The Ford Mustang is arguably one of the world’s most iconic cars and by the end of 2015, the Mustang will be once again heading for Australian shores.
With the ending of the locally produced Falcon and the associated performance models of FPV, Ford will be missing a performance model to sell to Australian consumers and the Ford faithful. This is where the famous Mustang re-enters the equation and will resume a love affair that has existed in Australia for 50 years.
The Mustang was debuted at the New York motor show in 1964 and was an instant success, selling one million examples in the first eighteen months of production.
With the swell in popularity from around the world, Australia got its first taste of RHD converted models of the Mustang in the late 1960’s.
Steve McQueen solidified the cool factor of the Mustang ‘brand’ around the world with the extensive use of a 1968 Mustang in the movie Bullitt as Steve belted his machine through the streets of San Francisco.
After this time, most of the Mustangs seen in Australia were being imported privately in LHD specification.
Between 2001 and 2003 Ford Australia did convert a small group of Mustangs to compete with Holden’s then new Monaro, however an expensive price tag of $90,000 resulted in less than 400 models being sold.
The sixth and latest generation of the Ford Mustang will be a truly global player and is a huge update for the iconic machine, with design cues taken from the beautiful lines of the 1968 version, as shown below in Bullitt.
The Mustang will be officially built in Right Hand Drive and for the first time will change from a solid rear axle to Independent Rear Suspension or (IRS).
Australia will be receiving the V8 model naturally with the same engine as FPV’s GT engine sans supercharging and a solid 324kw’s. Purists may scoff at the fact the new Mustang will also be available in a four cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine, however with a handy 231kw’s, 433nm of torque and some positive fuel economy numbers, it may prove to be a popular choice.
It remains to be seen how successful the new Mustang will be, but early indications seem to support a successful introduction of the new model.
Ford has reported more than 13,000 enquiries about the new Mustang and with Ford dealers indicating pricing in the range of $50- 70k depending on model and spec, the price point is much more palatable than the previous batch sold by Ford in the early 2000’s.
Finally, despite many new features, the one that stands out is the ‘Burnout’ button. It essentially is an electronic line lock that initiates the front brakes, and releases the rear brakes, so if you are heading to the drag strip and want to warm your tyres, you are all set!
