What engine is in a 2018 Mustang?
There isn’t a single engine for the 2018 Mustang. The lineup offered three main options: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4, a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and a 5.2-liter V8 in the Shelby GT350. The exact engine depends on the trim and options you choose.
Engine options for 2018 Mustang
The 2018 Mustang lineup centers on three primary powerplants, each paired with different transmission choices depending on the trim.
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 — 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque; transmissions: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic (auto available on EcoBoost and GT).
- 5.0L Coyote V8 — 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque; transmissions: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
- 5.2L V8 (Shelby GT350) — 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque; transmission: Tremec 6-speed manual only (no automatic option).
The 2018 Mustang thus offered a spectrum from a practical turbo-four to a high-performance V8, with transmission options that varied by engine and trim.
Engine choices by trim
Trims aligned with these engines typically included:
- EcoBoost trims (EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium) powered by the 2.3L turbo engine.
- GT trims using the 5.0L V8.
- GT350/GT350R trims using the 5.2L V8 Voodoo engine (manual only).
Note: Some trims could be paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission for EcoBoost and GT, while GT350 remained manual-only for the model year.
Notes on performance and options
Beyond the engines themselves, performance and handling features varied by trim and optional packages. The 2018 refresh also brought styling updates and new technology options across the lineup, complementing the distinct engine choices described above.
Summary
For the 2018 Mustang, buyers could choose among a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo inline-4, a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, or a 5.2-liter V8 in the Shelby GT350. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual across all but the EcoBoost/GT with a 10-speed automatic available as an option; GT350 was manual-only. This configuration provided a range from daily-drivable efficiency to track-ready performance.
What is the difference between 5.0 and 5.0 Coyote?
The main difference is that "5.0" traditionally referred to Ford's older pushrod V8 engine, while "Coyote" is the name for its modern, high-performance DOHC 5.0L V8 engine introduced in 2011. The Coyote engine is significantly more advanced, featuring dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and an aluminum block for better power, efficiency, and reduced emissions compared to the older engine design.
| Feature | Traditional 5.0L | Coyote 5.0L |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Pushrod V8 | DOHC V8 |
| Valvetrain | Overhead Valves (OHV) | Dual Overhead Cams (DOHC) with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) |
| Block Material | Iron | Aluminum |
| Performance | Lower horsepower and torque compared to modern standards | Higher horsepower and torque with better efficiency |
| Emissions | Higher emissions | Lower emissions due to modern design |
| Weight | Heavier (iron block) | Lighter (aluminum block) |
| Application | Primarily older Ford vehicles like the Fox body Mustang | Modern Ford Mustang GT, F-150, and other performance vehicles |
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In essence, the Coyote is a complete redesign that brought the "5.0" badge back with a high-revving, modern engine capable of more power and efficiency through advanced engineering.
Was 2018 a good year for Mustangs?
There's nothing wrong with 2015-2017 models compared to 2018+ models. The 2018s got a facelift, some added features (optional digital gauge cluster, active exhaust), updated engines, and the automatic was upgraded to the 10 speed.
What engine is in a 2018 5.0 Mustang?
5.0-liter Coyote V8
The engine, a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 derived from the GT, generates 480 horsepower (360 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 420 pound-feet (570 N⋅m) at 4,600 rpm. It is able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 168 miles per hour (270 km/h).
What does S550 mean in Mustang?
S550 is the internal designation for the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, which was produced from 2015 to 2023. This generation of the Mustang is built on the S550 platform and is known for introducing significant updates, most notably the addition of independent rear suspension on all models and being the first Mustang to be sold globally.
Key features of the S550 platform:
- Chassis code: The S550 is a chassis code used by Ford to internally identify this generation of the car, with the "S" likely standing for "sport" or "specialty".
- Global platform: It was the first generation of the Mustang to be available worldwide with both left-hand and right-hand drive options.
- Independent rear suspension: This was a major upgrade from the previous generation's live rear axle, greatly improving the car's ride and handling.
- Engine options: The platform featured a range of engines, including the Coyote V8, a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost, and a V6, which was later discontinued.
- Performance variants: The S550 platform has been the basis for various high-performance models, such as the Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and Mach 1.
