2023 Ford Mustang: Prices, specs and release date

• 2023 Ford Mustang revealed in Detroit
• Seventh generation of world-famous ‘pony car’
• V8 engine continues – it’s not going electric (yet)
• Expect prices from £50,000 when it arrives in late 2023

The new 2023 Ford Mustang has been revealed in Detroit ahead of hitting the road in 2023 – and the latest version is without doubt more thrilling than ever. As before, the new Ford Mustang will be offered both as a coupe and convertible, plus an extreme new Mustang Dark Horse edition. 

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang sticks faithfully to the long-established playbook, but still boasts a modern and distinctive new appearance. Inside, it’s been completely overhauled with a digital-first interior, in response to demand from enthusiasts.

The best news of all, though, is the retention of the classic 5.0-litre V8. For now, the Ford Mustang is proudly free from electrification. What’s more, Ford promises us it will be the most fun-to-drive Mustang ever.

2023 Ford Mustang prices and release date

The new Ford Mustang’s debut at the 2022 Detroit Motor Show was an early look at the thrilling new seventh-generation car. It won’t be hitting the roads until 2023, and Ford won’t reveal full details until then.

Pleasingly, a right-hand-drive version has already been confirmed. The new Ford Mustang is expected here in the UK from late 2023, with prices likely to be upwards of £50,000.

2023 Ford Mustang styling, interior and technology

The 2023 Ford Mustang is still authentically ‘Mustang’, with the classic long bonnet and fastback profile clearly evident. But Ford says it’s added a modern edginess to the heritage-inspired design, which it expects will appeal to the broadest Mustang customer base yet.

The front end looks far meaner, with a lower horizontal brow stretching the full width of the car, beneath which poke out crisp LED headlights. For the first time, Ford is giving each of the models in the line-up its own unique front end. The popular GT, for example, has larger grille openings and new bonnet vents.

At the rear, Ford has shortened the overhang and extended the rear deck of the new Mustang. It has also introduced signature tri-bar lighting and an even bolder rear diffuser. Those looking to buy or lease a new Ford Mustang can choose from 12 colours, including new Blue Ember, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash.

Inside, the 2023 Ford Mustang dispenses with the famous double-brow upper dashboard. In its place is a more open-plan layout with two large digital screens as the centrepiece. Ford says it’s still driver-focused – the central screen is angled towards the driver – and combines the best of past, present and future.

Behind the new Ford Mustang’s thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel is a 12.4-inch digital instrument display that is fully configurable (‘We’re taking advantage of every pixel,’ says Ford). It’s complemented by a 13.2-inch Sync 4 centre stack with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. It integrates with the FordPass smartphone app.

Many of the dashboard buttons have been dispensed with. ‘Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display, was popular in research with millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike,’ claims the firm.

The latest B&O sound technology delivers crisp audio in the new Ford Mustang; it features 12 speakers and a subwoofer. Alternatively, the driver can turn the audio system off and enjoy the Ford Electronic Sound Enhancement tech, which amplifies the noise of the V8 directly into the cabin. 

2023 Ford Mustang engines, performance and fuel economy

The new 2023 Ford Mustang uses an updated, fourth-generation version of the company’s classic 5.0-litre V8 engine. It’s hasn’t revealed power figures to us yet, but confirms a traditional six-speed manual gearbox (with rev-matching on downshifts) will be available – alongside the 10-speed automatic. Naturally, both drive the rear wheels.

The 2023 Ford Mustang GT has a new air induction system with a dual intake and dual throttle body design. This minimises induction losses and enables higher flow rates – oh, and it will also sound sublime. Drivers can choose from six different modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track and a fully customisable setting.

The company is proud of the car’s lack of electrification. “Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion engines,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. Owners will have to accept 25mpg fuel economy (if they’re lucky) and CO2 emissions from 260g/km, however.

The new Ford Mustang will be exciting to drive, with enhanced responsiveness thanks to reduced compliance from steering wheel to tyre, plus a quicker steering ratio. The Ford Mustang GT is enhanced further with the standard Performance Pack, which includes 19-inch alloys, a sport limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and optional MagneRide active suspension.

At the top of the range is the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse edition. This is the ultimate track-ready Mustang and the foundation for the brand’s motorsport efforts. These will include entries into GT3, GT4 and NASCAR racing.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse has further improved aerodynamics, tyres, steering and power, going ‘beyond any 5.0-litre Mustang before it’. The Performance Pack is standard, and the Mustang Dark Horse also gets an auxiliary engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, unique lightweight radiator and more powerful cooling fans. A Torsen limited-slip differential is standard.

Making the Ford Mustang Dark Horse yet more special is unique chassis tuning, larger rear anti-roll bars and heavy-duty front dampers. There’s a strut tower brace, staggered tyre sizes and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 rubber. It even has an electronic drift brake for novices to improve their drifting skills – and providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

How to spot a Ford Mustang Dark Horse? It gets a darker look for its front end, plus lower side skirts and fixed rear wing, along with a new Mustang Dark Horse logo outside and in. ‘This is the first time for Mustang that we’ve ever had a forward-facing horse,’ said Ford. ‘It’s aggressive, a bit sinister, and it’s coming from the shadows head-on to win.’

Excited? Keep your eyes peeled for more new Ford Mustang news in the coming months, ahead of UK orders opening next year. And if you can’t wait that long, why not consider the current model – a 2016 V8 GT version could be yours right now for less than £30,000…