They're breaking out the bubbly at Broadmeadows. Ford Australia has announced today that 13,000 Australians have expressed interest in the new Mustang, due here next year.
The new sports coupe is yet to be released globally – motoring.com.au will participate in the international media launch later this month – but prospective buyers everywhere have been clamouring for more information about the car.
"The Mustang is an iconic vehicle in Australia and around the world, and is drawing people to Ford well before it arrives here", Bob Graziano, President of Ford Australia, was quoted saying in a press release issued today.
"This is the power of Mustang, and something we underestimated as we have many more customers asking to follow the car than we expected this early in the launch."
With such a level of interest in the Mustang, 2015 is shaping up to be a good year for Ford, which also plans to launch the Ranger-based Everest SUV and new generation models of Mondeo and Focus.
"We see around the world that many people are drawn to Ford because of the Mustang, even though they may end up buying another model from us," said Graeme Whickman, sales and service vice president at Ford Australia.
"The Mustang's arrival is perfect timing for us because we have been rapidly expanding our lineup and will refresh all of our models the next few years.
When the Mustang arrives in Australia it will be offered in EcoBoost form – with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – or powered by a 5.0-litre V8. Peak power for the turbo four is 227kW, with torque maxing out at 407Nm, based on US specifications.
"This EcoBoost engine might be small in displacement, but it delivers where a Mustang driver expects it with a broad, flat torque curve and great driveability under any conditions," said Scott Makowksi, EcoBoost powertrain engineering manager.