Europe Rejoice: Global Mustang GT Gets Power Bump

Ford makes 2018 power changes internationally for both V8 and EcoBoost models.

Mustang fans in Europe can take pleasure in knowing that they’ll be receiving all the upgrades those of us here in the U.S. get in the 2018 models.

Of course, the Mustang GT owns the most noteworthy increased output. The GT’s 5.0-liter V8  now tops out at 450 horsepower, a 25 HP bump over the previous model, as detailed in an Automobile report.

Our friends across the pond also get the new 10-speed automatic transmission and a few enhancements for the manual six-speed gear box to handle the boost in V8 power. That stick-shift option includes a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel.

There is, however, a steeper downgrade if buyers opt for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Ford has decreased its power to 290 horsepower, a drop of 27 ponies over the 2017 model. That comes as part of Ford’s effort to meet overall emissions standards. It also likely will prompt even more consumers to buy the Mustang GT, even if it means dealing with a few extra stops at the fuel pump.

Then again, the V8-powered Mustang has already proven to be the more popular of the two models in Europe. In fact, that was apparent early on when the Mustang first went on sale in Europe. According to a report by Business Insider, of the initial 2,000 Mustangs first ordered in the UK, roughly 70 percent were GT models. It’s really just another reminder that the Mustang’s iconic muscle car appeal spans much further than the streets of North America.

In addition to the boost in power, the 2018 Euro-spec Mustangs also sports the same new facelift as the U.S. model, which includes a revised grille.