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Ford Africa said on Monday that the most anticipated new model introduction in Ford Sub-Saharan Africa’s illustrious history, the launch of the legendary Ford Mustang, has finally become a reality, to the delight of motoring enthusiasts across the region.
The Mustang is Ford’s most revered and recognisable nameplate, having become an automotive icon the moment it was launched in 1964, followed by more than 50 years of continuous production and over nine-million cars sold to fans around the world.
Ford Africa, in a statement issued in Pretoria, South Africa, said the latest Mustang, unveiled on April 17, 2014 to mark its remarkable 50th anniversary, is now available for sale in selected left-hand drive Sub-Saharan Africa markets following the commencement of production at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. Launch markets, according to the statement, include Angola, Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria and Senegal.
“This is the car we’ve all been waiting for! The mighty Mustang is here,” the Regional Manager Sales and After-Sales, Ford Sub-Saharan Africa, Rob Johnston, said.
The new Mustang has been a global hit since it was launched internationally last year, and was the world’s best-selling sports car in the first half of 2015. It is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook (with more than eight million likes), and has made more than 9 000 appearances in television, music and video games. It has co-starred in films with Hollywood stars Will Smith, Nicholas Cage, Jason Statham, Tom Cruise, and perhaps most memorably Steve McQueen – in the cult 1960s movie Bullitt.
The Mustang is loaded with innovative technologies and delivers dazzling performance and style. It is available in a comprehensive line-up spanning 13 model derivatives, including the sleek and seductive Fastback, as well as the stunning Convertible and the race-inspired Shelby GT350.
In terms of powertrains, and depending on markets, buyers have the option of a 2.3 EcoBoost, 3.7 Ti-VCT V6**, 5.0 Ti-VCT V8 and the roaring 5.2-litre V8 with a flat-plane crank, as used in the exclusive Shelby GT350 Mustang.
There is a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and the option of both Fastback and Convertible body styles to suit every taste.
Unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of the 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 world, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.
Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including its low roof height and wide stance, the sleek profile enabled by the steeply sloped windshield and rear glass, the contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature trapezoidal grille and shark-bite front fascia, plus the famous three-dimensional tri-bar tail lamps.
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 sun-soaked 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 intuitive control. The vehicle’s width and sophisticated rear suspension contribute to impressive shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.
The Mustang experience
The way Ford Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience. The Mustang offers outstanding power options and an advanced chassis designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers.
Ford’s acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 engine employs sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and variable camshaft timing to produce a hefty 435HP along with a thunderous 400 lb-ft of torque. This enables the Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Fastback Manual to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 sec.
The line-up includes the all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang, delivering turbocharged performance with outstanding fuel efficiency. This ground-breaking engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver impressive all-round performance with 310HP and 320 lb-ft of torque – sufficient to achieve a remarkable 0-100km/h time of 5.8 sec for the 2.3 EcoBoost Fastback Manual.
For Madagascar the Mustang is also available with Ford’s 3.7-litre Ti-VCT V6 engine that produces 300HP and 280 lb-ft of torque.
All three engines can be specified with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission in Fastback guise, or the option of the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission (Fastback and Convertible). Combined with race car-inspired paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, the automatic gearbox delivers superb convenience and ultimate control.
A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast
The Ford Mustang features a perimeter subframe in the front suspension, which helps stiffen the front structure while reducing mass. This provides a strong foundation for predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. A double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system 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. Specially developed aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for exceptional ride and handling.
Weight distribution of 54 per cent at the front for the 5.0-litre V8 and 53 per cent at the front for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost contributes to responsive and precise handling, capable of delivering up to 0.97 g-force when cornering.
Lightweight materials include aluminium used for the bonnet, front wings, suspension, transmission and brakes. High-strength steels, laser welding and hydro-forming techniques contribute to the stiffer body for an enhanced driving experience and safety.
Smart technologies
The new Mustang features a significant number of innovative technologies, providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity.
