By: Dave Abrahams
Cologne, Germany - Ford has released some tantalising performance numbers for the Euro-spec version of the new Mustang - the first Pony Car to be marketed outside North America.
With the first right-hand drive Mustangs due for release in the UK during October, deliveries to South Africa are hoped for in December, although that's still to be confirmed - and this is what those lucky customers will be getting.
The new Mustang will be available as a fastback or a convertible, with either a five-litre V8 delivering a quoted 303kW and 530Nm, or a more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol four, quoted at 233kW and 432Nm.
The maker says that, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, the big banger will get off the line and up to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds - making it the hardest-accelerating Ford on the EU market since the limited-edition GT supercar of 2005.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is no slouch either, disposing of the 0-100 sprint in 5.8 seconds.
SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES
Euro-spec Mustangs will come with selectable drive modes that re-calibrate the electronic stability programme, throttle response, gear-shift patterns and steering from Normal to Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet settings, while another toggle switch adjusts the electric power steering to Normal, Comfort or Sport settings.
Also available are Track apps, controlled from the steering wheel, that display acceleration force and timing, as well as braking performance. Manual-shift V8s can also be ordered with launch control, featuring line lock, that locks the front wheels only for spectacular burnouts (all in aid of preheating the rear tyres, of course).
Euro-spec Mustangs will also come with a standard-fit performance pack comprising upgraded brakes and cooling componentry, in addition to 19-inch alloys, automatic high-intensity discharge headlights, dual-zone auto aircon and LED tail-lights and a rear diffuser.
Ford says an educated right hoof can get the V8 down to 13.5 litres per 100km; the force-fed four is quoted at eight litres per 100km; we'll take both figures under advisement until we've driven them.
Production of EU Mustangs has already started at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan plant; local pricing, of course, when they get here.