UK prepares itself for the arrival for the Ford Mustang
There are few cars in the world more iconic than the Ford Mustang and up until now the US had the monopoly when it came to driving the muscle car. But, things are about to change, as 2015 will see the Mustang launched in the UK for the first time, just over 50 years since the first Mustang rolled off the production line.
History of the Ford Mustang
Before discussing the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang, it seems only right to talk about the journey the famous vehicle has been on in its 50 years. Since its launch in late 1964, over nine million Mustang models have been sold, with the new model expected to take the figure over the ten million mark.
But, the idea for the Mustang, which was the brainchild of Lee Iacocca, came long before, in 1961. Funding was finally approved for the Mustang project in September of 1962 and just two years later, the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line.
Many of the Mustang's components were borrowed from the Ford Falcon, including most of the drivetrain, due to the tight production schedule, but the Mustang was an early success, with 22,000 sold on the first day, ensuring the vehicle had carved out a niche and a place in the heart of petrol heads in the US.
Over the years the Mustang has gone through around nine different generations, with the models and specifications changing slightly with the times and latest automotive trends.
The next Ford Mustang generation
A prototype of the new Ford Mustang model was launched in Detroit recently, which indicated exactly what the UK version will look like and what motorists can expect to discover when they climb into the first ever right-hand drive version of the Mustang.
The old days of the pure muscle of the Mustang still exist in the shape of the classic five-litre V8 engine, which throws out a massive 426PS and over 529Nm of torque.
For those looking for something a little different, Ford will offer the new Mustang with a more environmentally-friendly 2.3-litre EcoBoost. The state-of-the-art technology brings with it an innovative turbocharger, while still producing an impressive 309PS and 407Nm of torque.
Although the engine still delivers, the last 50 years have seen the famous vehicle undergo something of a facelift when it comes to technology, with the 2015 version set to be Ford's most tech-heavy model so far.
It will feature an eight-inch touchscreen display that shows essential information, such as navigation, music and smartphone connectivity options, alongside climate controls. The 2015 Mustang will also feature full Ford SYNC voice control, which will bring the most famous car of the 1960s into the modern day.
The GT model is also jam-packed with tech, featuring performance brakes, while all Mustangs will come with a range of toggles that can quickly and easily adjust the responsiveness of the engine, steering effort and ESP settings. Launch-control will also be available in the GT manual transmission variant, so drivers can truly feel what the Mustang is capable of.
When it comes to looks, fans will be delighted to hear that the new model pays homage to its history, as Ford has stayed loyal to the original long bonnet, cab rearward design.
Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg