As expected, the sixth-generation Ford Mustang example on display at Publika is a 5.0 litre GT Premium variant, but it turns out the Fastback is a left-hand drive model – interestingly, the Competition Orange preview unit is also loaded to the brim with kit, contrary to what was thought earlier.
The six-speed manual S550 variant does come with a Performance Pack for the 5.0 GT, which adds on a 3.73:1 Torsen helical gear differential, Brembo six-pot front calipers and 380 x 34 mm vented front discs and a Gauge Pack (oil pressure and vacuum readouts).
There are also new front springs. unique chassis tuning bits (including the front strut bar you see in the engine bay pix) and 10 double-spoke 19-inch Ebony Black wheels wrapped with 255/40 front and 275/40 rear Pirelli rubbers.
A “Shaker” description on a panel located underneath the four-gang drive mode toggle-switches on the centre console denotes that the particular car is also equipped with an Equipment Group 401A pack, which adds a Shaker Pro Audio System with 12 speakers and amplifier, driver’s seat/sideview mirror memory feature as well as BLIS with cross-traffic alert.
With the exception of the EG 401A pack, the car is essentially kitted out as per the Australian-specification version of the GT. The 401A set will certainly not be seen in our local-spec Mustangs.
Some other info gleaned from visiting the showcase earlier today. Specification literature lists only the six-speed 6R80 automatic for the 2.3 litre EcoBoost and 5.0 litre V8 models in both Fastback coupe and Convertible body styles that will be sold here – it remains to be seen if SDAC will bring in the pony car with the MT82 six-speed manual.
Exterior colour options stated are Oxford White, Absolute Black, Ruby Red, Magnetic and Deep Impact Blue, five of the 12 shades on call for the Mustang – while Competition Orange isn’t listed, there’s mention that it might be one of the available shades when the time comes.
The showcase also hints at an indicative price range for the Mustang variants for Malaysia, but this shouldn’t be taken as definitive, more for gauging possible pricing from public interest on the car – in any case, a RM350,000 to RM400,000 range is given for the 2.3L EcoBoost, while that for the 5.0L V8 is RM550,000 to RM600,000 (the Convertible should sit highest in the scheme of things).
Earlier, a sub-RM300k price was being bandied about for the 2.3 EcoBoost, and so the pricing should actually be very close to what’s being expressed now, considering that the US Dollar has climbed around 10% from its late 2014 exchange rate to the Ringgit. Still, pricing should be clearer as it gets closer to the car’s market launch in early 2016.
Read our Ford Mustang review, which covers both 2.3L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 variants.
