Ford Mustang Gets V8 Only With Lower Outputs In The UK And EU

Latest-gen Ford Mustang has gone on sale in both the EU and UK in (clockwise) GT coupe and convertible guises, as well as racy Dark Horse. Notably, Ford opted not to offer the model with a 4-cyl powertrain option for both markets.

First unveiled in late 2022, the latest seventh-generation Ford Mustang is finally going on sale in both the EU and UK this year from July onwards. Interestingly, said markets will only see the Mustang on sale solely with 5.0-litre V8 heart – the 2.3-litre 4-cyl turbo option won’t be offered in either markets.

Moreover, said sole V8 option for the EU and UK - the latter perhaps standing as the model's few right-hand-drive (RHD) markets - will also deliver significantly less power than North American models. For reference, US-spec standard V8-powered GT variant Mustang outputs up to 486 HP and 566 NM, whilst the Dark Horse special ups the ante to 500 HP and 566 NM.

That won’t be the case in both Europe and Britain as the Mustang for both markets will see its V8 churn just 440 HP and 540 NM instead. Even the Dark Horse special isn’t spared from this restriction, outputting a marginally higher 447 HP instead while torque remains the same at just 540 NM.

Both 6-speed manual (pictured) and 10-speed auto transmission choices are available. However, the V8 for both the EU and UK markets are detuned with significantly lesser outputs over the US-spec model.

Unchanged though are the two transmission options available – a 6-speed manual or 10-speed auto.  Despite the lowered output, the EU- and UK-bound Mustang does benefit with unique chassis tuning, according to Ford. Key to which are the priming of larger anti-roll bars, heavy duty front dampers, front strut tower brace, and a rear K-brace.

Adding to which, the blue oval marque also highlights that the Mustang for said markets will roll on 19-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero PZ5 tyres. Also available is an optional MagnaRide suspension, which is Ford’s own adaptive suspension hardware.

Despite the lower outputs, Ford did note that EU- and UK-bound Mustang benefits with a specially tuned chassis featuring larger anti-roll bars, heavy duty front dampers, front strut tower brace, rear K-brace, and optional MagnaRide adaptive suspension.

Also available as a cost-option is the Performance Package. This firstly adds Brembo anchors at all four corners, plus a limited-slip differential for the driveline. It also furnishes the Mustang further with an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a lightweight radiator, a rear axle cooler, and an ‘electronic drift brake’.

According to Ford, that last feature was “engineered for both novcies and expets to improve their drift skills.” Other features primed include a host of active driver assistance (ADAS) such as intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, lane-keeping assist, and more.

On board, the Unreal Engine-powered digital displays offer immersive graphics and extensive customisation.

On board, the EU- and UK-bound Mustang mirrors its US-spec counterpart here by offering both a 12.4-inch digital dash display and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen primed with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 5G-enabled navigation and music streaming.

The new Mustang’s digital displays are powered by the Unreal Engine from the world of gaming. In turn, it will allow immersive graphics plus extensive customisation.

Visually, the EU- and UK-bound Mustang appears largely similar to its North American counterpart. It will be offered in said markets in both coupe – racy Dark Horse included – and convertible forms, the latter sporting a “fully lined and insulated roof” that takes just 8 seconds to raise or lower.

Orders are now open in both markets, which sees UK prices starting from £55,685 (approx. RM335,586) for the base GT coupe, and from £65,585 (approx. RM395,248) for the racy Dark Horse special.