Both engines are paired with either a five-speed manual transmission, which comes standard or, for the first time in the pony car, a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission has new electronic controls, communicating with engine 10 times faster than previous model for better pep and mileage.
The V8 powered GT is equipped with a rugged Tremec 3650 gearbox, while V6 cars get a Tremec T-5 box.
Strutting Its Stuff
Up front, the Mustang gets a new MacPherson-strut suspension system with reverse "L" lower control arms that reduce weight and improved steering. But, in the back, the car retains its traditional solid-rear axle instead of the independent rear suspension many had hoped for.
"We talked to a lot of Mustang owners as we were developing this program," said Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer on the car. "They are a very passionate group, and a lot of them told us-very strongly-that the all-new Mustang had to have a solid rear axle."
Thai-Tang is no stranger to Mustangs. He previously served as the vehicle engineering manager for the Mustang line, and led the development and launch of the 2001 Mustang GT, V6, Cobra and 2001 Bullitt GT models.
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| For the first time, the Mustang will be offered with an electronic five-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Strutting Its Stuff
Up front, the Mustang gets a new MacPherson-strut suspension system with reverse "L" lower control arms that reduce weight and improved steering. But, in the back, the car retains its traditional solid-rear axle instead of the independent rear suspension many had hoped for.
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| The solid rear axle has a new rear suspension that stabilizes the rear axle side-to-side as the wheels move through jounce and rebound or during hard cornering. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Thai-Tang is no stranger to Mustangs. He previously served as the vehicle engineering manager for the Mustang line, and led the development and launch of the 2001 Mustang GT, V6, Cobra and 2001 Bullitt GT models.