Daily Slideshow: 2018 Mustang GT Receives Level 2 Performance Pack

The New & Improved 'Stang

Although the Ford Mustang has achieved the title of "The Best-Selling Sports Car in The World," the Blue Oval designers and engineers decided to once again up the ante for the 2018 model year. The big news is that the 2018 Mustang will receive a fairly significant facelift that includes redesigned headlights/headlight housings, hood, front fenders, air dam, grille, and turn-signal indicators for a more aggressive look. The new car will produce a significant bump in horsepower while also achieving greater fuel efficiency. With all of these new updates, the new optional Level 2 Performance Package has gone highly unnoticed.

>>Join the conversation about the Level 2 Performance Pack here in The Mustang Source.

Performance Per Dollar

Ford has long been known to offer various upgrade packages on the Mustang to allow owners a choice of certain factory installed performance parts. Since the introduction of the sixth generation Mustang in 2015, the GT Performance Package has been viewed as somewhat of a bargain because it provided a huge improvement in handling and braking performance for a relatively inexpensive price. For those unfamiliar with the GT Performance Package, it is only available on Mustang GT models equipped with a manual transmission and includes six-piston Brembo front brake calipers with larger 380mm rotors, strut-tower brace, k-brace, larger rear sway bar, stiffer front springs, larger radiator, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential, and larger 19 inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Additionally, the package also included different tuning for the electric power steering, ABS, and stability control system.

>>Join the conversation about the Level 2 Performance Pack here in The Mustang Source.

Stepping It Up A Notch

The new for 2018 Level 2 GT Performance Package adds even more goodies on top of everything that is already included in the Level 1 package. Perhaps the biggest upgrades in the Level 2 package from both a visual and performance standpoint are the huge 305-section Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at all four corners (fitted to 19x10.5" front and 19x11" rear wheels) and the MagnaRide adaptive suspension dampers with stiffer springs front and rear that allows for a 1 inch lower ride height. To take advantage of the extra grip, the front, and rear sway bars were significantly stiffened with the rear bar seeing a whopping 67 percent increase over the standard unit. Similarly, the front and rear spring rates were altered to achieve 20 percent firmer front springs and 13 percent firmer rear springs.

>>Join the conversation about the Level 2 Performance Pack here in The Mustang Source.

Utilizing The Air

Mustang engineers developed an aerodynamic package to improve performance and differentiate Level 2 cars from the rest of the GT models. Apparently, much time was spent in the wind tunnel with a former NASA aerodynamicist to create functional body enhancements to keep the car planted at speed. The front splitter is similar to that of the hard-edged Boss 302 Laguna Seca and is said to provide about 25 pounds of downforce at 80 mph. While the Level 1 package typically came with a spoiler delete, the 2018 Level 2 package includes a subtle upswept spoiler on the trailing edge of the bumper for roughly 35 pounds of downforce at 80 mph to balance out the aero package.

>>Join the conversation about the Level 2 Performance Pack here in The Mustang Source.

A Steal of A Deal?

All said and done, the Level 2 GT Performance Package will be a $6500 option that includes the $3995 Level 1 components. In terms of pricing, many feel that it will not provide the bang for the buck that the Level 1 package offers, but those who regularly visit the canyon twisties or participate in the occasional track day will see returns on their investment. While Ford has not necessarily designed this as a track-oriented package, a factory test at Michigan's Grattan Raceway saw the Level 2 package notably outperform the Level 1 setup by 3.5 seconds per lap. Additionally, skidpad numbers easily above 1G prove that the Level 2 package will have an abundance of grip that will be well suited for corner carving. Although 2018 models are already on showroom floors, Level 2 Performance Package cars are not expected to go into production before March of 2018. In any case, it is looking to be an exciting year for the 2018 Mustang!

>>Join the conversation about the Level 2 Performance Pack here in The Mustang Source.

For help with service of your car, check out the how-to section of our sister site MustangForums.com