A NEW version of the legendary Ford Mustang muscle car has been revealed and it comes with a redesigned digital interior and a revamped V8 engine.

Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the seventh generation Mustang was launched in Detroit in the United States.

Since it first appeared some 58 years ago more than 10 million have been sold and the current model, launched in 2014, has been the world's best selling sports coupe in every year of its production.

With edgier styling the new model sits on the same platform as the current car but comes with upgraded hardware, software and tuning - plus a new Gen IV 5.0-litre V8 engine said to provide even greater response and performance.

"Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles," said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company.

"Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars - all in the Ford Blue family - on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026."

The all-new Mustang GT features a new air induction system with a dual air intake and dual throttle body design, minimising induction losses and enabling higher flow rates.

Up to six interactive and customisable Drive Modes will optimiseperformance capabilities across a variety of driving conditions: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track2and a customisable setting with multiple available profiles, tailored to individual driver preferences.

As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.

Manual and 10-speed automatics will remain in the new models.

Changes have also been made to the steering while rev-matching, which holds engine revs when the clutch is engaged to retain peak torque between manual gear changes, is standard on the Mustang GT.

The GT comes with a choice of Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

A standard performance pack includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport limited-slip differential for increased traction, 19-inch Brembo brakes and an Active Valve Exhaust that delivers adjustable engine sounds to suit the driving scenario.

Optional MagneRide active suspension is also available which monitors conditions one thousand times per second and uses an electronically-controlled fluid to match damping resistance to the road conditions.

Inside, the traditional double-brow upper dashboard is replaced by a flowing, glass-clad open centre stack, packed with technology.

"We're taking advantage of every pixel," said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. "We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colours, classic Mustang gauges or even a ‘calm' screen where only minimal details are displayed."

This digital instrument cluster flows into a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack4behind the same piece of integrated glass, angled towards the driver and its start-up theme comes from the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV.

"We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit," said Ricardo Garcia, Ford interior design manager. "Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display was popular in research with Millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike."

The next-generation Mustang has a fresh interior grain pattern developed especially for the brand in what is the most driver-centric Mustang cockpit ever featuring leather seats and soft-touch plastics across the instrument panel and door cards, with a full leather steering wheel.

The centre console can also incorporate a wireless mobile phone charging pad with the additional space granted by moving more functions into the touch screen.

Ford's latest SYNC 4 system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,5which integrates seamlessly with the FordPass app and like the Mustang Mach-E it features Ford Power-Up wireless update capability.

The car's sound system not only provided audio entertainment but also uses Ford's Electronic Sound Enhancement technology to amplify engine sounds directly into the cabin.

The new car has a shorter rear overhang with widened rear haunches in a nod to the original Mustangs of the 1960s.

Full performance data for both the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and the new V8 engine are still to be revealed but both are expected to deliver more power than the current models.

Ford has also revealed a Mustang Dark Horse version which is aimed at track driving and comes with a distinctive logo on the front wheel arches, tailgate and door sills with a dark tarnish anodised version of the famous pony on the front.

Inside, special Mustang Dark Horse badging replaces the standard Mustang pony logo on the instrument panel and digital display screens, and each car features an individual chassis number, although Ford has not yet confirmed the performance model for the UK.

The new generation Mustang is due for release later in 2023.