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Exclusive Mustang Bullitt special edition pays tribute to the legendary Steve McQueen film, limited to 50 units.
The sleeker, faster and more technologically advanced New Ford Mustang delivers more athletic styling, sophisticated engine and suspension enhancements, as well as advanced driver assistance features for customers of the iconic sports car.
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post attended the launch, look out for her driving impression later this week...
Doreen Mashinini, General Manager of Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), said: "The passion for Mustang is stronger than ever, proven by this legendary model’s unrivalled dominance of the sports car segment globally, which has made it one of the most iconic sights on local roads since it first went on sale in South Africa in 2016.
"There are few cars that deliver such a combination of heritage, style and performance to such a wide audience, and the New Ford Mustang offers the most compelling package yet."
Available in Fastback and Convertible body styles with a choice of uprated 2.3 EcoBoost and 5.0 V8 engines matched to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, the instantly-recognisable, powerful Mustang profile now features more refined aerodynamics, and is enhanced with LED lighting technology, and a choice of nine bold exterior colours.
Adding further appeal to the new range is the special edition Ford Mustang Bullitt that will be available at launch, paying homage to the Mustang GT fastback that featured in the legendary 1968 Warner Bros. film starring Steve McQueen.
Offered in classic Bullitt-exclusive Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black, along with a range of unique styling and feature enhancements, only 50 units of the stunning Mustang Bullitt will be available, powered by an uprated 338kW version of Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 that delivers enhanced performance and a more engaging driving experience thanks to the fitment of a six-speed manual gearbox.
Unmistakably Mustang
The exterior of the new Ford Mustang delivers a sleeker, more athletic appearance while retaining the instantly-recognisable character honed through more than 50 years of production. The bonnet profile is now lower with integrated air vents, combined with a revised lower grille design to give the Mustang a sharper, more aggressive face, while improving aerodynamics.
The Mustang’s dramatic rear-end design is further enhanced with a re-modelled bumper and diffuser element, accommodating standard quad-tailpipes for the 5.0-litre GT model that testify to the power and performance available.
Crisp, clear and energy-efficient, Mustang’s headlights, daytime running lights, indicators and iconic three-dimensional tri-bar tail lights now all feature LED technology as standard, combined with LED foglights. The front headlight bezels have also been restyled to reflect the trapezoidal shape of the upper grille.
Image: Quickpic
Three bold, dynamic new metallic paint colours are available – Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Velocity Blue. New 19-inch alloy wheels are offered in multiple finishes depending on model, along with 19”x9” Luster Nickel-painted Forged Aluminium versions that are available as an option.
The new Mustang interior delivers a more premium feel. Soft touch materials now feature for the door linings and the door handles are finished in aluminium.
Leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats are provided in conjunction with six-way electric adjustment for maximum comfort.
Ultimate performance
Exhilarating performance and a fun-to-drive experience have been at the heart of the Mustang’s DNA since the first model was launched in 1964. New powertrain, chassis and technology enhancements enable the new Mustang to deliver the most rewarding driving experience yet.
Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine has been further developed to deliver more power and a higher rev-limit than ever before. Peak power climbs from 309kW on the previous model to 331kW, with an accompanying torque peak of 529Nm supported by the introduction of Ford’s new high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system which improves low-end torque.
The more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 213kW and 441Nm of torque – an increase of 11Nm. The revised engine offers a more responsive and engaging driving experience thanks to a transient overboost function for the turbocharger – triggered under heavy acceleration to provide an extra burst of boost following each up-shift.
Image: Quickpic
Ford’s pioneering 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range – except for the Mustang Bullitt – and uses an electronic control system which enables settings that optimise performance for Drive Modes. Real-time adaptive shift-scheduling allows the transmission to adapt to changing conditions and select the right gear in any situation. Steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters give drivers maximum control.
New Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology means drivers can for the first time adjust the intensity of the Mustang’s exhaust note to suit their mood and the driving scenario. The innovative Good Neighbour Mode can be programmed to automatically limit the exhaust’s noise output at pre-programmed times of the day to avoid disturbing neighbours, not least when firing up the legendary 5.0-litre V8 early in the morning.
Ford engineers have further optimised Mustang’s driving dynamics to deliver the most engaging driving experience yet. Recalibrated shock absorbers improve stability through corners, and the rear suspension is stiffened with a cross-axis joint that reduces unwanted movement at each corner, which can lead to body flex. Thicker anti-roll bars also better control body-roll for sharper handling.
Image: Quickpic
Smart tech for safety and convenience
The New Mustang is offered with a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, even mitigate frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.
For the first time Mustang is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert technologies that help drivers maintain an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead, as well as Lane Departure Warning that can warn when drivers unintentionally drift out of lane, and Lane Keeping Aid that can apply torque to the steering wheel to steer the vehicle back into lane.
A customisable, all-digital, 12" LCD instrument cluster delivers information displays optimised to match the selected Drive Mode – similar to the Ford GT supercar – helping drivers get the most from every driving experience. The cluster configuration will automatically change depending on Drive Mode, and can be programmed by the driver to display a range of gauges in one of seven colours.
The new Mustang also features Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, and climate functions with conversational voice commands, and by using pinch and swipe gestures on the central 8" touch screen. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Embedded navigation is also standard on the Mustang range.
Ford Mustang prices:
Mustang 2.3 Fastback 10AT - R768 000
Mustang 2.3 Convertible 10AT - R831 000
Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback 10AT - R915 800
Mustang 5.0 GT Convertible 10AT - R978 400
Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8 GT Fastback 6MT - R995 400
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year or 90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
