The current Ford Mustang achieved a lowly two-star rating for overall safety in a series of recent crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP. There are concerns about its crash protection for adult and child occupants with a ‘worrying lack’ of safety equipment commonly available on the European market. Euro NCAP says the driver and passenger airbags inflated insufficiently and noted that the European Mustang does not have the US-spec Forward Collision Warning system. Ford has confirmed its forthcoming facelifted Mustang will feature upgraded safety kit as standard.
Ford has facelifted its Mustang for 2017. A lower, re-modeled bonnet and grille deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, while LED lighting has been added front and rear. Under the skin new suspension brings increased lateral stiffness with sharper response and handling, while a new 10-speed automatic transmission is also available. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine has been recalibrate while the 5.0-litre V8 has been thoroughly reworked, says Ford, and is more powerful than ever. The facelifted Ford Mustang isn't expected in the UK until 2018.
A special exhibition was held at the Paris Motor Show, celebrating the role of the car on the silver screen. ‘Engine! The Car at the Movies’ displayed historic film cars ranging from a 1977 ‘Transformers’ Chevrolet Camaro - albeit a replica - to the actual Porsche 908 driven by Steve McQueen in the 1971 ‘Le Mans’ film. A replica of the Ford Mustang from the 1968 film Bullitt - also starring McQueen - was on show alongside a Dukes of Hazard 1969 Dodge Charger, aka The General Lee.
Modern day film cars included James Bond’s new Aston Martin DB10 from the film ‘Spectre’ as well as the DBS which was heavily crashed in ‘Quantum of Solace’. No movie car collection would be complete without a ‘Back To The Future’ De Lorean - flux capacitor and all - which was joined by a fellow 80s icon - a recreation of the Ghostbusters converted Cadillac ambulance, also known of course as the Ectomobile.
Ford has previewed its all-new high-performance Focus RS – with Ken Block behind the wheel. Powered by an upgraded version of the new Mustang's 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, it pumps out in excess of 320PS. The hot hatch also features sports suspension, Dynamic Torque Vectoring and All-Wheel-Drive. Running on 19-inch alloy wheels the RS has been aerodynamically optimised for zero lift and high-speed handling. Further details will be announced later this year.
The all-new Ford Mustang has officially gone on sale in the UK for the first time. Fastback or convertible versions are available, powered by either a 314PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine or a 418PS 5.0-litre V8 unit – mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 2015 Mustang is fitted with 19-inch wheels, performance brakes and a rear diffuser as standard and is available to order now from new inner city 'FordStores'. Prices start from £28,995 on the road, rising to £38,495 for the range-topping V8 Convertible.
