포드 머스탱 GT가 드래그 스트립 모드에서 4초만에 60mph(96.56km)에 도달하는 기록을 세웠다. 포드는 이 기록이 미국 현지에서 9만4000달러(1억4800만원)에 팔리는 포르쉐 911 카레라(4.2초)보다 빠르다고 주장했다. 머스탱 GT의 미국 현지 가격은 3000만원 수준이다.
포드는 머스탱이 개선된 V8 5.0ℓ 엔진과 드래그 스트립 모드, 10단 자동변속기, 미쉐린의 파일럿 스포츠 4S 타이어의 그립력이 새로운 기록을 세우는데 일조했다고 말했다.
V8 5.0ℓ 엔진의 출력과 토크는 460마력, 58.20kg.m에 달하며 낮은 엔진회전수에서 달성되는 특징을 갖고 있다.
직선로에서 최대의 가속 성능을 발휘하는 머스탱의 드래그 스트립 모드는 변속시 10단 자동변속기와 조합해 엔진의 토크가 떨어지지 않도록 해 준다.
포드의 10단 변속기는 전자제어 시스템을 통해 적정 기어 단수로 바로 상승하거나 내려주는 스킵 시프트와 다이렉트 다운 시프트로 급가속과 급감속 등 빠른 조작에 대응한다.
머스탱에는 일반, 스포츠, 트랙, 드래그 스트립 및 스노우/젖은 노면 등 5개의 주행 모드가 제공된다. 한편 포드의 새로운 머스탱은 오는 가을부터 판매를 시작할 예정이다.
A host of improvements including new technology and design changes give owners ways to customize Ford Mustang to their preferences, even better performance from more powerful engines and new MagneRide™ suspension technology. Customers have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang to make it their own, with three new paint colors, 12 distinct wheel choices and a customizable digital instrument cluster.
"The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world," said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. "Tapping Mustang's enormous fan base, we're bringing the new Mustang straight to the people - and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions."
Ford tapped Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to reveal the new Mustang to the world by giving one of the first models available to a deserving member of the military. A video of the debut was launched on Johnson's social channels, including Youtube, Instagram and Facebook, where Mustang holds the title for the most-popular car with more than 8.4 million 'likes.'
Technology for greater personalization
Ford Mustang makes available Ford's first 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in the dashboard. This all-new customizable instrument cluster can be easily personalized, offering three separate views. Customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. All-new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.
The new Ford Mustang is so customizable that even its engine note can be adjusted. Delivering an audible experience like never before, an all-new active valve exhaust system is optional on Mustang GT, with a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range.
For the first time, Mustang benefits from a vast array of Ford driver-assist technology. Customers can feel more confident than ever behind the wheel with new features like Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Driver Alert System.
Ford SYNC® Connect with FordPass™ is available on Mustang for the first time. When using the FordPass® app for smartphones, drivers can start, lock, unlock and locate their car for ultimate convenience.
Ultimate performance
Performance is at the core of Mustang DNA, offering drivers a unique thrill of acceleration and cornering for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling.
MagneRide damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package to optimize ride and handling in all situations.
The proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine continues to offer outstanding performance advantages versus the outgoing 3.7-liter V6. Using Ford's transient overboost technology uniquely calibrated for Mustang, torque is increased for wide-open throttle acceleration.
Ford's legendary 5.0-liter V8 engine has been thoroughly reworked. It is more powerful and revs higher than any Ford Mustang GT before. This power increase 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.
The manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque. For the V8, the manual transmission has been totally redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.
A new 10-speed automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines, is the best automatic Mustang has ever offered. With a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, this all-new gearbox helps deliver higher average power for acceleration - improving responsiveness and performance.
Compared to the previous six-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.
Energy in the design
Overall, the car's exterior design is now more athletic, with a lower, remodeled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for hood vents. For the first time the entire Mustang line will feature all-LED front lights including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams and available fog lamps.
The rear of the car gets revised LED taillamps for a more technical look, plus a new bumper, fascia and available performance spoiler. Dual-tip exhaust is standard for EcoBoost® Mustang, while V8-powered Mustang GT gets a standard quad-tip exhaust.
With a dozen available alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior color choices - including all-new signature Orange Fury - enthusiasts can order a Mustang with the look they're after.
Improved touch points and visual cues with a more premium look and feel characterize the new cockpit. The center console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminum. Restyled seating surfaces feature new patterns and color choices, the instrument panel sports an updated Mustang badge and there's a new key fob design. A heated steering wheel is optional.
Ford's most advanced Mustang ever goes on sale in North America in fall 2017.
