Ford Mustang: brains and brawn

Ford has announced several advanced technology features will be offered in its iconic sports car, making it the "smartest pony in the stable" according to Ford.

Priced at under $25,000 in the USA, the new sixth-generation Mustang goes on sale in Australia in the second half of 2015 and is on show for the first time in Taipei at the Computex technology show in Taiwan, boasting scads of high-tech doodads to match its V8 muscle, including launch control, variable ratio steering and selectable drive modes.

The latter option allows drivers to tailor the Mustang's attitude to the task at hand with four pre-set modes, which adjust the cars steering, throttle, and gearshift response, as well as stability control settings. For the daily grind and general cruising there is 'normal' mode, then a 'sport' mode for enthusiastic driving, followed by 'track' mode for a no-holds barred experience.

There's also a snow-wet mode for when the weather turns foul.

Drivers can further fine-tune the car's steering with standard, comfort and sport settings, making the Mustang the first car offered with the blue oval's new Active Steering Technology. There are three stability control levels too: normal, sport, and switched off.

Throw radar-based cruise control into the package, together with blind spot and cross-traffic alert systems, a rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless entry and engine start, plus Ford's MyKey system that lets owners impose speed and stability control limits on the car, and it's clear Ford is handing the new Mustang brains as well as brawn.

"The all-new Mustang combines an unprecedented amount of technology and classic Mustang power," said Trevor Worthington, vice president for product development at Ford Asia Pacific, and formerly Ford Australia's head of product development who worked on Falcon and Ranger models locally.

"This enhances every aspect of driving," he said, noting the car also features the latest SYNC technology, allowing for voice control of almost every infotainment function in the vehicle, from song selections, to making phone calls and using satellite navigation.

Other Mustang-specific features revealed at Computex include a new launch control system. Similar to the controversial automatic burnout system, which has already been nay-sayed by one police force in Australia before the system has even been confirmed, it automatically adjusts the brakes and engine revs to ensure millisecond perfect standing start launches.

"The Ford Mustang looks, feels and sounds like no other car out there. It continues to resonate with people after 50 years because it’s a powerful symbol of hope, confidence and optimism," said Worthington.

"The all-new Mustang takes that heritage to new heights, with an incredible blend of power, design and technology," said the Ford Asia Pacific product boss.

The Mustang will also incorporate the company's AppLink system to offer track apps that display performance data on the car's infotainment screen, and the company also talks about its new independent rear suspension setup. It features aluminium rear knuckles to reduce unsprung mass, but there are reports emerging in the US that suggest the new Mustang could be up to 150kg heavier than its predecessor.

Two engine types will be offered with the rear-driven 2015 Ford Mustang when it arrives in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia in the second half of 2015: a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and 5.0-litre V8.

The four-cylinder turbo generates 227kW/407Nm and though Australian pricing is still to be confirmed, it's pegged at $US25,995 in North America. Expect a price of around $40,000 when it comes Down Under.

Ford's Mustang GT gets a 5.0-litre V8 cranking out 313kW/529Nm and starts at $US32,925 in the US, and both models can be had with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the latter getting steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Other standard features are likely to be similar to US specifications, with HID headlights, leather-clad steering wheel, a 4.2-inch colour display and eight airbags. The 2015 Mustang will be offered in fastback coupe and convertible body styles.