Ford Mustang 2015 News

But the start of 2015 is gearing up for more hot deals than usual because new car sales stalled last year for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis.It means dealers are overstocked and they're even more eager to make way for fresh metal.Adding to the pressure - and putting buyers in the driver's seat - is the uncertainty around Australia's currency, which has taken a hit in recent months. Buying a new car now could mean a double-saving; get the discount on end-of-year bargains and beat possible price rises.Record low interest rates and favourable exchange rates saw new car prices fall to 20-year lows in 2014 as affordability hit a 38-year high in 2014.But once the cars imported at last year's exchange rates are cleared, the chances are new models won't be discounted as heavily, or prices may even rise.Most cars sold in Australia are sourced from Japan (30 per cent), Thailand (20 per cent) and South Korea (12 per cent) - rather than the US (5 per cent) - but most car companies buy in US dollars as it has historically been more stable.The prices of Japanese branded cars are likely to remain steady because the Japanese Government artificially devalues the yen to boost exports. But the value of the Australian dollar against the currencies of Thailand, South Korea and the US is less stable.It means price rises are likely on almost every ute sold in Australia because most are made in Thailand, including the top-selling Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Colorado, among others.South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia, two of the industry's biggest discounters, may also lose some of their bargaining power if the Australian dollar continues to head south.But one brand you may not be expecting to go backwards due to a shift in currency is Holden, which sources eight of its 12 models from South Korea and two from Thailand.With that in mind we have assembled the 10 cars we reckon are worth waiting for. Remember to always judge a car by its build date (the day it went down the production line and how its age will be measured when it comes time to sell), rather than the compliance plate (in effect, when the car cleared Australian customs).Be warned: there are still some 2013-built cars out there (Nissan, we're looking at you), so be sure to haggle hard and make sure the factory warranty starts the day you take delivery.Sometimes it's worth waiting for an all-new model, or at least knowing if you have more bargaining power if the dealer is trying to clear not only last year's model but one that is about to be superseded.The successor to Australia's cheapest car from a mainstream brand is just around the corner with a new look and a new name. The Suzuki Celerio is bigger than the Alto and the 1.0-litre three-cylinder has been tuned to run on regular unleaded (rather than premium like its predecessor), making it one of the cheapest cars to own and operate. Expect a super-sharp $13,990 drive-away starting price when it goes on sale in February.Australia is going to be crawling with pint-sized SUVs next year but the Mazda CX-3 is likely to take most of the spotlight. Available with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol engine it is expected to start between $20,000 and $25,000 when it goes on sale in March. It will join the Honda HR-V (February), Renault Captur (February), the next generation Suzuki Vitara (June), the unusually named Citroen Cactus (June), and the cutesy Fiat 500X (November).The city-sized soft-roader market is so huge globally even off-road brand Jeep has joined the fray. The Jeep Renegade may look like a scaled-down Tonka Truck but it is based on the same underbody as the Fiat Punto, Alfa Romeo Mito and the Fiat 500X. Powered by a 1.4-litre turbo petrol or 2.0-litre turbo diesel matched to a segment-leading nine-speed automatic transmission, the Renegade is due in showrooms in October priced between $20,000 and $30,000.The first new Nissan Navara in 10 years arrives in showrooms in April with two new 2.3-litre turbo diesel engines (one with a single turbo, the other with twin turbos). The outputs are almost the same as the previous 