More than 2,000 Aussies pre-order new Mustang

Early demand has surprised and impressed Ford Australia, but that doesn't mean the pony cars will arrive here any quicker. An initial delivery date of September for the first Australian units has been revised numerous times, with the local arrival date pinballing around the second half of this year since the first announcements were made. Now, it seems that 2015 will only see the launch of the Mustang locally; the first RHD Mustangs won't actually reach those Aussies who've paid their deposits until approximately the second quarter of 2016.

LHD Mustangs are already here though, undergoing testing at Ford's Lara proving grounds, with both a regular and GT version also spotted on Geelong streets, not far from the Proving Grounds.

Ford Australia says both fastback and convertible versions are being ordered, in both V8 versions and the first-ever EcoBoost turbo four that will provide the power of a bigger engine in a smaller, more efficient package.

The most popular choice amongst those who've pre-ordered has been the GT fastback with a 5.0-litre V8 and automatic, which makes up to 42 per cent of orders placed to date.

"We are so excited to launch Mustang in Australia and see how people respond to its iconic, magical looks and performance," said Graeme Whickman, the recently-appointed replacement for Bob Graziano as President and CEO for Ford of Australia.

"Just like in America, we are seeing great early demand for the V8 GT models. But, we think the EcoBoost model will be a bigger seller longer term and help sustain sales longer than most performance cars as people see its great combination of performance and fuel economy."

Interest has been high for the car for months so Ford launched a first-of-its-kind early dealer ordering system as the company recently confirmed pricing, specifications and colour options. Ford says that orders started to flood into dealerships across the country with paid deposits well before the cars launch.

Several Mustang enthusiasts, including members of the various State-based Mustang owners clubs, have ordered more than one variant of the famous car. One customer has six orders to his name, while a sportscar rental company has placed an order for 20 - the biggest single order so far.

"The buyer response for the 2015 Ford Mustang has been extraordinary," said David Blackwood, Dealer Principal of the Bayford Group in Victoria.

"As soon as Ford announced Mustang was coming to Australia (in December 2013) our phones started ringing. A few customers even made deposits before pricing and specifications were confirmed. I've never seen anything quite like it. And, it's opened doors for us to have conversations with potential owners about the broader Ford range, like our first-class SUV line-up, as well."

Australian customers have overwhelmingly favoured Race Red as the most popular colour choice, followed by Absolute Black and Magnetic.

In addition to those enthusiasts who have already ordered their Mustang, more than 20,000 Australians have put up their hands to be kept informed by Ford on any material that comes out surrounding the release of the iconic pony car.

Ford says the enthusiasm for the Mustang in Australia mirrors what has occurred globally. As the range is rolled out in other markets, customers are queueing to get their hands on the iconic car.

Local starting price for the new Mustang will be $44,990* MLP for the fastback coupe equipped with the 2.3lt Ecoboost turbo four and six-speed manual transmission. An optional six-speed automatic adds $2,500. The range topper is the GT Convertible with a 5.0-litre V8 and six-speed auto, which has an MLP of $63,990*.

The full price list can be found here.

*This is the manufacturer's list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen Ford Dealer.