Serious muscle is pumping up for its UK arrival this autumn in the menacing shape of the new Ford Mustang.
And the blue oval brand has just confirmed that the pony car can blast out of the blocks with such savagery – 0-62mph in under five seconds – that it has become the fastest accelerating Ford coupe ever offered in Europe.
Ford has also revealed that more than 1,200 customers have so far ordered a Mustang in Britain – and a further 2,200 across Europe.
The Mustang is being sold in Europe for the first time in the car’s 50-year history and is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering a massive 421PS and 530Nm of torque.
But if you’re looking for more fuel-efficiency there’s also a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing 317PS, 432Nm of torque and capable of returning 35.3 miles per gallon.
The new Mustang will be the fastest accelerating coupe Ford has offered in Europe
The 5.0-litre V8 fastback with six-speed manual transmission reaches 62mph from a standing start in 4.8sec –faster than any Ford coupe in Europe since the limited Ford GT supercar launched in 2005.
Not that the 2.3-litre version is any sort of slouch, itself clocking a 0-62 figure of 5.8 seconds.
When the Mustang arrives, drivers will be able to alter the car’s performance to suit mood and driving conditions using selectable drive modes, and away from public roads use Track Apps to monitor driving performance.
Mustang V8 drivers can also tap in to Ford’s launch control technology to achieve the fastest possible acceleration off the line on the track.
Kit includes a standard Performance Pack that brings uprated brakes and cooling for high-speed driving, while a sophisticated chassis and body structure helps optimise driving dynamics.
Mean machine – the new Ford Mustang
Selectable drive modes are controlled using toggle switches in the centre console and adjust the AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, throttle response, automatic gearshift patterns and steering to match Normal, Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet settings.
Ford says it will start right-hand drive Mustang production this summer at its Flat Rock facility in Michigan, in 10 exterior colours and equipped as standard with 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, LED tail lamps and a rear diffuser.
Further standard equipment includes a nine-speaker sound system and SYNC 2 voice control connectivity with eight-inch colour touchscreen.
Vehicle line director Hermann Salenbauch says: “The new Ford Mustang will be wickedly fast off the line and throw you back in your seat with a thrilling engine soundtrack.
“But Mustang isn’t just fast in a straight line. The ride and handling will be a revelation for European drivers.”
