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New Driving Technologies

The 2013 Mustang maintains the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect, but with new technologies and packages for enhancement. The 5.0-liter engine will now deliver 420 horsepower. Based on learnings from developing the high-output 444-horsepower Mustang Boss 302, the team was able to adapt several of the designs to the 5.0-liter.

The new Mustang can be specified with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission. This advanced control strategy offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. The system is controlled with a selector button on the side of the shifter. The shifter has been upgraded for 2013 with a more modern style and improved accessibility.

"This 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," said Tom Barnes, vehicle engineering manager for Mustang. "This is an improvement in our powertrain offerings that delivers a sporty yet smooth experience."

Unlike some competitive transmissions, SelectShift won't second-guess the driver with an override shift. With SelectShift, manual control is truly manually controlled, allowing the driver to hold a gear right up to redline if desired.

A new option, the GT Track Package, debuts for the 2013 model for customers who want to push their Mustang even further on the track. Available only on manual GT Mustangs with a 3.73 axle, the package gives track enthusiasts an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads and the same Torsen differential that's on the Mustang Boss 302. The package includes everything in the current Brembo Brake Package, with 14-inch vented front discs, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

Other optional package updates for 2013 include offering the Brembo Brake Package on both manual and automatic transmissions on Mustang GT. For the first time, the V6 Performance Package is now available on automatic Mustangs.

Hill Start Assist makes its debut on manually equipped Mustangs. The feature helps keep the car from rolling backward, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the car is on a slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the braking system and the car remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

Mustang also offers customers selectable steering that tailors the driving experience to fit their needs. With a choice of three settings, the feature allows the customer to select the steering effort, depending on his or her style of driving.

Sport mode provides the most road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the highest level of steering effort, allowing the driver to be more in tune with how the vehicle reacts to the road. Comfort mode provides the least amount of road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the least amount of steering effort, which is ideal for long, relaxing drives.

A standard mode also is available and is a balance between the comfort and sport settings. The settings are accessed and programmed through the message center.

A new available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen that lets customers access information related to fuel economy and vehicle performance also makes its debut on Mustang. The screen is navigated through a five-way control button located on the steering wheel and offers Track Apps, which delivers performance metrics for drivers right from the factory. The app measures g-forces, shows acceleration times in quarter-mile and 0-60 increments, and displays braking times, complete with automatic and countdown starts.

Two new audio systems delivering incredible clarity and sound crispness for even better sound quality are now available for Mustang. The Shaker system offers eight speakers while the Shaker Pro offers nine speakers for a premium, stage-like listening experience.

Customers can use SYNC AppLink, which is a factory-installed feature on Mustang. AppLink is the free software program that gives SYNC users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone.

The 2013 Ford Mustang will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

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