Report: Mustang Getting 2018 Refresh, Super Duty Going Aluminum
2016 Ford Mustang GT Black Package
In the automotive industry, it’s a bit hard to bask in the present with so much focus being put into the future moving forward. While the 2015 Mustang is still selling exceptionally well, and even with the 2016 lineup adding more new features in addition to the new Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R trims, Ford is already planning the future of its lynchpin sport sedan years ahead.
According to Automotive News, the Mustang is scheduled for a 2018 refresh, likely resulting in a new face and the addition of a 10-speed automatic transmission. Sources also indicate that Ford will be offering a Mach 1 edition Mustang in 2018, and that it will largely remain intact in its current iteration until 2019 or 2020.
2016 Ford F-150 Lariat Appearance Package
Auto News also indicates that the Ford F-150 will receive a 10-speed transmission for the 2017 model year, and it reiterates that the F-Series Super Duty will be receiving the F-150’s aluminum-intensive treatment and could lose the current model’s 6.2-liter V8 engine option. It’s anticipated that the new Super Duty will be revealed next month at the State Fair of Texas.
It’s also suggested that Ford is exploring importing the EcoSport subcompact crossover from India, possibly as soon as late 2017. The Economic Times of India reports that Ford is looking to find suppliers to help them build an additional 90,000 units per year for export to the US.
As far as Ford’s other SUVs are concerned, the Escape and Explorer are expected to be redesigned by 2019, the Flex will likely be discontinued by 2018, and the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator should be transitioned to new models with aluminum-alloy bodies shortly after production begins on the Super Duty.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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