New Mustang revealed
Available in fastback coupe and convertible body styles, the new Mustang will come to Australia in late 2014, in line with the local arm's shuttering of local manufacture in 2016.
Engine and Transmission
The new model will be offered with three engine options: a more powerful V8 for the performance-spec GT; 3.7-litre V6; and an all-new fuel-efficient, turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost® 4-cylinder.
The latest edition 5.0-litre V8 features an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that deliver more than 313kW and 529Nm of torque - on the US-spec version. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.
The 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver performance and segment-leading fuel efficiency. Claimed figures are 227kW and 407Nm (US spec).
The normally-aspirated 3.7-litre V6 delivers a claimed 220kW and 366Nm.
Locally-delivered Mustangs will reportedly only be offered with the V8 or Ecoboost engines; the V6 is not scheduled for Australian release.
An updated manual transmission claims to deliver smoother shifts, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Most nimble pony ever
New suspension systems front and rear are arguably the technical highlights of the new Mustang, with IRS rear set-up in particular claimed to deliver improved ride and handling.
At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.
Double-ball-joint front MacPherson struts enable larger, more powerful front brakes to be fitted, with three brake packages to be available on launch.
The all-new integral-link independent rear suspension features specifically modified and tuned geometry, springs, dampers and bushings to suit, with new aluminium rear knuckles reducing unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
Styling & Design
Ford says the new Mustang is a clean-sheet design that evokes the "essential character of the brand," but key design elements - like the fastback stance on the coupe, aggressive grille shape, triple tail light clusters, and running horse grille emblem - are retained and reworked with contemporary styling.
The fastback features a lower, wider stance, reduced roof height, and wider rear fenders and track. Other external styling features include an aggressively sloped windscreen and fastback rear, three-dimensional tail lights with sequential turn signals, and what Ford call a "shark-nose" front fascia and trapezoidal grille, similar to the current Mustang's front end design.
Mustang convertibles feature a multilayer insulated cloth top that lowers twice as fast, folds flatter, and delivers a quieter cabin.
The aviation-inspired interior is described as being better-executed and more upmarket than previous generation Mustang, with large, clear instrumentation, improved ergonomics and more tactile switchgear.
An increase in body width and new rear suspension provide improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, with a re-shaped boot improving carrying space - two golf bags can be accommodated easily, Ford says.
Innovative Technologies
Enhanced information, control and connectivity systems will be technology hallmarks of the new Mustang. Intelligent Access with push-button start, SYNC® and MyKey® systems will be common across all Mustang variants, with Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system available as options to allow drivers to customise their vehicle.
Selectable Drive Modes allow drivers to adjust steering effort and engine response, as well as transmission and electronic stability control settings to suit road and driving conditions.
The new, Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize the Mustang's dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to help keep the car on course. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.
When it's time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.
Australia was one of six cities on four continents to simultaneous unveil the new Mustang on December 5, with Sydney revealing a striking gunmetal grey convertible to the assembled media and special guests. The all-new Mustang shared space with classics from previous generation Mustangs, including a first-gen convertible, fastback and Boss 302 muscle car, as well as a more recent Shelby GT500.
Australian-delivered Mustangs are expected in late 2014, with pricing to start around the $45,000 mark, excluding ORCs, for the EcoBoost coupe, with V8-powered versions and convertibles adding premiums around $10K and up.
