Official: Ford reveals new Mustang

The car that Ford hopes will make you forget about Falcon is set to be unveiled globally in simultaneous reveals in Sydney, Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Barcelona at 11:30pm tonight.

For now, these three teaser shots are all we can show you of the first Ford pony car to be built ex-factory in right-hand drive. Ford will release more details of the sixth-generation Mustang tonight, following the leaking of first official images yesterday.

The timing corresponds with the car’s appearance on US breakfast television... In other words, don’t think Australia’s all that important in this rollout.

We can confirm both 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder and 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 engine variants of the new Mustang will come to Oz. Both manual and automatic transmissions are slated for production. A 220kW US-model 3.7-litre V6 engine model is not on the local agenda.

Also confirmed in Ford’s drip-feed of information at this time is the fact new Mustang will feature independent rear suspension for the first time. Indeed, Ford promises new “dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort”.

The new Mustang’s EcoBoost four gets direct-injection, variable cam timing and “a unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 227kW and 407Nm of torque (US spec)”.

The 5.0-litre V8 will feature in the Mustang GT variant. Ford says it features “an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder-heads that yield more than 313kW and 529Nm of torque (US spec). A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.”

Suspension is described as “all-new”. At the front, a “double-balljoint front MacPherson strut” system is used. The rear is an “all-new integral-link independent” set-up.

“The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling,” says Ford.

“This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages,” the Dearborn disciples state.

As you’d expect, Ford execs are talking up the new car which in its “50 years of continuous production” has sold “well beyond the nine million-plus” examples.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice-President, Global Product Development.

“The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

And, it seems, it’s also now bordering on an instrument of US foreign policy -- at least if you believe Executive Vice-President of Ford Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Jim Farley.

“We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolises optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world,” he is quoted as saying in tonight’s initial press release.

Away from the rampant hyperbole, Ford’s comms confirm the existence of a convertible version of the new coupe, which is says stows more neatly (and faster) than previous iterations.

The coupe, which Ford says heralds “the return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass” is claimed to offer more practical accommodation than previous generation cars.

“The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags,” Ford states.

The car will also feature Ford’s latest SYNC voice-activated telematics and connectivity, keyless entry and start and a host of up-to-date amenities.

Ford claims the new car will feature a cabin “executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang”.

Ford will announce more details of the 2015 Mustang at 11.30pm this evening. Watch motoring.com.au and our Facebook page and Twitter for more updates.