2015-05-07Staff Report 2 Ford has announced the launch of the new Mustang beast that, in all likelihood, could end up on the southern African shores, a first for Ford’s Mustang in more than 50 years. This would be the first vehicle that would be sold in Europe in five decades, including being sold in the United Kingdom, which means Ford would roll out a right-hand Mustang. This Mustang is powered by a 5-litre V8 engine that has the power of sprinting the car from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. So far more than 2 200 European customers have already placed orders for the new Mustang. The vehicle would be available as either a convertible or three door sportback with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and features classic design elements including three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps, signature trapezoidal grille and shark-bite front fascia. To counter the strict European emission standards, the Mustang is also being offered with a 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine, with manual gearbox. Mustang drivers can optimise the car’s performance to suit their mood and driving conditions using Selectable Drive Modes, and away from the public highway can use Track Apps to monitor driving performance. Selectable Drive Modes are controlled using toggle switches in the centre console and adjust the AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, throttle response, automatic gear-shift patterns, and steering to match Normal, Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet settings. Mustang 5.0-litre V8 drivers also can achieve the fastest possible acceleration off the line on the track assisted by Launch Control technology. Mustang also delivers up to 0.97 g-force when cornering. The all-new Mustang’s high performance engines are supported by a standard performance pack in Europe that delivers uprated brakes and cooling for high-speed driving. A sophisticated chassis and body structure, and advanced technology, also help optimise driving dynamics to deliver the sporty experience Mustang customers demand. To help drivers get the most from the car at the track, the Mustang also delivers track apps that can be controlled via the steering wheel and viewed in the instrument panel, including accelerometer, acceleration timer and brake performance, which measures braking time and distance from a set speed. Available for the 5.0-litre V8 with manual transmission, the launch control system holds the engine at a pre-set value between 3 000 rpm and 4 500 rpm with the accelerator fully depressed. When the clutch is released, torque delivery to the rear wheels is controlled for maximum traction and consistent standing starts. An electronic Line Lock system also available for the 5.0-litre V8 applies only the front brakes, allowing drivers to the warm the rear tyres. The Mustang uses fully independent suspension front and rear for sporty dynamics and comfort, including integral-link rear suspension that optimises ride comfort and mechanical grip, and double-ball-joint front MacPherson struts that enable large, powerful brakes without affecting steering feel. The body structure is 28 percent stiffer than the previous generation Mustang. Weight distribution of 54 percent at the front for the 5.0-litre V8 and 53 percent at the front for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost contributes to responsive and precise handling. Lightweight materials include aluminium used for the bonnet, front wings, suspension, transmission and brakes. High-strength steels, laser welding and hydro-forming techniques contribute to the stiffer body for an enhanced driving experience and safety. Mustang is exclusively available to order in Europe at new FordStore locations opening across the region primarily in metropolitan areas. The first vehicles are set to reach dealerships continental Europe from July and the UK from October. 2015-05-07Staff Report 2
