Ford’s updated Mustang is making its European public debut at the Frankfurt show this week with a new engine, transmission and enhanced safety technology.
The automaker said it has sold almost 30,000 Mustangs in Europe since the car – the first generation to be offered with factory right hand drive – went on sale across the region early in 2015.
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The car now has a lower bonnet profile and more aggressive nose. The rear bumper and diffuser element have been reshaped. Headlights, daytime running lights, indicators and three dimensional tri bar tail lights are now all LED with LED foglights also available. The front headlight bezels also have been restyled to reflect the trapezoidal shape of the upper grille.
An updated, five litre V8 engine with new dual fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low pressure port fuel injection system, which also increases low end torque, is rated at 450PS and both that and the carry-over 290PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost I4 are offered with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which uses real time adaptive shift scheduling for improved fuel efficiency and acceleration.
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Matthias Tonn, chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “The new 10-speed transmission enables the engine to deliver peak power and torque while up shifting, for faster acceleration and seamless performance. We expect the result to be our fastest accelerating Mustang yet.”
A new optional MagneRide damping system can deliver a quick response to changing road conditions, and two new selectable Drive Modes – Drag Strip Mode and customisable My Mode – join the Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet Modes. Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology includes an innovative Good Neighbour Mode, which can automatically limit the exhaust’s noise output to avoid disturbing neighbours. With Drag Strip mode enabled, Ford expects the new V8 version to be the fastest accelerating ever, with anticipated 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in less than four seconds.
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By GlobalDataNew driver assistance technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid. Also available is a customisable, digital, 12 inch LCD instrument cluster, while SYNC 3 infotainment – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ – can be controlled by natural voice commands and using pinch and swipe gestures on the central eight inch touch screen.
Soft touch materials are now used for the door linings and door handles are finished in aluminium. The centre console features a new hand stitched, soft touch wrap, finished with stitching in a contrast colour. Leather trimmed, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel are also offered across the range. RHD (UK, Ireland and some small markets in Europe) can now also opt for a leather Recaro racing seat option in back leather.
Other Fords making show debuts include the redesigned Fiesta, updated EcoSport with new 4WD option and a restyled, nine seat, Tourneo Custom MPV with new front end design, six individual rear passenger seats with the ability to arrange the two rear rows in ‘conference format’, or in two rows of three seats facing forward.
Rear seat passengers get a more effective air conditioning system, six USB ports, and 10 speaker audio. Material quality is enhanced with thick yarn fabrics and fine grain leathers and connectivity improved with the SYNC 3 system and eight inch touchscreen.
“With the new Tourneo Custom, every passenger can enjoy the best seat in the house,” said Pete Reyes, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “This versatile people mover has been transformed from top to bottom, with a stylish interior that combines the comfort and quality of a luxury car with outstanding space and practicality.”
The updated Tourneo Custom is claimed to be the first vehicle in its segment to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter and also offers BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert.
Engine is the two litre EcoBlue 170PS diesel with six speed SelectShift automatic transmission and a claimed unique to segment rear air suspension system.
See also: ANALYSIS – Ford’s future global cars and minivans
