The 2023 Ford Mustang represents the final model year of the pony car’s sixth generation, quietly concluding a nine-year production run with only a handful of changes, including the deletion of the Mustang Shelby GT500 variant from the lineup.
2023 Ford Mustang Model Line
The 2023 Ford Mustang drops the Shelby GT500 from its model line. This variant has been offered sporadically throughout the pony car’s life, and was most recently introduced in 2020 before bowing out after the 2022 model year.
As such, the 2023 Mustang is offered in five distinct trim levels. EcoBoost remains the base trim level, followed by EcoBoost Premium, both of which are available as either a fastback or convertible. GT represents the midrange trim, and is available exclusively as a fastback, while GT Premium can be ordered as either a fastback or convertible. Finally, Mach 1 represents the range-topping variant, and is exclusively available as a fastback.
2023 Ford Mustang Exterior
Outside, the 2023 Ford Mustang drops two exterior colors.
Deleted exterior colors:
2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in Cyber Orange Metallic
2022 Ford Mustang in Brittany Blue Metallic
Other than that, the exterior of the 2023 Mustang remains the same.
2023 Ford Mustang Interior
The 2023 Ford Mustang sees no changes to its interior. No new features were introduced, and nothing was deleted. All of its features, styling and technologies remain the same.
2023 Ford Mustang Mechanical
Since the Shelby GT500 variant has been deleted from the 2023 Mustang lineup, its corresponding powertrain is also unavailable. That means that the 5.2L V8 Predator engine, which produces 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque for the GT500 application, is no longer offered, along with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 2023 Ford Mustang soldiers on with a choice of two engine options. The turbocharged 2.3L I4 EcoBoost engine, which is standard on base EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium trims, produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to either the six-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic transmission.
The naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 Coyote engine is standard on GT, GT Premium and Mach 1 trims. When outfitted in GT and GT Premium models, the eight-cylinder powerhouse produces 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. In the Mach 1, that same engine is tuned for 470 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with either the six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.
2023 Ford Mustang Packages
A new package, named the Nite Pony Package, is available for the 2023 Ford Mustang across all trim levels. This package includes the following content:
- 19 by 8.5-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels
- Black Blade decklid spoiler
- Black front and rear Pony Badges
- Black grille
- Black mirror caps
- Painted Black roof
This equipment group was previously known as the Black Accent Package for the 2022 model year. The Black Accent Package included the same equipment as the Nite Pony Package, meaning that the latter simply represents a name change.
2023 Ford Mustang Availability
Underpinned by the Ford S550 platform, the 2023 Ford Mustang is assembled at the Ford Flat Rock plant in Michigan. Order books for the 2023 model year closed on December 5th, 2022 and production is expected to conclude in the spring of 2023 after a relatively limited production run.
2024 Ford Mustang GT
The brevity of the 2023 Mustang isn’t exactly a surprise, considering that the all-new seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang is on the horizon. The forthcoming pony car’s design represents a complete generational shift, as it was redesigned from the ground up inside and out. The Mustang Dark Horse was also unveiled, representing the range-topping variant for the 2024 model year and a major pivot in The Blue Oval’s racing efforts.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Mustang Shelby GT500 isn’t completely dead. In fact, as reported by Ford Authority back in September, the high-performance variant is on track to make a comeback in 2025 for the 2026 model year.
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Comments
Are the GT Mustang 5.0 power specs correct? Base 5.0 450 HP 510 torque, but Mach 1 470 HP but a drop in torgue to 410?
If correct, which I doubt, the ‘base’ GT will be faster with 100 more ftlbs of torque more than offsetting just 20 more HP.
I was wondering the same thing.
I was somehow able to spec out a 2023 Mach 1 before the order banks closed. Ford (finally) confirmed my order with a VIN and a build date estimate of the week of February 27. As it was explained to me the specs are 480 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 420 lb/ft of torque at 4600 rpm. Info for the 2023 has been difficult to come by and the 2023 model isn’t listed on the Ford website. I guess we’ll know soon enough.
The article states the sixth generation Mustang has had an eight year production run. It’s been 9 model years of course. I’m disappointed they dropped the 19 inch polished wheel option. Hoping the 2024 may have one.
She’s wrong again. She’s quoting 3.5 twin turbo spec. “When outfitted in GT and GT Premium models, the eight-cylinder powerhouse produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. ” Wrong, 450 and 410 for the GT V8.
https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2023/mustang/2023-mustang-specs-final.pdf