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The 2015 Ford Mustang was the cynosure of all eyes at the inaugural Ford Go Further event held recently in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Olaolu Olusina, who was at the event, reports
The 2015 All-new Mustang has made its first visit to Africa. The iconic coupe was the cynosure of all eyes at the inaugural Ford Go Further event in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 17, 2014. The 2015 Ford Mustang to be introduced in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa next year was unveiled at the impressive and historic event attended by about 1,000 stakeholders from across the continent, including 150 journalists. The two Ford dealerships in Nigeria – Coscharis Motors and BriscoeFord – were also represented at the event by their CEOs.
Iconic Car
Ford Mustang is the world’s favourite pony car and the all-new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise exceptional performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon.
Notably, it will be the most modern Mustang to date, boasting independent rear suspension, a first for the vehicle that will transform the way it handles. Equipment levels will also be on par with what customers have come to expect of Ford’s smart vehicles, including technologies such as SYNC® 2, Blind spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, and other driver aid systems.
“Few other cars inspire passion like the Mustang,” said Mark Kaufman, vice president of marketing, sales and service, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). “The iconic design and visceral sound of Mustang resonate with people, even if they’ve never driven one. It’s definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”
More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook*, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is one of 17 new vehicles that Ford will launch in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2015.
“With a formidable reputation, both on and off the track, as well as its iconic status as a symbol of freedom, Mustang’s reputation precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” Kaufman added. “It epitomises Ford’s aggressive product acceleration; technologically advanced and forward-looking, and embracing the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations.”
The new Mustang has been developed with impressive performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.
“We’re proud to have Mustang back in South Africa – and this model is the best Mustang yet,” said Kaufman. “Longtime admirers will be able to see an icon return to South African roads, and we are confident the new Mustang will bring even more fans to the brand.”
Unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across the globe, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.
“You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” Kaufman stressed.
Key Design Features
Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including:
A low roof height and wide stance
Sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps
Contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature shark-bite front fascia
Ford Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.
Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.
Great Driving Delight
The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter sub-frame helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.
The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes.
At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to high speed driving. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce un-sprung mass for improved ride and handling.
Innovative Technologies
The new Mustang features a significant number of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control, and connectivity when they want it.
The advanced, Ford-developed stability control is tuned to maximise the new Mustang’s dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to keep the car on course. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, manual transmission variants of the Mustang GT include standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.
Advanced driver-assist features include standard Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, that lets drivers control their entertainment.
Ford Motors said the Mustang models destined for South African shores would be confirmed at a later date.
This article was first published in The UNION (www.theunion.com.ng) on August 22, 2014
