Page 212 - The Bite Magazine - Issue 11
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cars
The Ford Mustang was estimated to sell
less than 100,000 units for the first year
but actually sold well over three times
this figure. Its front view presented a
honeycomb-type grille in gunmetal grey
with the Mustang emblem of a galloping
pony ‘floating’ in a rectangle at the centre.
The grille extended the sweep of the hood
ahead of the single-mounted, seven inch
headlamps and small scoop lines in the
sheet metal fairing that emphasised the
forward thrust. With a look of extreme
performance, the Mustang’s new low
centre of gravity presented a low profile
view with sports car proportions, while
the long thrusting hood and extremely
compact rear deck, both with short
overhang suggested a sports car design.The
two-plus-two seating featured front bucket
seats with foam-padded cushions and a
back bench, sculptured to provide good
body support for greater seating security
and comfort. The popularity of the Ford
Mustang at that time was probably thanks
to its varied choices in engine capacity.
Drivers could choose between standard
power, the ‘170’ Six with three-speed
manual transmission that provided low
initial cost, maximum operating economy
and good performance or three optional
V8 engines: the ‘260’ with 164 horsepower,
the ‘289’ with 210 horsepower or the’289’
High-Performance with 271 horsepower.
Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has evolved
through five generations to present the
sixth generation 2015 Ford Mustang this
year. The second generation (1974-1978)
based on the Ford Pinto was available in
coupé and hatchback versions but was
much smaller than the original model,
whilst the third generation (1979-1993)
modelled on the longer Fox platform
and available in coupé, hatchback and
convertible was restyled to accommodate
four people in comfort despite a smaller
rear seat. The fourth generation (1994-
2004) underwent its first major redesign
in fifteen years and featured an updated
version of the rear-wheel drive Fox
platform called Fox-4. The ‘new edge’
style had sharper contours, larger wheel
arches and creases in its bodywork but
maintained the same basic proportions,
interior design and chassis as the previous
model. The redesigned fifth generation
model (2005-2014) introduced at the
2004 North American International
Auto Show was based on the new D2C
platform and echoed the fastback Mustang
models of the late 1960s. However, it is the
sixth generation model available in both
fastback and convertible that highlights
the pinnacle of Ford’s history as they
celebrate 50 years of the Ford Mustang.
Driving Capacity
Described as “definitely more than just
a car” and “the heart and soul of Ford”
by Raj Nair, Ford group vice president
for Global Product Development, the
all-new 2015 Ford Mustang enhances
its performance with three choices of
engine power. Drivers can choose from
the more powerful 5.0-litre V8 equipped
with new cylinder heads, valve train and
intake manifold that will ensure that the
engine breathes freely from idle all the
way to 7,000 rpm, whilst generating 420
horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Or
the standard 3.7-litre V6 that provides
precise timing and control of the engine’s
air and fuel intake and helps enhance peak
power and low-speed torque in driving
situations such as passing and merging,
whilst producing 300 horsepower and 280
lb.-ft. of torque. Or even the all-new fuel
efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that
provides the performance that Mustang
enthusiasts are more accustomed to,
plus the ability to deliver projected best-
in-class fuel economy, with a capacity
of 305 horsepower and more than 300
lb.-ft. of torque. The new model is also
around 200 pounds lighter than its former
contender and more aerodynamic, thanks
