Ford has officially taken the wraps off its new Ford Mustang, which will be launched on 17 April 2014 to mark the 50th birthday of the motoring icon.
More than 9 million Mustangs have found homes worldwide since the model first went into production in 1954; however, the new model is the first Mustang to go on sale in UK and the first model to go on sale with the steering wheel on the proper (right-hand) side of the car.
So, what's new? Well, let's start with the styling. Ford has trodden a relatively conservative path while designing the new Mustang and as a result the styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Ford has been careful to preserve the character of the car, retaining its low roof height, wide stance, long bonnet with rearward cabin and its signature three-bar rear headlamps; however, the new car looks altogether sleeker and more modern than its predecessor.
There's more evidence of Ford attempting to haul the Mustang in the 21st century when you take a look underneath, or, more specifically, at the rear suspension. In Mustangs of old you got a live rear axle and although Ford did its best to mask the inherent deficiencies of this setup, it was always something of an Achilles' heel. Now, however, there's a new fully independent rear multi-link suspension setup which should improve both the handling and the ride immeasurably.
The traditional heart of the Mustang has always been a V8 engine and, true to form, the new Mustang will be available with a 5.0-litre V8 engine with 420bhp and 390lb-ft of torque. In addition to this there'll be a 3.7-litre V6 just for the US market and, for the first time ever in a Mustang, a 2.3-litre four-cylinder motor.
The fitment of a four-banger to an all-American icon will no doubt label Ford as "commies" by people in Stetsons called Hank; however, the new engine is no slouch, churning out 304bhp thanks to variable cam timing and turbocharging. Two gearboxes will be on offer -- a manual and an automatic with flappy paddle shifters.
A Mustang Convertible will be launched at the same time as the Fastback coupe and will feature a fabric roof which folds down electrically in just seven seconds.
Unfortunately, the new Mustang won't be with us for at least another year and Ford has yet to release any pricing or specification details. Prices will inevitably be annoyingly higher for us than for American customers -- a starting price of around £30,000 seems likely.
So, would a four-cylinder 'Stang be enough to tempt you away from the European competition?
Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter
| Popular news stories |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
Related used car searches
Search used Ford
Search used Ford
Search used Ford Mustang
