News

Thirteen thousand Australians seek out all-new Ford Mustang ahead of arrival in 2015 (379)

The all-new Ford Mustang is generating unprecedented excitement amongst customers, with 13,000 Australians having already expressed interest in the vehicle ahead of its arrival in Australia in mid-2015.

“The Mustang is an iconic vehicle in Australia and around the world, and is drawing people to Ford well before it arrives here”, said Bob Graziano, President and CEO, Ford Australia, “This is the power of Mustang, and something we underestimated as we have many more customers asking to follow the car than we expected this early in the launch.” 

The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang fastback and convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines, including a new turbocharged EcoBoost 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower.

The arrival of the new Mustang will continue Ford’s product onslaught over the course of 2015 which will also see the arrival of all-new Mondeo, eagerly anticipated Ford Everest SUV, as well as the refreshed Focus and Focus ST. Additionally, the Mustang is expected to boost interest across Ford of Australia’s growing lineup because they share many of Ford’s modern innovations.

“We see around the world that many people are drawn to Ford because of the Mustang, even though they may end up buying another model from us,” said Graeme Whickman, sales and service vice president. “The Mustang’s arrival is perfect timing for us because we have been rapidly expanding our lineup and will refresh all of our models the next few years.

“This evolution and the visceral experience established for over 50 years in the Mustang, is evident in each of these new models as we continue to demonstrate our leadership in first class in-car technology and ahead of the curve response to customer demands.”

Modern Mustang

The new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine brings turbocharging to the Mustang powertrain lineup. Designed to meet the needs of drivers looking for outstanding performance and fuel efficiency, this EcoBoost engine has been developed specifically for Mustang. The intake manifold and turbocharger housing are optimized to provide better breathing and higher output in Mustang.

With a projected 227kW @ 5550 rpm (US spec) and 407Nm of torque (US spec), this EcoBoost engine fits the bill for a true Mustang powerplant.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers the healthy output that Mustang drivers expect regardless of the speed,” said Scott Makowksi, EcoBoost powertrain engineering manager. “This EcoBoost engine might be small in displacement, but it delivers where a Mustang driver expects it with a broad, flat torque curve and great driveability under any conditions.”

The newest member of Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, the 2.3-litre continues to take advantage of state-of-the-art technologies including direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging to produce big-engine power and torque with improved fuel efficiency.

The beating heart of a pony

No Ford Mustang engine lineup would be complete without a great V8 engine at its core. The 5.0-litre V8 powers into a new generation with a host of upgrades that enable it to breathe better, especially at higher engine speeds. Many of these changes are derived from the lessons learned in developing the special edition 2013 Mustang Boss 302.

Getting air into the cylinders and exhaust out is the key to generating more power and torque from any engine, and that has been the focus of development on the V8, which features:

• Larger intake valves
• Larger exhaust valves
• Revised intake camshafts
• Revised exhaust camshafts
• Stiffer valve springs – ensures that the valves close completely at high rpm
• New cylinder-head casting – revised ports that provide a straighter path to the valves for less-restrictive intake and exhaust flow; combustion chamber modifications accommodate larger valves
• Sinter forged connecting rods – lighter and more durable for high-rpm operation
• Redesigned piston tops – deeper cutouts clear the new larger valves
• Rebalanced forged crankshaft – supports higher-rpm operation

These upgrades are projected to generate more than 313kW @ 6500 rpm and 529Nm of torque (US spec).

A new intake manifold includes charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds. This increases the air charge tumble and swirl for improved air-fuel mixing. This results in better fuel economy, idle stability and lower emissions.

The variable camshaft timing on the intake side now has a greater range of adjustment available thanks to mid-lock phasers. This enables better optimized control of the valve timing over a broader range of engine speeds and loads for improved fuel economy and emissions.

Transmissions

More than most drivers, Mustang owners like to take control and shift for themselves. Whether they select a fully manual gearbox or the updated automatic transmission, the experience will be better than in any previous pony.

The Getrag manual has a new shift linkage design for shorter throws and improved precision. The shift lever is now positioned closer to the driver and away from the cup-holders so the driver has a clear path for shifting.

Mustang blends outstanding all-around performance and everyday usability. Drivers who prefer to let the car handle the shifting during their daily work run, but still want to take control when the roads get twisty, will appreciate the new steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts that are now standard with the Select-Shift six-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic also features a redesigned case with cast-in ribs that help make it stiffer and reduce the weight. Internally clutches have been optimized and operating temperature has been increased to reduce friction. The output shaft is now supported by a ball-bearing that enables a top speed of 249 kph for Mustang GT.

With a choice of powertrains to match driving styles and lifestyles, the new Mustang has contemporary technology under the hood to match its modern design and remain quintessentially Mustang.