Preview: 2013 Ford Mustang

First look

The spy shots of the Shelby GT500 getting its testing miles on may just be the best visual cue of what the 2013 ford Mustang would look like. What exactly has been changed on the Blue Oval’s next gen pony car is being kept under tight wraps by the company but the redesigned Mustang is reported to borrow major fashion sense from the Shelby GT500.

2013 Ford Mustang

What’s new?

The current Shelby GT500 is reported to have lent the 2013 Ford Mustang a rounder, smaller lower grille and a more protruding, larger upper grille. Other styling cues making their way into the new model are modern LED lights running straight across the rear bumping the controversial taillight on the 2010 version a royal boot.

What’s been refreshed?

Mustang fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming few years and the 2013 Ford Mustang, being one of the most successful series for the American company, is expected to pack in a handful of advanced features to give it a leg up on the older versions. The exterior is reported to get a new trim package with upgraded new interiors in an aluminum finish.

What’s good?

Slight visual revisions apart, the four-seater 2013 Ford Mustang will be offered in convertible and coupe versions with turn signals that light up sequence, scooping indentations on either side, rounded headlamps rectangular dashboard, round instrument panel and curvy air vents finishing the look. Optional add-ons should include a new navigation system, aluminum-trimmed accents, LCD display and bucket seats in the front. The 2013 is expected to retail the same powertrains with the 5.0L V8 outputting 425 hp and 3.7L V6 producing 305hp.

What’s not so good?

All we have seen of the 2013 Ford Mustang is a few renders accompanied by rumored specs. Although we would have loved having our hands on an official press release to give you a full lowdown on the minus points on the new model, all we can say at this juncture is that the interim car, with its facelift, is a mere show‘pony’ and if one really can, they should wait for the “real” upgrade to arrive in 2015.

Price and availability

The 2013 Ford Mustang is expected to start retailing around $60,000 with the optional the 1,000W Shaker audio system setting you back an extra $1,300. As usual, these prices are based on what the current models are going for and the company should not depart too much from the market prices. Expect the 2013 Ford Mustang to make a production appearance around the spring 2012.

Wrap-up

The year 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of Ford’s pony car and with the current Ford Mustang having received a restyling just last year, the mid-cycle refresh seems a little unwarranted. Although the company is not expected to blow a big budget on the cosmetic makeover, the new V6 and V8 engines given to the franchise are a definite fresh breath of air.

The 2013 Ford Mustang is expected to debut in as a concept the LA Auto Show in November later this year with a markedly sleeker lower grille and a more pronounced upper lip to make it resemble the lines of the current Shelby GT500. The remodeled Mustang is expected to axe the angled rear tail lights and the flush tail lights of the 2005 version may make a welcome reappearance and make the model more appealing to newer customers.