Ford has unveiled the sixth generation model of one of America’s most iconic muscle cars, the Mustang. The car will go on sale on the 17th of April, 2014, Fifty years from the very day the Mustang made it’s debut. The Ford Mustang is one of the most popular cars ever built. It was launched in 1964 and since then it has sold around 9 million copies. But unfortunately this enthusiasm for the Mustang is only present in North America, not globally. In most markets like UK the Mustang has to be imported, it is not officially sold by Ford. But with this model they plan to go global again, and there is even a chance of India getting the Mustang by early 2015.
Ford had quite a difficult task in front of them to recreate another generation of the Mustang. Too bland and the youngsters would not buy it, too futuristic then the mustang purists would be disappointed. So they had to develop the vehicle in such a way that it would have the best of both worlds. Did they manage to do that? Well let’s find out.
Engine and Transmission:
The Mustang will come with three engine options. There will be the familiar 3.7L V6 motor which is being carried over from the outgoing car. It produces 300bhp of power and 366Nm of torque. For the purists there will be a 5.0 litre V8 motor which produces a mighty 420 bhp of power and 530 Nm of torque. The Mustang will also be equipped with the all-new 2.3 litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost unit which produces 305bhp and 406Nm of torque. The gearbox options on the Mustang include the familiar 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions seen on the outgoing model.
Exteriors:
The all-new sixth generation Mustang at first sight looks awesome. The front-end looks quite different from the outgoing model. The head-lamps are now longer, and there is a trapezoidal grille which seems to be inspired by Aston Martin’s. The side profile with that sloping roof has an unmistakable resemblance to the earlier generation Mustang’s, inspite of the roof height has being reduced. The rear-end retains the iconic tri-bar tail-lamps. With the beefed up fenders and wide track width the rear-end of the Mustang looks quite mean and planted.
Interiors:
Ford claim that they have redesigned the entire interior, but it does look quite familiar to the outgoing model’s. It retains the large instrument dials, the retro multi-functional 3-spoke steering wheel and a high dashboard and center console. The choice of materials and plastics used are of a better quality in order to compete with the European cars. Overall the design is a bit more modern and upmarket. Also, because of the increased width, there is now more room inside.
Construction:
The biggest and the most awaited change in the sixth-generation Mustang is that Ford has replaced the traditional solid live axle setup for the rear suspension and replaced it with an integral-link independent suspension. This change is extremely crucial as it takes the car’s ride and handling to a whole new level and also enables the Mustang to comply with European vehicle norms.
Conclusion:
Ford have spent a lot of time developing this car, and they seem to have put in a lot of effort too. The sixth generation Mustang has been improved in every possible area right from the design to engines and suspension. All-in-all there could not have been a better way for Ford to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic cars in the world!
