KUALA LUMPUR: After several delays, Ford Motor Company and its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion today officially launched the iconic Mustang locally.
Malaysia is one of a select number of markets in Asia to receive the all-American muscle car.
For the first time in more than 50 years, Malaysian fans can now own a piece of Mustang history for themselves which comes in a choice of two exhilarating engines – a 5.0-litre V8 producing 416PS and 530Nm of torque, and a 2.3-litre EcoBoost direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging unit producing 317PS and 432Nm of torque.
Both pony cars deliver heart-pounding performance, and feature an array of safe and smart technologies. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang is priced from RM488,888, while the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang is priced from RM598,888,on the road without insurance.
Both powerplants are complemented by a smooth, six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, making the pony car a great all-around performers. SelectShift gives drivers the thrill of using a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic by toggling the race car-inspired paddle shifters on the steering wheel to shift gears up or down, for smooth and effortless gear changes without having to use a clutch.
The clean-sheet design for Mustang evokes the essential characteristics of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the classic long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution. It is more aerodynamic, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and with world-class handling and precise steering control, even more fun-to-drive than previous generations.
Active grille shutters help increase fuel efficiency by further reducing drag at higher speeds when extra cooling capacity is not needed. The shutters can completely close off the grille, sending air over and around the car instead of through the engine compartment. With eight airbags and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with 8-inch touchscreen, it’s also smarter and safer than ever before.
The 5.0-litre V8 variant.
Other key technology and safety features include:
> MyKey–a programme that promotes good driving habits, such as seat belt use, limiting vehicle’s top speed and decreasing audio volume
> Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) – in an emergency, EBD balances brake force between front and rear wheels, giving the driver greater control
> AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
> Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) – adjusts to provide the driver with greater control in a range of road and weather conditions, in comfort, sport and normal modes
> SOS – Post-Crash Alert System
>Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
> Rear View Camera, with audible parking sensors
> Intelligent Access with Push Button Start
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant.
Ford Mustang is built at the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan, United States.
Both variants are available in five colours namely Race Red,Oxford White, Shadow Black, Deep Impact Blue, and Magnetic. A special Triple Yellow Tri-Coat colour is also available for the 5.0-litre V8 variant.
“Mustang is truly the heart and soul of Ford, and the all-new Mustang takes its no-compromise,raw power and performance to a whole new level,” said Ford Motor Company managing director (Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets) managing director David Westerman.
“We are thrilled to give our customers in Malaysia the opportunity to become part of a global family of Mustang enthusiasts,” said Sime Darby Auto Connexion managing director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.
“Mustang inspires passion like no other car. It resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one – and I know Malaysians will jump at the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of this fantastic performance vehicle.”
5.0-litre Mustang
2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang
EcoBoost
Keyword: Ford Mustang finally arrives, priced from RM488,888