2.5-litre turbo diesel, despite being smaller in capacity (a 118kW/403Nm version and a 140kW/450Nm version). Payload and towing capacity are yet to be confirmed but bank on a one-tonne cargo rating and a 3500kg towing limit (bringing the Navara into line with class leaders). The 550Nm Navara with the Renault 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 has been dropped. It will be a big year for utes, with a rebodied Mitsubishi Triton due in May, significant updates due for the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 in July, an all-new Toyota HiLux in October.Take a close look at the new Ford Mondeo due on sale in April. This is a pointer to the vehicle that will eventually replace the Falcon. Available in sedan and wagon body styles, likely with a choice of 2.0-litre turbo petrol or 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines, prices are expected to range from $30,000 to $50,000. It will also be loaded with technology including LED headlights, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and industry-leading rear seatbelt airbags. A hybrid version will join the Mondeo line-up later in the year.Jaguar is making a second attempt at the lucrative mid-size luxury sedan market dominated by the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class. After learning from the ill-conceived 2002 X-Type based on the Ford Mondeo, Jaguar has started with a cleansheet design and aluminium construction. It will be available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel said to sip 4.0L/100km, less than the Audi A4 (4.8L/100km) and BMW 320d (4.5L/100km) aided by an eight-speed auto. At the other end of the scale: a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.1 seconds. Due on sale in September, it's likely to start about $60,000.The first new Volvo XC90 in 12 years is also the first all-new model developed since Volvo was bought by China's Geely motor company in 2010. Promising to the world's safest SUV it will automatically slam on the brakes if you're about to turn in front of an oncoming car, and can also spot cyclists and pedestrians at night. It even has eyes in the back of its head: a radar system can detect if you're about to be hit from behind, and will prepare the seatbelts and headrests for the sudden impact. It will be available with a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel power, and a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 40km on battery power alone (before switching to petrol power), the first seven-seater of its type in the world. Due in showrooms in July priced about $90,000.Mazda has gone back to basics – in every sense of the word – and wound back the clock with the new MX-5 sports-car. The first all-new MX-5 since the original was launched 25 years ago goes back to its lightweight, low cost roots (each wheel only has four locating nuts instead of five, for example) and promises a soft-top roof and a sub-1000kg mass for the first time since last century. Since 2006 the Mazda MX-5 has had a folding metal roof to help it weather storms and thwart thieves, but this has added weight, complexity and cost. The new model is expected to be available with a choice of two engines – a 1.5- and a 2.0-litre – when it goes on sale in September priced below $40,000.The Ford Mustang returns to Australia in October for the first time since 2003, but it will be the first time in the nameplate's 50-year history that it will be made in right-hand-drive on a Ford production line (Flat Rock, Michigan). All models before this one were converted to right-hand-drive locally. It will be available with a choice of 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo or 5.0-litre V8 power in coupe and convertible body styles. Prices will range from $50,000 to $70,000.Mercedes-Benz's answer to the Porsche 911 arrives in July priced about $270,000. Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that will also power the upcoming AMG C63 sedan, it can complete the 0 to 100km/h dash in just 3.8 seconds. Fun fact for the tech heads: it has a better weight distribution (47/53 front to rear) than either the Porsche 911 (39/61) or Cayman (46/54). Game on.

