The new-generation Ford Mustang muscle car will come to Australia in late 2015 with a choice of contemporary four-cylinder turbo or old-school V8 engine power.
Ford Australia has confirmed the variants for what will become its new hero car to coincide with the official reveal of the new ‘Pony car’. It will ignore the mid-level V6 petrol.
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang becomes a global car for the first time in its half-century history and, after local production of the Falcon stops in October 2016, it will offer Australian driving enthusiasts their only option of a V8-powered Ford.
The 5.0-litre V8 (pictured in the outgoing Mustang) carries over to the new Mustang that has been officially revealed today, with more images and details coming at 11.01pm to coincide with a multi-continent unveiling that includes Australia.
The new 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will be available in Australia as the muscle car’s base engine. It is expected to be priced from about $45,000.
The entry-level 2.3-litre four-cylinder is the newest engine in Ford’s ‘EcoBoost’ range of engines that combine turbocharging and direct fuel injection to achieve the power of a bigger engine but economy of a smaller one. It’s expected to make its way into some other Ford’s, including the next-generation RS hot-hatch.
In the Ford Mustang, the turbo will produce 227kW at 5500rpm and 407Nm between 2500 and 4500rpm, according to the US specs.
That flat torque ‘curve’ promises plenty on the driveability front, and while fuel economy figures have yet to be provided, the engine will also be the most efficient of the three offered.
The Ford Mustang GT will also come to Australia and again feature a 5.0-litre V8, though with upgrades to improve performance and economy. Power and torque are “projected” to be a bit more than the current 313kW and 529Nm.
The 5.0L V8 includes modifications to improve breathing and fuel economy at both low and high speed, such as a new intake manifold and larger intake and exhaust valves to improve the way air gets into the cylinders and the way gas exits.
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine can run on 91 unleaded fuel, though the V8 requires 98 RON premium.
Ford Australia has decided to pass on the 3.7-litre V6 with “at least” 220kW and 366Nm, which is perhaps not surprising given the suggested capability of the four-cylinder turbo.
All engines will put their power to the rear wheels via either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed automatic – both of which have been reworked. The auto is available with paddle shift levers and rev-matching downshifts. A 10-speed auto is in development and expected to be fitted to the Mustang in about 2016 as part of a mid-life update.
This will be the first time a Ford Mustang has been officially built in right-hansold officially in Australia since the late 1960s, though in 2001 and 2002 Tickford Vehicle Engineering converted a number of ‘Pony’ cars to right-hand drive for the local market.
