Leaked order guide shows Ford Mustang will get 10-speed auto

[Wretched]

Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] will continue its tit-for-tat game with Chevrolet when it installs a 10-speed automatic gearbox in the 2018 Mustang, according to information accidentally leaked to the Blue Oval's dealerships.

Ford and General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] have made unlikely partners working on a joint-venture 10-speed automatic that was originally said to be intended just for the Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra. However, the gearbox was also recently announced for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, leading to widespread speculation that the Camaro's arch rival would also get it.

Confirming some earlier rumors, a forum member at Mustang6g found that a 10-speed automatic transmission option for the Mustang shows in Microcat, the database used by Ford dealership parts departments. Listed under its internal code-name 10R80, the transmission shows up alongside the Mustang's current 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

The database doesn't actually give any details about when the transmission is likely to be installed in Mustangs, but speculation generally points to the 2018 model year, when the Mustang is tipped to receive a subtle update.

The Mustang GT, with its thirsty 5.0-liter V-8 engine, seems the most likely candidate to get the gearbox as a way of improving the pony car's highway fuel economy figures, but the Shelby GT350 or perhaps even a new performance model (Mach 1?) are also possibilities.

But don't just look for Ford and GM to tout the 10-speed for its extra ratios. GM has already pointed out the gearbox's quick shifts, which it says best Porsche's dual-clutch transmissions. It'll be interesting to see if GM and Ford go after each other in their advertising once the transmission makes its way into the 'Stang, however.

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