Mustang bucks the downward trend

The release of a new Mustang could generate some much-needed interest in Australia where sales have continued to drop year on year since its launch in 2016.

Ford in Detroit describes the new seventh generation as the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines — to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design.

But Aussies will have to wait until at least the end of next year before we see one.

It’s not expected to go on sale here until late 2023.

Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged four cylinder, manual or automatic, Ford says Mustang has options for multiple prices and performance levels.

No hybrid or electric version in sight yet however.

So far this year Ford has sold 1220 Mustangs, compared to 1979 units for the same period last year — a drop of just over 38 per cent.

The current design dates back to 2013, when it made its debut in six locations simultaneously — one of them Sydney.

But it wasn’t until August, 2015 that Mustang finally went on sale here, with a choice of 5.0-litre Coyote V8 or 2.3-litre EcoBoost four cylinder engines.

Total sales for the eight years it has been on sale here have been 32,824.

But sadly for Ford and fans of the pony car the numbers have just kept going down since its best year of sales in 2017.

Back then you could get into a four-cylinder manual coupe for $45,990. Last updated in February this year, that same car will now cost you a minimum $55,990.

Prior to the launch of the current car an abortive attempt was made by Ford to convert 250 Mustang V8 coupes and convertibles to right hand drive for Australia in 2001.

But priced from $85K the cars were expensive and build quality wasn’t up to par, with limited room for the control foot pedals on the right-hand side of the car.

What’s more, it couldn’t keep with the homegrown Falcon V8.

I remember that launch because it didn’t go down well.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said.

“Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars, all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

The new Mustang is set to add another chapter in the history of the iconic car, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe.

Each model in the Mustang lineup sports a unique front end.

Genesis Tribute to driver Jacky Ickx

GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance.

The car’s aerodynamics are further optimised with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter.

With the introduction of the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford Australia will add an exciting new special edition called the Dark Horse.

Dark Horse is a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all of the capability sports car lovers expect.

With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-litre V8, Ford says it will set a new benchmark for Australian street and track performance.

Further specs and information will be released closer to local launch.