So the Mustang is coming to the UK ......again

[05-redfire-GT]

Just got todays copy of Auto Express, on pages 12 and 13 they state Ford US have stated officialy that the next model of Mustang due in 2014 will definitely be coming to the UK in right hand drive form to mark it's 50th anniversary. They go on to say that the new 2014 will be lighter and smaller than the current model and will get independent rear suspension. It goes on to say that the base engine will be the 2.5litre 4 cylinder ecoboost turbo rated at 300bhp, but there will be other models up to and including a 500bhp 5.4litre, all with six speed manual or curent auto box with torque vectoring (traction control ?)

Jost Capito states the new models wil be "a world car" and so will be available in Australia and Japan too.

My thoughts are...... as has been said before on this forum...... I would prefer the Mustang to stay as it is now,a rare beast on these shores, ie currently sold predominantly in the US, as I don't want to see every Tom ,Dick and Harry driving one down every high street in the UK.Even with the 4 cylinder,I'm thinking with this countrys over enthusiasm with taxing Co2, that it won't sell well here, even if by the 2011 models standards it is now deemed good enough to worry an M3 and the fit and finish are up to Euro standards.Just my thoughts.....

In the UK, Lets call it the new Capri...... (only joking)

[GeoffW]

It was here in January 2010 too:

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/defa...?storyId=21403

[Webmaster]

A number of us were invited to take part in a focus group and gave feedback in relation to Ford's plans.

They did share their intent that if a launch was going to happen, it would be done 'properly' with full support. Glad to see they don't appear to be going ahead with one of their engine options.

The question remains, how long would they officially be selling a RHD Mustang, given the very short lifespan of the Probe, Explore and Cougar. Also in mind is the impact to the current experts in selling Mustangs in the UK, can their service and value add that they provide give them sufficient abilities to compete with Ford.

The great thing, is that Marketing budgets will be available officially in the UK, and that means we may get support from Ford finacially for events.

Mark

[MyPonyRocks]

But that was speculation, this seems to be confirmation?

[69fastback]

I don't want to see every Tom ,Dick and Harry driving one down every high street in the UK.

The Mustang Owners Club's coffers will be bulging if that happens, but won't 'Round Up' be boring?! ;))
And I can only begin to imagine the reaction of some of the more militant classic Mustang owners when they start showing up at events.... :)):-"

[GeoffW]

Might be able to eventually buy parts locally instead of importing stuff though :-?

[LuS1fer]

It would make FAR more sense to restyle the Mustang into a Capri and sell it here. People would buy it where they won't necessarily buy a "Yank Mustang". BMW have proven that where a car is made is irrelevant (the Z4 used to be made in the US) as long as the car maintains its identity.

"New Capri" owners could then flick the V at VW Sciroccos which sold out on the original concept and all the other sell-out merchants.

However, I still think all these manufacturers grossly under-rate the tight-fistedness of modern buyers who simply won't pay vast amounts of VEL duty to own such a car. The VXR8 sold in tiny numbers and was being flogged off for £23k at the end. In addition, Pistonheads have threads underlining that big petrol engines are now a liability on the forecourt and people want low VEL vehicles, however they are powered to cut down the crippling cost of motoring.

Worth noting that even at £23k the VXR8s still sold relatively slowly.

If the Mustang really is going to be smaller, I see no reason why a modern restyle into a Capri would preclude smaller engines and diesels even without adversely affecting the Mustang heritage as the car was about style rather than advanced performance.

I'd still import one rather than pay the VEL though and I imagine the plan may still crash and burn when they see how the Camaro succeeds or fails (though I think that is staying LHD).

[Moose]

It would make the American shows like Billing interesting :-?
When I used to go in my (UK) Jeep I would park in the public area as I didn't consider it qualified to park with the LHD cars.
However, on entering I would come across rows of PT Cruisers (RHD) who's owners considered themselveves to be American car drivers.....

I pity the marshalls at these events trying to decide whether RHD (UK) Mustangs can park with the others.
BTW, LHD Mustangs converted to RHD are still American in my opinion!

[scriff1985]

base engine will be the 2.5litre 4 cylinder ecoboost turbo

No. Just, no... :-q

[cobra_neill]

wont happen. the mustang officially sold in the UK once before and tanked. it was either the fox platform or the mustang II that was an official RHD UK model. didnt do too well then, wont do too well now.

[pmustang]

And when this happens what will occur with our car tax break?

[Lucky Eddie]

Of course, they won't be "proper Mustangs".........

[Webmaster]

wont happen. the mustang officially sold in the UK once before and tanked. it was either the fox platform or the mustang II that was an official RHD UK model. didnt do too well then, wont do too well now.

That ws 30 years ago, and the landscape has changed considerably.
RHD tooling gives them, UK, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries I forget.

I would n't suggest it won't happen, as from the people we spoke to atthat event, they appeared pretty confident it was likely to happen.

That aside, the whole cost, sales volumes and support is a big consideration to sales volumes.

Mark

[cobra_neill]

That ws 30 years ago, and the landscape has changed considerably.
RHD tooling gives them, UK, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries I forget.

I would n't suggest it won't happen, as from the people we spoke to atthat event, they appeared pretty confident it was likely to happen.

That aside, the whole cost, sales volumes and support is a big consideration to sales volumes.

Mark

all I'm thinking is that people who buy these cars to be different will move to other models, what with the reputation some american motors left on the UK buyers market I know a few people that wouldn't ever drive my higher spec, more optioned, faster, better looking Crown Victoria over their older Astra. All because the Vic was made in the USA/Canada. they wont even give it a chance, said person actually hired a toyota yaris to a night out instead of getting a lift from me in mine.

as far as a 4cyl mustang goes... been there done that, never again. haha.

[Maverick]

New Mustang?

They still make mustangs? who knew?:)

only kidding, takes the fun out of it if it is sold normally! the local Ford garage can't look after the Focus properly let alone a perfomance Ford!
Maverick