Latest Ford Mustang on track for 2017
All variants of the latest generation Ford Mustang are in huge demand in the U.S. and beyond but to ensure that the Pony car retains its title as the world's most popular sportscar, Ford is adding a host of extras as standard to the flagship model.
The GT350 is pitched as not only the ultimate version of the latest Mustang but as the ultimate production Mustang in history in terms of its ability to go around a circuit as easily as it can travel around the country. Yet until now, the Track Package was an optional extra.
But from June, buyers will get suspension tower braces, a bigger downforce generating rear spoiler, the MagneRide damping system and coolers for engine oil, transmission and differential as standard.
The original Mustang, launched back in 1964, is the vehicle that essentially turned the idea of offering consumers a blank automotive canvas onto which extras and personal touches are added into the globally accepted way of selling a new car.
However, letting buyers individually 'spec' their cars is also a very effective way of judging consumer trends -- what's hot, what's not -- all of which has fed into Ford's decision-making process for standard and optional equipment packs for the 2017 model-year.
"Ford Performance is always listening to customer feedback," said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "We have adjusted the packages available to continue to provide more of what customers want."
Alongside the track package, from June there will also be a choice of three new exterior paint colours -- Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue, plus a concerted focus on comfort.
As sporty as the GT350 is -- a 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft V8 sending 526hp to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission -- some owners are going to want to simply cruise down the boulevard.
So the car can be specified with a nine-speaker audio system, latest generation voice-activated infotainment unit and electrically operated leather trimmed sports seats.
