Ford has finally decided to reintroduce the iconic Mustang sports car in Thailand, officially stepping back into the sports car territory for the first time in many decades.
According to a statement from Ford Thailand Ltd, models to be offered starting this October include the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Coupe priced at Bt3.599 million and the V8 5.0-liter GT Coupe priced at Bt4.799 million.
Thai specifications have not been provided – Ford says that details will be made public near the launch period in October. A total of 19 Ford dealers in Bangkok and upcountry will get to sell the Mustang.
However according to the US specs, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 474Nm of torque, while the updated 2018 5.0-liter V8 engine on the Mustang GT pumps out 460 horsepower and 569Nm of torque. Ford claims 0-96km/h acceleration (in Drag Strip mode) in under five seconds for the Ecoboost and under four seconds for the V8, making it faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera.
Ford said the power increase in the GT was achieved with the first application for Mustang of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine – delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
There are also Track Apps that instantly show a number of performance metrics on the instrument panel. Meanwhile, the Drag Strip mode provides maximum straight-line acceleration, and the electronic line lock is standard on both V8 and EcoBoost-equipped models. The feature lets racers pre-warm their tires before the start of a race for better grip.
The 2018 Mustang is also the first North American production car to feature the newest high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S summer tires, according to Ford. Designed to improve wet grip, dry grip, braking and handling, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires are available as part of the Mustang Performance Package.
Both the 2.3-liter and 5.0-liter models come with 10-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox, Ford SYNC 3 with FordPass that allows drivers to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle, as well as get updates on various vehicle diagnostics such as fuel level.
The 12-inch Digital Cluster offers various screen layouts, 26 color options and displays for up to eight gauges. The screen can be easily personalized, offering different views for normal/snow/wet, sport, and track/drag modes. Drivers can also use the Mustang MyMode to save their favorite settings for suspension and steering and exhaust note preferences.
Both models are equipped with the Performance Pack that includes limited-slip differential (LSD) and 19-inch black aluminium wheels, plus Brembo brakes (V8 5.0 only).
A dual bright exhaust is standard on EcoBoost model, while the Mustang GT gets a standard dual exhaust with quad-tips.
Owners of a new Mustang can adjust the car’s sound to their liking. Using the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust System, drivers can choose from normal, sport, track and quiet modes. The system includes an industry-first, time-configurable Quiet Start function, which lets drivers schedule times of day – such as early in the morning when neighbors are sleeping – to turn down the volume of the 5.0-liter engine’s roar.
The Mustang features a number of driver-assist technologies, including Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection including Distance Indication and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and Driver Alert System. The driver assist systems use radar and cameras to recognize objects in the road, and may take autonomous emergency action – such as braking – to mitigate or avoid a collision.
The entire Mustang line features all-LED front lights including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams and available fog lamps.
History
First unveiled in 1964 at the World’s Fair in New York, the Mustang was an instant hit, with 22,000 orders placed on the first day.
“Fast-forward to 2018, the Mustang has become an enduring part of automotive and pop culture with appearances in nearly 3,000 feature films and TV shows, and more Facebook followers than any other car in the world,” Ford said in a statement.
Ford recently celebrated production of the 10 millionth Mustang at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, US, and the 6th-gen Mustang is being offered in Asia-Pacific markets as well.
Official Pricing:
Mustang 5.0-liter V8 GT Coupe Performance Pack – Bt4,799,000
Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost Coupe Performance Pack – Bt3,599,000
