More Oz Ford Mustang details surface

FORD’S much-anticipated new-generation Mustang sportscar will arrive in the middle of next year with the choice of a 233kW 2.3-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder EcoBoost or 306kW 5.0-litre V8 engine.

To eventually act as a two-door coupe and convertible replacement for performance-orientated Falcon models, the American-built Pony Car will also feature the company’s latest safety and connectivity technology such as MyKey programmable output and audio volume lockout and SYNC2 voice control systems.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but a sub-$40,000 kick-off for the EcoBoost is likely, putting the four-cylinder Mustang coupe with range of the mid-spec Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

Its 2.3-litre GDI direct-injection twin-cam, twin-scroll turbo unit with Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) will deliver 233kW of power between 5600rpm and 5700rpm and 432Nm of torque at 3000rpm, according to Ford, while the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Ti-VCT V8 will offer 306kW at 6500rpm and 526Nm at 4250rpm.

Both versions will have the option of driving the rear wheels via either a six-speed Getrag-originated manual gearbox or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A limited slip differential will be standard, while a Performance Pack also includes a 3.73 Torsen differential will be optional.

Note these figures are DIN numbers that include all the engine auxiliaries such as the power steering and alternator fitted, as opposed to the United States SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) ratings that have been used to previously quote the Mustang engines’ outputs.

The result means that we have previously quoted 228kW/434Nm for the 2.3 EcoBoost and 320kW/542Nm for the 5.0 V8.

“Some of the media have been questioning the discrepancy between the US power figures for the Mustang versus Australian spec,” Ford Australia brand communications manager Neil McDonald said.

“The (European) DIN standard is achieved by testing the engine fitted with all ancillaries and exhaust system as used in the car. The American SAE system tests without alternator, water pump, and other auxiliary components such as power steering pump, muffled exhaust system, etc., so the figures are higher than the European figures for the same engine.”

Ford promises that all Australian-bound models will feature advanced driver aid technologies as part of a suite of safety gear that runs to front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.

Suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a new-for-series integral-link independent back end. Previous Mustangs came with a live rear axle.

Brakes on the EcoBoost will be 352mm x 32mm ventilated front discs with four-piston 46mm fixed aluminium callipers, while ventilated rear discs will measure in at 330mm x 25mm with single-piston 45mm floating iron callipers. V8 variants get 380mm x 34mm vented front discs with Brembo six-piston 36mm fixed aluminium callipers.

The standard equipment includes auto on/off HID high intensity discharge headlights, LED tail-lights, fog-lights, daytime running lights, heated and powered exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a stainless steel exhaust, remote keyless entry, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and heated/cooled leather seats with power control for the driver’s side.

It also features satellite navigation, push button start, SYNC2 with Emergency Assistance, an eight-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker audio, rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitors, ambient lighting and 19-inch black alloys shod with 255/40R19 tyres.

V8 cars wear R275/40R19 rubber up front and R275/40R19 tyres out back.

More information will be revealed in the lead up to the Mustang's local launch.