For 2013, expect styling similar to the 2012 Shelby GT500. Image: Ford Motor Company
It’s no secret that Ford is planning something big for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary in 2015, but the automaker still needs to sell cars to consumers between now and then. The current design was facelifted in 2010, and the Mustang received new engines in 2011. As good as the new V-6 and V-8 are, expecting the Mustang to soldier on for four years with no changes is asking a bit much. The trick for Ford, then, is making the 2013 and 2014 Mustangs better, without diluting interest in the upcoming 2015 Mustang.
If sources are correct, it looks like the Mustang will see subtle but significant changes for 2013. Expect to see a more prominent grille, similar to the one used on the Shelby GT500, and expect the 2013 Mustang to use LEDs around the headlights. The angled taillights that debuted in 2010 will be binned, replaced by flush taillights more along the lines of the original 2005 design.
The best news? The Mustang is rumored to be getting more power, in both V-6 and V-8 trims. How much isn’t clear, but we wouldn’t expect to see a major jump from today’s 305 horsepower (V-6) and 412 horsepower (V-8). On the other hand, the new Camaro gets 323 horsepower from its V-6 and 426 horsepower from its V-8, so Ford will surely look to narrow (or close) that gap.
Look for the 2013 Mustang to debut as a concept at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales starting early next year.
Source: Mustangs Daily via MotorAuthority
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
