Ford shows off new Mustang

The new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise exceptional performance and refinement, while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group vice-president, global product development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonate with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in movies, TV, music and video games and is one of 15 new vehicles Ford will launch in South Africa by 2017.

“The Mustang’s formidable reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of freedom precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice-president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Mustang epitomises Ford’s aggressive product acceleration; technologically advanced and forward-looking, but without forgetting the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations.”

The new Mustang has been developed with impressive performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes advanced driver aid technologies.

The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs, including the long, sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.

“When you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true;” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, the Americas.

Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, such as a low roof height and wide stance, a sleek profile enabled by a steeply sloped windshield and rear glass, three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps and contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature shark-bite front fascia.

Convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.

It features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control. The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link

independent rear suspension. The geo-metry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well suited to high speed driving. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

The advanced, Ford-developed stability control is tuned to maximise the new Mustang’s dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to keep the car on course.

When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, manual transmission variants of the Mustang GT include standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time. Advanced driver-assist features include standard Ford SYNC with voice control and touchscreen, that lets drivers control their entertainment.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.

“We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is fast, great-looking, refined and efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people around the world have associated with Mustang for decades.”

Models destined for South African shores have yet to be confirmed.