2018 Ford Mustang to Offer Ten-Speed Automatic Gearbox
Ford is preparing to introduce a ten-speed automatic transmission to the Mustang for the 2018 model year, aiming to sharpen performance and efficiency.
Ford is set to add a ten-speed automatic gearbox to the Mustang for the 2018 model year, according to information that surfaced through a dealership parts catalogue. The new transmission is expected to be a headline change for the updated model, which is due to reach showrooms in 2017.
The move brings the Mustang in line with key rivals, most notably the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which already uses a ten-speed automatic developed jointly by General Motors and Ford. The same transmission has been available in the Ford F-150 pickup since the 2017 model year, paired with the 3.5-litre V6 engine. For the Mustang, the gearbox is understood to be adapted for the car’s performance requirements.
Rivalry with Camaro drives transmission update
The ten-speed automatic is a response to the latest Chevrolet Camaro, which has drawn attention for its rapid-shifting transmission. Ford’s adoption of the same core gearbox reflects the increasing technical arms race between the two American muscle cars. The new Mustang transmission is expected to deliver quicker shifts and better highway fuel economy thanks to its wider ratio spread.
While exact performance figures for the 2018 Mustang with the ten-speed have not been released, Chevrolet claims its version in the Camaro ZL1 outpaces even the Porsche PDK for shift speed. Ford’s version is likely to be calibrated for the Mustang’s specific engines, but the underlying hardware remains a product of the Ford-GM collaboration.
Impact for buyers and the market
For Mustang buyers, the addition of a ten-speed automatic offers a new choice for those seeking a blend of performance and everyday usability. The extra gears should provide smoother acceleration and lower engine speeds at cruising, helping both performance and economy. Dealers are likely to promote the new gearbox as a key selling point against the Camaro, as the two models continue to battle for sales supremacy in the segment.
Ford has not yet officially confirmed the ten-speed for the Mustang, but the appearance in dealer systems and the company’s previous work with GM on the transmission make the update highly likely. The 2018 model is expected to bring further tweaks, but the gearbox stands out as the most substantial mechanical change.
For context on Ford’s earlier plans for a ten-speed Mustang, see Ford Plans 10-Speed Automatic for 2015 Mustang.