Ford Australia has set up a website to handle the orders for the new Mustang more than a year before it goes on sale.The new Ford Mustang is still a year away from Australian showrooms but the company has been so overwhelmed by demand that it has set up a dedicated website to take orders – even though the price is yet to be confirmed.Ford has received more than 15,000 "expressions of interest" and the national network of 200 dealers have taken more than 1200 firm orders for the first ever factory-built right-hand-drive Mustang in 50 years.The early orders alone are expected to account for almost a year's supply of cars.RELATED: Police could get Mustang highway patrol carsMORE: The new Ford Mustang is comingTo avoid a one-year waiting list once the Mustang goes on sale, Ford Australia will use the feedback gained from the pre-ordering system to secure more cars from the factory in Flat Rock Michigan.It is the first time Ford Australia has established a pre-ordering website, although Subaru did something similar three years ago for its BRZ sports coupe.However, the Subaru website was open to the public, the Ford one can only be accessed via a dealer. Ford Australia will import both the four-cylinder and V8 versions of the Mustang, in coupe and convertible body styles in November 2015.Price is yet to be confirmed but Ford has given an indication the range will cost between $50,000 and $70,000, putting it within price reach of the homegrown Falcon XR8 sports sedan which costs between $52,000 and $54,000."The Mustang is drawing people to Ford well in advance of its arrival, and we've reacted quickly to find a way to communicate with these new potential owners," Bob Graziano, the President and CEO of Ford Australia said in a media statement."With more and more customers coming forward each week, this new pre-ordering system will allow us to plan and cater to their specific requests from the outset."Ford also believes the Mustang may help sell other models in the range. Ford is currently on track to record its ninth year in a row of sales decline and executives say it could take 18 months to two years before there is a sales turnaround."In just the first few days since launching, Ford dealers already have registered 1200 orders, including 600 customers who already have put down deposits," said Mr Graziano.The website will also allow customers to choose their options and order the exact car they want.Fans may be surprised to find a four-cylinder in the options list but it is not the first time a four-cylinder has been offered.Ford made four-cylinder Mustangs from 1978 to 1993 but they were discontinued because the technology wasn't as advanced then as it is today.Ford's latest four-cylinder turbo engine to be used in the Mustang has more grunt than many V8s. It will also be much more fuel-efficient.Meanwhile all V8 models will come with a controversial "burnout" button, to be used at off-street drag races to warm the rear tyres.

Australian specifications for new Ford Mustang confirmed ahead of 2015 arrival.Ford has confirmed all but price for Australian versions of the new Mustang ahead of their showroom arrival in the latter half of next year.As confirmed at the Mustang’s simultaneous global reveals last December, both four-cylinder and V8 versions will come here, but Ford has now detailed their specific outputs.The price-leading 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine will produce an impressive 233kW and 432Nm, while the top-spec V8 GT will churn out 303kW and 525Nm.These figures are the metric DIN equivalent of the 310hp/320lb-ft and 435hp/400lb-ft produced by the respective US Mustangs, driven by CarsGuide earlier this year.For both engines, a six-speed manual transmission will come as standard, while a six-speed torque-converter automatic available can be optioned.Unlike previous Mustangs, the sixth-generation model does away with simple solid-axle rear suspension in favour of integral-link independent rear suspension.Both engines will come with 330mm disk brakes on the back with the EcoBoost having 352mm disks on the front and the V8 upping the ante to 380mm.The EcoBoost package rides on 19-inch wheels shod in 255/40R19 rubber, with the the V8's 19-inch alloys get slightly wider 275/40R19 tyres.Externally, V8 models can be identified by unique grille inserts with vertical elements, dual bonnet vents, 5.0 front-guard badging and a GT badge between the tail lights.Drivetrains and roof designs aside, the coupe and convertible Mustang models will share trim levels.On the outside there is a rear diffuser, LED daytime running lights, HID headlights, a pony-shaped puddle lamps and heated mirrors.In the dashboard there is an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with Ford's ‘SYNC2’ system to run the 9-speaker sound system, satnav, reversing camera and Bluetooth phone connectivity.Inside there is push-button start, heated and cooled front seats, dual zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, leather multifunction steering wheel, leather parking brake and auto-dimming rearview mirror.Safety features include Ford's MyKey system, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring.Local pricing for the Mustang has not been confirmed, although it is believed it will cost between $50,000 and $70,000.Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano said the new Mustang has received a lot of local interest since it was first announced with "an unprecedented 15,000 customers asking for details about the car".Motorsport fans will also be watching the new Mustang with interest as the coupe variant with either EcoBoost or V8 power will be eligible to compete in the V8 Supercars championship in 2017 under new regulations announced recently.Ford has confirmed its withdrawal of factory support, however the door is still open for private teams to use the Mustang shape in a similar arrangement to the existing Erebus Motorsport V8 AMG team.

