Ford is set to charge a premium for the last V8 muscle car on sale in Australia, raising prices by more than $10,000 ahead of the new Mustang’s arrival next year.
Having outlasted the Holden Commodore SS and Chrysler 300 SRT, the Blue Oval has little competition for folks who want thumping V8 power.
Which is one of the reasons why the new Mustang GT has climbed by almost $12,000, from $65,290 to $77,002 plus on-road costs in manual trim.
The 10-speed automatic version is even dearer at $80,902 plus on-roads.
Folks who want the range-topping Mustang Dark Horse need to dig deep and find $99,102 plus on-roads for a manual version, a significant step up from the $83,365 plus on-roads Ford charged for the similarly potent Mustang Mach 1 in 2021.
Automatic versions of the Dark Horse climb into six figure territory with a $103,002 asking price.
Customers can push prices even higher with optional extras such as MagneRide suspension ($2950), Recaro sports seats ($2950), cosmetic appearance packs ($1500) and prestige paint ($700).
At the cheaper end of the spectrum, the four-cylinder Mustang EcoBoost now costs $64,990 plus on-roads, which is about $15,000 more than the last model we tested in 2019.
EcoBoost models benefit from a more powerful engine with 232kW and 475Nm (up from 224kW and 441Nm) and now come as standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The V8-powered Mustang GT has a 347kW/550Nm that makes a little more power than the outgoing model’s 339kW/566Nm, thanks to a revised intake and exhaust. Available with a 10-speed auto or Getrag 6-speed manual, the Mustang GT also has performance gear such as Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and 19-inch wheels with high-performance tyres.
Folks who want the ultimate ‘Stang can pick up the Mustang Dark Horse, which has a 349kW and 548Nm version of the GT’s 5.0-litre V8. Benefiting from strengthened internals and uprated cooling, the Dark Horse is pitched as a track-ready version of Ford’s muscle car.
Unfortunately, local examples have been detuned compared to cars in the US.
Ford says American cars have “a different exhaust manifold and calibration to suit different noise and emission regulations”, which results in reduced power.
Dark Horse customers who choose to row their own gears do so with a beefed-up Tremec transmission similar to that found in high-performance Shelby Mustang models in the states.
A shorter final drive ratio returns more urgent acceleration, along with increased fuel use.
The Dark Horse has wider wheels and multi-mode shock absorbers that separate it from the regular GT, as well as more aggressive bodywork.
All Mustangs have multiple drive modes, including track and drag strip settings best enjoyed away from public roads.
Special toys include a “line locker” function that clamps on the front brakes to facilitate burnouts at the drag strip, while a new “drift brake” function on the lever-operated electronic hand brake allows sideways enthusiasts to lock the rear tyres to initiate skids at speed.
Automatic versions get a remote start function, but miss out on a feature that allows American customers to rev their engines from outside the car using their key fob.
A 12.4-inch instrument display is standard across the range, as is a 13.2-inch centre display angled toward the driver. Wireless smartphone mirroring is linked to a 12-speaker stereo that also has digital radio, sat nav, and the FordPass range of apps.
Safety gear includes auto emergency braking, active cruise control, blind spot monitoring and multistage stability control.
Andrew Birkic, president and chief executive of Ford Australia, says the model is “sure to make owners smile every time they drive it”.
“We are confident that the new Mustang will be a hit with Australian drivers,” he says.
“The car’s improved performance, handling, and the addition of the Mustang Dark Horse special edition make it a great choice for anyone looking for an exhilarating driving experience.”