Thursday, June 02, 2016

Ford Mustang quietly launched in Malaysia



This had actually sneaked pass most of our radars. Ford Malaysia via local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion launched the Ford Mustang earlier today. The launch was done without much fanfare.


I suppose this was due to the fact that the two models launched - the 5.0-litre V8,and a turbo-charged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is fully imported from the United States of America and actually cost a whopping RM598,888 and RM488,888 respectively (both OTR price with GST but without insurance). With those figures, you know it would sell to a small market segment. Imagine doing a exclusive launch for something so niche. 

It basically costs a bomb after local taxes and duties. Quite a disappointing turn of events in terms of pricing. Especially the 2.3 Ecoboost. Most of us actually thought it would be at least a hundred thousand Ringgit cheaper. It will only appeal to a select few obviously but I do believe that there would be a small fan base for this iconic Ford. I mean, it IS a Ford Mustang. Most of us who watch TV and movies from Hollywood would occasionally see a Mustang being driven in those films.

Remember 'Gone in 60 Seconds'? The Fast and Furious series? They feature the Mustang. Well, if you have tons of Ringgit lying around - it does not matter whether you got it via a donation or you actually worked hard for it, you now have a chance to own some real American muscle....well, the 2.3 Ecoboost is more of a compromise, but it still is a Mustang. Give me a V8 anytime of course. Road tax aside.

Do read the press release for details - horsepower and torque figures and more are below or you can click here to go to the Ford Mustang Malaysia website:



Mustang 5.0 interior

PRESS RELEASE
All-New Ford Mustang Roars into Malaysia

 All-new Mustang offers exhilarating performance, with a choice of a powerful 5.0-litre V8,

and a turbo-charged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine

 State-of- the-art safety, smart connectivity, and sleek design pay tribute to the Mustang’s

more than 50-year history

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jun. 2, 2016 – Ford Motor Company and its local distributor

Sime Darby Auto Connexion today officially launched the iconic Mustang in Malaysia – one

of a select number of markets in Asia to receive the new, all-American muscle car.

For the first time in more than 50 years, Malaysian fans can now own a piece of Mustang

history for themselves, with a choice of two exhilarating engines: a 5.0-litre V8 producing

416PS of power and 530Nm of torque, and a state-of- the-art, turbocharged 2.3-litre

EcoBoost producing 317PS of power and 432Nm of torque. Both pony cars deliver heart-

pounding performance, and feature an array of safe and smart technologies.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang is priced from RM488,888, while the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang is

priced from RM598,888, on the road without insurance. Both variants are available in five

striking colours, including Race Red, Oxford White, Shadow Black, Deep Impact Blue, and

Magnetic. A special Triple Yellow Tri-Coat colour is also available for the 5.0-litre V8 variant.

“Mustang is truly the heart and soul of Ford, and the all-new Mustang takes its no-

compromise, raw power and performance to a whole new level,” said David Westerman,

managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

The all-new Mustang’s sleek design is a modern and muscular interpretation of the classic. It

is more aerodynamic, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and with world-class handling and

precise steering control, even more fun-to- drive than previous generations. With eight

airbags and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with 8-inch touchscreen, it’s also smarter

and safer than ever before.

“We are thrilled to give our customers in Malaysia the opportunity to become part of a global

family of Mustang enthusiasts,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime

Darby Auto Connexion.

“Mustang inspires passion like no other car. It resonates with people, even if they’ve never

driven one – and I know Malaysians will jump at the chance to experience the thrill and

excitement of this fantastic performance vehicle.”

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang

The clean-sheet design for Mustang evokes the essential characteristics of the brand,

retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with

contemporary execution. Balancing world-class dynamics to deliver a superior ride quality,

drivers can feel both confident and at ease in the all-new Mustang.

Leaving an everlasting impression on drivers and passengers, an aviation-inspired cockpit

provides accessible information and controls. The attention to detail in sculpting the Mustang

can further be seen in the high degree of craftsmanship found in its interiors.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy

cabin, while thoughtful ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide precise control.

The Mustang experience

Mustang delivers exactly what a driver expects – a broad, flat torque curve that pours out

when one stands on it for easy passing, or hustling down a twisty road. No stranger to raw

horse power, this ‘pony car’ – so called because of the category of high-performance,

accessible, compact sports cars it started in 1964 – flexes its muscles with two exhilarating

engine options for Malaysian customers.

The classic 5.0-litre V8 features an upgraded valve train and cylinder heads, and pumps out

416PS of power and 530Nm of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing

for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions, making it the most powerful V8 engine in

GT history.

The state-of- the-art 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and

turbo charging to deliver fantastic performance and fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold

and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with

317PS of power and 432Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the original V8-powered

1964 Mustang.

2.3 Ecoboost engine and 2.3 interior below

Both power plants are complemented by a smooth, six-speed SelectShift automatic

transmission, making the pony car a great all-around performer. SelectShift gives drivers the

thrill of using a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic. Simply toggle the race

car-inspired paddle shifters on the steering wheel to shift gears up or down, for smooth and

effortless gear changes without having to use a clutch.

Active grille shutters help increase fuel efficiency by further reducing drag at higher speeds

when extra cooling capacity is not needed. The shutters can completely close off the grille,

sending air over and around the car instead of through the engine compartment.

New levels of technology and safety

Equipped with an array of smart and innovative technologies, the all-new Mustang is

definitely smarter than your average pony. It features the award-winning Ford SYNC 2 in-car

connectivity system, allowing drivers to use natural voice commands to control the car’s

entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices.

The Mustang is also big on safety, and comes equipped with an eight airbag configuration,

including front, side, curtain and knee airbags.

Other key technology and safety features include:

 MyKey – a programme that promotes good driving habits, such as seat belt use, limiting

vehicle’s top speed and decreasing audio volume

 Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) – in an emergency, EBD balances brake force

between front and rear wheels, giving the driver greater control

 AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

 Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) – adjusts to provide the driver with greater

control in a range of road and weather conditions, in comfort, sport and normal modes

 SOS – Post-Crash Alert System

 Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

 Rear View Camera, with audible parking sensors

 Intelligent Access with Push Button Start

Ford Mustang is built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in the United States.

For details, visit: www.ford.com.my/cars/mustang

(c) 2016 motoring-malaysia.blogspot.com

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