models.
EcoBoost® Premium Convertible
Starting at $36,100
EPA-Est. MPG 20 City / 28 HWY
Notable Features: The EcoBoost® Premium Convertible features a new 10-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission, which offers wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing for improved responsiveness and performance during acceleration. This is in conjunction with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. All new on this year’s model is a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, which is the first all-digital display to be offered on a Mustang.
GT Premium Fastback
Starting at $39,095
EPA-Est. MPG 15 City / 25 HWY
Notable Features: The GT Premium Fastback also sports the new 10-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission, this time paired with the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, with 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, this model has a powerful combination under the hood. Also on this model is a dual exhaust with quad tips, which produces the much-loved roar associated with a Mustang barreling down the road.
GT Premium Convertible
Starting at $44,595
EPA-Est. MPG 15 City / 25 HWY
Notable Features: With the 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, heated and cooled front bucket seats, and Track AppsTM for metrics performance tracking, the GT Premium Convertible is a marvel of modern technology.
Shelby® GT350/GT350R
Starting at $57,145/Starting at $64,645
EPA-Est. MPG 14 City / 21 HWY (BOTH)
Notable Features: Dual exhaust with electronic valves and quad tips, coupled with a 5.2L V8 engine maximize the power and performance of the Shelby® GT350/GT350R. The 5.2L V8 engine produces a whopping 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. The Shelby® GT350/GT350R also comes with a TREMEC® 3160 six-speed manual transmission for precision engagement and smoothness.
Looking Ahead
Fifty years after the release of the thriller starring Steve McQueen and his dark green Mustang, Ford introduces the 2019 Mustang BULLITT™ to commemorate the movie’s 50th anniversary. Under the hood, the BULLITT™ is comparable to the GT Premium models, with many additional features found in the GT Performance Package. This model, currently in pre-production, is projected to have a 5.0L V8 engine that will reach a top speed of 163 mph with 475 horsepower. The BULLITT™ will sport the Dark Highland Green exterior reminiscent of its cinematic predecessor, a unique front grille, and subtle chrome accents.
With so many unique options, it can be difficult to decide which model is the best for you. Whichever 2018 Ford Mustang model you choose, or if you patiently await the 2019 BULLITT™ (estimated availability June 2018), between the sleek body style and the thunderous roar, you’re sure to turn heads as you race past. Contact your local Cincinnati Ford dealer for more information, or to take this pony for a ride.
Sources:
https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/muscle-car-information/how-muscle-cars-work1.htm
https://www.carfax.com/blog/american-muscle-car-grew/
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ford-mustang-debuts-at-worlds-fair
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/the-history-of-the-ford-mustang
https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/
https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/models/