Ford has taken the covers off the road-legal race-ready 500 horsepower Shelby Mustang GT350 ahead of this week's Los Angeles motor show.The exact power figures are still under wraps but Ford says the new 5.2-litre V8 (up from the Mustang's 5.0-litre) will pump out "more than 500 horsepower", or 373kW in modern terms, an extra 50kW on top of the standard V8.But it seems the high-revving engine won't get much of a boost in torque, with Ford saying it will simply have "more" than the current Mustang's modest 540Nm output.Instead, Ford has focused its energy on handling, giving the Shelby Mustang GT350 magnetically controlled shock absorbers (the same technology used by Ferrari, Audi, Corvette and HSV) and fitted massive brakes: 394-millimetre rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers up front and 380-millimetre rotors with four-piston calipers at the rear.Ford has fitted a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, and added body strengthening to improve stiffness by 28 per cent, to make it more precise in turns.Super-wide and super-sticky 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (10.5-inch wide at the front and 11-inch wide at the rear) provide the grip.Before you get too excited it's worth noting the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 is not confirmed for Australia; CarsGuide understands we will instead get the still-secret supercharged Shelby Mustang GT500 successor in two years.The regular Mustang is due in Australian showrooms with a choice of four-cylinder and V8 power in coupe and convertible form in the second half of 2015 priced between $50,000 and $70,000.It's the first time in the 50-year history of the nameplate a right-hand-drive Mustang has been made on a Ford production line.Extra detail for engine geeks from the Ford media bulletin:"The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars. Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals."We have no idea what this means but we expect it will sound great. Take a closer look - inside and out - at the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang here.

Hoonicorn Mustang makes its video debut in Los Angeles with Ken block's Gymkhana 7.Proving that 1.8-litres was never enough - even bolted to a whopping turbocharger and purpose-built Fiesta gymkhana weapon, Ken Block has returned for his seventh blast to internet stardom.This time set around the crumbling concrete of downtown Los Angeles, Block's latest effort proves that his new 630kW, 6.7-litre all-wheel drive Ford Mustang can be just as spectactular when thrown rearwards with all four wheels spinning forwards, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.Officially named the Hoonicorn RTR, the 1965 Mustang-based mechanical monster made its static debut at SEMA earlier this month.Gymkhana 7 opens in an industrial warehouse with Block introducing the new car by way of his latest trick - doing a burnout whilst the car is chained to a wall.The restraints are released and Block heads off on his tour of Tinseltown.Past the burnt-out shell of a Subaru WRX rotting in the pristine waters of the LA River before indulging in a few doughnuts at the famous Randy's, and into Chinatown.Block also enjoys an unusual traffic-free run down one of the city's freeways, drives circles around and under a bouncing Chevy low-rider before finishing in typical style atop Mount Lee, looking over the City of Angels and its smog-filled sky from the iconic Hollywood sign.The occasional-World Rally Championship driver and part-time shoe salesman's heavily choreographed Gymkhana videos have earned him global praise for his ability to navigate obstacle courses, city centres and the odd movie set with guile and a liberal application of the handbrake.

Ken Block swaps Fiesta for Mustang with his latest gymkhana weapon.Size doesn't matter, they say. Tell that to Ken Block.The US stunt/racing driver/entrepreneur has upgraded his Ford Fiesta with its relatively puny 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a 1965 Ford Mustang sporting a 6.7-litre V8.While it might take its design cues from the iconic original Mustang that celebrates its 50th birthday this year, the only original components you'll find on Block's version are the head and tail lights, as well as the pony badge on the front. The rest - much like the recent Project Sandman - is 100 per cent modern race car.This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yetThe naturally-aspirated V8 engine produces 630kW and 975Nm which is put to the road by a bespoke 6-speed sequential transmission that distributes the power to all four wheels. Ford only ever put the power to the back two.The suspension is custom-built, and the 18" wheels are shod with Pirelli tyres in a compound made specifically for Block. Not even a Formula One team gets that sort of attention from the Italian rubber company.Motorsport connections don't stop there as Block says the design of the car has also been influenced by current generation WRC and DTM cars, bringing together the classic Mustang silhouette with all the performance benefits of modern aerodynamics and carbon fibre construction."The attention to detail with the fabrication and bodywork blows my mind," Block said."This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yet."The car is currently on display at the SEMA motor show in Las Vegas, but those unable to get there in person will see it in Block's upcoming ‘Gymkhana SEVEN’ video.Block's previous gymkhana efforts have seen him display immense car control and driving skill in a variety of different locations, including usually busy streets of downtown San Francisco.More recently, Block has been getting around the ski slopes of Canada in a Ford F-150 RaptorTRAX. It can also do burnouts, despite its lack of wheels.

