2013 Ford Mustang Gets Facelift, More Power

We’ve been hearing rumors about improvements to Ford‘s current Mustang for the 2013 model year, now the Blue Oval has officially given us the scoop.

Perhaps the most obvious update is a revised front fascia which adopts a more Shelby G500 appearance, largely due to a different style of lower valance and intakes. There’s also an LED headlight option and on GT models a new hood with functional air extractors.

The previous black lower rocker panel extensions are now body colored, while the triple tailights out back are now LED units, in keeping with current industry trends, plus a high gloss rear panel in between them, inspired by the Boss 302. Other exterior features include side mirrors with LED “pony” logos that illuminate when you open the doors, new exterior colors (in the shape of Gotta Have It Green and Deep Impact Blue), plus newly styled 17, 18 and 19 inch wheel options.

Other changes on the 2013 Mustang include the availability of genuine Recaro seats on V6 and GT models, plus a SelectShift feature on cars equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission. A Track Pack option is offered on manual gearbox equipped GTs, which includes Brembo brakes, a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and Torsen diff, along with a Track Apps display in the instrument panel which provides performance data and statistics.

For some time, rumors claimed that the 2013 model would boast a slight increase in horsepower and on the GT, the 5.0-liter quad cam “Coyote” V8 is rated at 420 horsepower, though still falls a bit short of the Camaro SS with 426 horsepower ( when equipped with a manual gearbox).

In addition the limited production Boss 302 returns for ’13 offered in a new exterior color (School Bus Yellow), along with a set of reflective “hockey stick” side stripes, a dead ringer for those found on the ’70 Mustang of the same name. Removable front foglamps should prove a boon for track enthusiasts, aiding brake cooling during extended hot lap sessions.

The 2013 Mustang will make it’s official debut at the LA Auto Show this week; stay tuned for further information.