2018 Ford Mustang GT crimson

This 2018 Ford Mustang GT is painted Royal Crimson. In Drag Strip mode, this new Mustang can reach 60 mph in under 4 seconds. That’s faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. (Image/Torque News)

The 2018 Ford Mustang will be the fastest pony car ever with the 5.0 model boasting a 0-to-60 time under 4 seconds thanks to its new “Drag Strip mode.”

Ford Motor Co. has given both the 5.0 V8 and four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost Mustangs bigger performance numbers over the 2017 versions.

The 2018 Ford Mustang V8 will make 460 hp and 420 foot-pounds of torque, up from 435 hp and 400 ft.-lbs.

The 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost will make the same 310 hp as the 2017 model, but will churn out 350 ft.-lbs. of torque, an increase of 30 ft.-lbs. over the most recent version. In Drag Strip mode, the four-banger EcoBoost hits 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

[Learn how to upgrade your Ford EcoBoost engine here.]

Ford has discontinued the 3.7L V6 Mustang for model year 2018. The V6 version made up just 15 percent of Mustang sales, according to Automotive News.

The new Mustang features Ford’s brand-new 10-speed transmission, which is what makes Drag Strip mode work. This transmission was developed as a partnership with rival General Motors. It first appeared in the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.

“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Mustang’s chief engineer, in an Automotive News report. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”

The 2018 Mustang also features new shocks, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension, and enhanced stabilizer bars, for better handling and an improved ride. All trim levels offer MagneRide dampers as part of the optional Performance package.

Jalopnik provided a nice breakdown of all the subtle exterior changes between the 2017 and 2018 Mustang here.

Ford officials remain mum on pricing and fuel mileage figures for the 2018 Mustang. The car is slated to hit U.S. dealerships this fall.

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