New Mustang to cost the same as a Falcon, will have four-cylinder or V8 power -- and a burnout button on the V8 models. The new Ford Mustang will cost the same as a Falcon when it goes on sale next year -- and there are already 13,000 Australians queuing to buy the American icon. A top secret dealer bulletin obtained by News Corp Australia says the Mustang will cost between $50,000 and $70,000 in Australia, making it significantly cheaper than the outgoing Falcon GT which cost $80,000, and in line with the price for the last series of V8-powered Falcon XR8 sedans to be built at Broadmeadows. The Mustang is due to fill the V8 performance-car void in Ford showrooms once the Falcon goes out of production in October 2016, but in a shock to diehard fans a four-cylinder version will also be available. VIDEO: 2015 Ford Mustang burnout mode explainedRELATED: How we broke the story on the Mustang's returnMORE: Police could become Mad Max cops with new MustangIt’s not the first time the Mustang has had a four-cylinder engine -- an economy version was sold in the US from 1978 to 1993 -- but it is the first time a four-cylinder Mustang will be sold in Australia. Before fans scoff, Ford points out that the new generation turbocharged four-cylinder engine has almost as much power as the old V8 and sips a fraction of the fuel. Ford reintroduced the four-cylinder option this time around to appeal to fuel misers and to meet stringent fuel economy targets in Europe. At the other end of the performance scale, the V8 version of the new Ford Mustang is the first mass-production car in the world to come with a “burnout” button. Press a button and the front brakes will lock but the rear brakes will not. Floor the throttle and the tyres quickly smoke up. Ford says the system is designed to be used at off-street drag racing meetings, a popular hobby for many Mustang owners in the US. This is the first time in the muscle car’s 50-year history that the Mustang will be made in right-hand-drive on a Ford production line. The Mustangs sold in Australia in the 1960s and early 2000s were made in left-hand-drive and then converted locally. The latest models will be made in Ford’s Mustang factory in Flat Rock, Michigan. The Mustang is already on sale in the US and is due in Australian showrooms -- and 25 other right-hand-drive countries, including Japan, the UK and South Africa -- by the middle of next year. In Australia, the Mustang will be sold in coupe and convertible body styles with a choice of four-cylinder or V8 power. Fast facts: Ford MustangPrice: $50,000 to $70,000Engine: 5.0-litre V8 or 2.3-litre four-cylinder turboPower: 325kW/540Nm (V8), 230kW/430Nm (four-cylinder)Fuel economy: 12.3L/100km (V8), 9.0L/100km (four-cylinder)On sale: In Australia 2015*All power and consumption figures are approximate and based on US testing standards. Australian figures may vary.

The secret (and some not so secret) models that will power Ford, Holden and Toyota when their factories close.

