Ford Motor Co. says the freshened 2018 Mustang will be its fastest pony car ever, going from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds with its new optional "drag strip" mode.

The vehicle, which goes on sale this fall, will also gain horsepower and torque over the outgoing model, thanks in part to the automaker's new 10-speed transmission. Horsepower for the 5.0-liter V-8 engine jumps to 460 from 435, and torque increases to 420 pounds-feet from 400.

The four-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets 310 hp -- same as the 2017 model -- but the torque increases 30 pounds-feet to 350.

The 0 to 60 time for the V-8 engine bests that of the Porsche 911 Carrera, Ford says. It's achievable with the automaker's new "drag strip" mode, which comes as part of an optional performance package.

"Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time," said Carl Widmann, Mustang's chief engineer. "In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn't drop when you're shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission."

The four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in "drag strip" mode goes from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds.  (illustration courtesy Ford Motor Co.) [07/25/17]

Tony Mandella, Justin Lamb, and Brian McClanahan grabbed wins at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division, event at Sonoma Raceway presented by Korbel.

Mandella of Eastvale, Calif., ran down Ryan Warter, Olalla, Wash., in the Comp Eliminator final round to capture the win. Mandella completed his winning pass at 8.409 seconds, 151.89 mph vs. Warter 8.765 seconds, 154.07 mph.

Nevada-based Super Stock standout Justin Lamb of Henderson, had an easy day at the office cruising to a 9.206 seconds, 117.10 mph victory run in the final round as Brad Burton, Snohomish, Wash., cut the light too early, triggering red.

California driver Gerald Stein of Brentwood made his first final round appearance in Stock Eliminator and nearly made the most of it running .005 seconds within his dial in; finishing at 10.855 seconds, 119.30 mph. But Stein gave up a huge starting line advantage to fellow Californian McClanahan from Alta Loma, who won the duel finishing at 9.925 seconds, 123.09 mph.

In the Top Sportsman final round, Don Meziere, Escondido, Calif., triggered a .008 second reaction time at the tree and successfully kept Paul Gladden from Tracy, Calif., out of reach for the win light. Meziere recorded a winning pass of 6.939 seconds, 195.45 mph. Paul Rolandelli, Oakley, Calif., withdrew from the Top Dragster final round due to mechanical issues, giving Steve Casner, Sheridan, Calif., the automatic win.

The other drivers visiting the winner’s circle were Greg Boutte in Super Comp, Steve Williams in Super Gas, Ryan Herem in Super Street, Don DePeel in Sportsman Motorcycle, and Jeremy Hanger in Extreme Pro Mod West.

The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series hits the NHRA Pacific Division next at Rocky Mountain Raceways Sept. 21.  [07/25/17]

The Rocky Mountain Superchargers will be at SCRA Dragstrip in Great Bend, KS, on Friday, Aug. 1.  [07/25/17]