2013 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is Ford’s most famous model and as such, a mild update is almost mandatory every year if the Blue Oval wants to keep it fresh and in line with the competition.

While based on the 2012 model, the new Mustang has received some minor styling updates as well improvements beneath the skin.

Ford says that the design tweaks were meant to make the new Mustang look more aggressive. On the outside, these include a more prominent grille for all models, a new front splitter, a functional hood air extractors on the GT, body-colored rocker panels, a new design for the tail lamps and a glossy rear panel sporting the Mustang emblem.

Furthermore, there new standard headlights utilize HID (high-intensity discharge) technology, while LED (light-emitting diodes) are also used both in the headlamps with two individual units, and in the rear, where three ropes form the iconic three-bar design.

“We are delivering a more distinctive and emotional design presence that celebrates the total performance of Mustang”, said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “This latest Mustang design is very respectful of its heritage while continuing to look forward with a more powerful and modern look.”

The interior will be a familiar sight to owners of the current Mustang. The most prominent change is the new 4.2-inch LCD screen that is controlled via a steering-wheel mounted five-way button.

The new Track Apps function displays not just the usual fuel consumption and range information, but also acceleration times in 0-60 and quarter-mile increments, braking times, automatic and countdown starts and g forces.

Two new audio systems are available, one with 8 speakers and 370 watts and an upgraded version with nine speakers and 550 watts. For those focused on driving rather than aural pleasure, Ford has also added the cloth- or leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats of the Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 on the options list.

There have been some changes under the hood as well. Ford engineers have applied lessons learned from developing the 444HP Boss 302 engine to the 5.0-liter V8, which now pushes out 420-ponies, eight more than the outgoing 5.0 GT.

The 2013 Mustang options list also includes the new SelectShift six-speed auto transmission that allows the driver to shift gears manually via a button on the side of the shifter and won’t upshift if it reaches the rev limiter.

Mustang vehicle engineer Tom Barnes says: “It’s a significant improvement to our powertrain offerings. It lets owners take an automatic out on a track day or whenever they want to drive sportier, and lets them have the convenience of switching to manual control.”

Those wanting to have fun on the track can opt for the GT Track package. Available in manual-transmission Mustang GTs with a 3.73 axle, it features an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads, 14-inch vented front discs, 19-inch alloy wheels, summer performance tires and, last but not least, the Torsen limited-slip differential from the Boss 302.

The V6 Performance Package is now available on automatic Mustangs, and the hill start assist system on manual-box equipped models, while the Brembo Brake Package is optional on both manual and automatic versions.

The new 2013 Mustang will make its motorshow debut in Los Angeles this week and reach U.S. showrooms in spring of 2012.