Ford starts testing of right-hand-drive versions of the Mustang in Detroit.Ford has started testing right-hand-drive versions of the Mustang muscle car ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms next year, priced from about $50,000. Ford has never made a right-hand-drive Mustang on a production line before. Mustangs sold in Australia in the 1960s and early 2000s were built in left-hand drive in the US and then converted locally. After declaring for half a century it was too expensive to engineer a right-hand-drive Mustang -- especially given that left-hand-drive new cars can be legally registered in other key right-hand-drive markets, the UK and Japan -- Ford is boldly going global with the new model.Ford has sold more than 9.2 million Mustangs since the first one was built in 1964The Mustang will be sold in 125 countries next year, including 25 right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, Japan, and the UK. "The Mustang is the heart and soul of the company and part of American culture," says Nair. "Of all our models, it's top of the list for brand perception and recognition." The Mustang has 7.6 million Facebook fans at last count (August 2014), making it the most "liked" car on the social media site, Ford claims. The Mustang has also appeared in more than 3000 movies, including James Bond's Goldfinger (1964), Steve McQueen's Bullitt (1968), and Gone in 60 Seconds (2000). Of the 400 Mustang clubs globally, more than half of them are outside North America. Ford has sold more than 9.2 million Mustangs since the first one was built in 1964, but only 161,000 were sold outside North America. The Ford Mustang will arrive in Australia as the Falcon nears the end of the Broadmeadows production line. However, at the preview of the new Ford Mustang in Detroit last year, executives insisted the Mustang was not intended to replace the Falcon as Ford's hero car. "The Mustang is not intended to replace Falcon, it's bringing the Mustang back to Australia," said Raj Nair, the Ford group vice president, global product development. Meanwhile, Australians struggling to understand the merit of a four-cylinder Falcon will need to get their head around the idea of a four-cylinder Mustang: it will be available with four-cylinder or V8 power. Indeed, Ford's latest four-cylinder turbo engine has more grunt than many V8s (227kW). It will also be much more fuel-efficient. Ford made four-cylinder Mustangs from 1978 to 1993 but they were discontinued because the technology wasn't as advanced then as it is today. The V8 version -- which will come standard with a "burnout" button -- will likely be the most popular choice (Australia misses out on the US-only V6); the option of a four-cylinder engine is intended to broaden the Mustang's appeal, especially in Europe as the Mustang goes global for the first time. FAST FACTS The Mustang is one of the few cars in the world to clock up 50 years of continuous production. The other is the Ford Falcon (to be retired in 2016 after 56 years), the Volkswagen Kombi (retired after 56 years, 1957 to 2013), the Volkswagen Beetle (retired after 65 years, 1938 to 2003), the Chevrolet Suburban SUV (79 years and counting, since 1938), the Ford F-Series pick-up (66 years and counting, since 1948), and the Toyota LandCruiser 4WD (60 years and counting, since 1954), and the Porsche 911 Carrera sports-car (51 years and counting, since 1963) to name a few.

The upcoming 2015 Ford Mustang muscle car could keep Ford in the V8 Supercar championship. Prominent V8 Supercars team owner Rod Nash says Ford's famous Mustang-branded muscle car could be the future for the brand in the Australian motorsports category.The last model of the Ford Falcon is set to be released toward the end of the year and Ford's decision to cease local manufacturing by October 2016 has increased doubts over the company's continuing participation in V8 Supercars.Nash, who is a co-owner in the factory-backed Ford Performance Racing (FPR) team, believes the two-door Mustang coupe could be the car to keep Ford in the championship. A sixth-generation version of the Mustang is due for release in Australia in the latter part of next year.Nash says the possibility of racing the car in future years of the V8s is one his team has to look at. "The opportunity is there for a V8 Supercar to be a two-door," Nash said before the round in Townsville this weekend."If we want to do a two-door vehicle going forward then that will be part of it. It's all part of manufacturers going forward and being able to accommodate what they want to do."With the Holden Commodore also facing extinction no later than 2017, V8 Supercars has opened itself to the possibility of changing current regulations to allow two-door coupes to race alongside or in place of the current four-door sedan designs allowed. If that change is adopted, not only will Ford be able to race Mustangs but cars such as Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challengers could join the grid."Nothing is granted until you put it up through the V8 Supercars Commission," Nash said. "Any subject has to go up so it's not mandated that you just go out and do it."