On the high-specification Mustang Premium models, the Selectable Drive Modes function comes standard, along with upmarket aluminium finishes, climate control and Ford’s SYNC®2 with MyFord Touch incorporating an eight-inch colour screen.
Using the Selectable Drive Modes, drivers are able to adjust the AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, throttle response, automatic gear-shift patterns and steering to match Normal, Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet settings. Selectable Effort Electric Power Assisted Steering enables drivers to choose a Normal, Comfort or Sport steering weight and feel.
To help drivers get the most from the car at the track, the Mustang also delivers Track Apps that can be controlled via the steering wheel and viewed in the instrument panel, including accelerometer, acceleration timer and brake performance, which measures braking time and distance from a set speed.
Available for the V8 models with manual transmission, the Launch Control system holds the engine at a pre-set value between 3 000 and 4 500 r/min with the accelerator fully depressed. When the clutch is released, torque delivery to the rear wheels is controlled for maximum traction and consistent standing starts. An electronic Line Lock system also available for the V8 applies only the front brakes, allowing drivers to the warm the rear tyres.
Track-oriented Shelby GT350 Mustang
Every member of the Mustang family makes a powerful impression, but the Shelby GT350 takes Ford’s legendary pony car to even greater heights.
This race-tuned machine is powered by a specially developed 5.2-litre Ti-VCT V8, which is Ford’s first-ever V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft – a design typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars.
Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals. The flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8.
The result is 526HP with a torque peak of 429lb-ft, making it Ford’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever, as well as its most efficient in terms of specific output. Without turbocharging or supercharging, the flat-plane crank V8 produces 102HP per litre of displacement. The new engine is also the highest-revving V8 in Ford’s history with a red line of 8 250 r/min.
The track capability is enhanced by the output characteristics of the engine – the 5.2-litre V8 features an exceptionally broad torque curve. Combined with its high-revving ability, this engine delivers an enormous amount of performance and flexibility within each gear of the specially selected Tremec lightweight six-speed manual transmission. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction.
In terms of handling performance, the Shelby GT350 Mustang benefits from the first-ever Ford application of continuously variable Magneride dampers. The system is linked to integrated driver control software to deliver a degree of suspension performance never before seen in a production Mustang.
Similarly, outstanding stopping power is provided by the most track-credible brake system ever fitted on a standard Mustang, consisting of two-piece cross-drilled iron discs – the largest yet to feature on this model. The massive 394mm front and 380mm rear discs are floating-type units, pin-driven to the aluminium hubs to greatly reduce heat transfer to the bearings. Six-piston Brembo calipers are employed up front along with four-piston units at the rear, with dedicated ducting to assist with cooling.
Shelby GT350 makes use of extra-stiff 19-inch cast aluminium-alloy wheels clad in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with GT350-specific sidewall construction, tread face and compound – all of which is designed to deliver maximum grip on the road and track.
Additionally, this exclusive model benefits from added bracing to increase overall chassis stiffness, plus optimized aerodynamics to increase downforce and improve airflow. All bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to this high-performance model, and up to two inches lower than the Mustang GT.
The interior has been reworked too, and boasts specially designed Recaro sports seats with unique suede trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel as well as upgraded gauges. An all-new integrated driver control system allows selection of five unique modes that tailor the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, Magneride tuning and exhaust settings depending on driver preference.
Model range
3.7 V6 Manual Fastback**
3.7 V6 Automatic Fastback**
3.7 V6 Manual Convertible**
3.7 V6 Automatic Convertible**
** Only available for Madagascar
2.3 EcoBoost Manual Fastback
2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Fastback
2.3 EcoBoost Manual Convertible
2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Convertible
5.0 V8 GT Manual Fastback
5.0 V8 GT Automatic Fastback
5.0 V8 GT Manual Convertible
5.0 V8 GT Automatic Convertible
5.2 V8 Shelby GT350 Manual Fastback
The Mustang comes standard with a 3-year/60 000km warranty, with the option of extending the warranty period by purchasing a Ford Protect plan or optional maintenance plan.
