The highly anticipated, all-new Ford Mustang rolls off the line today
at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, marking production of the sixth-generation pony
car. For the first time in its 50-year history, Mustang will be available
globally to customers in more than 120 countries around the world.
The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to
Ford’s global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to
more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United
Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.“Mustang is and will continue to be an
automotive icon,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Expanding
its availability globally affords our customers around the world the
opportunity to have a true firsthand Mustang experience – one unlike any
other.”In April, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary
of the original Mustang. In commemoration of this, each 2015 model will be
adorned with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo
and the words “Mustang – Since 1964.”Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the more than
9.2 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made
thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the
most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with close to 8 million likes.
An enhanced experience, but still a true Mustang
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key
to the visceral experience that makes drivers want to get in and hit the open
road. The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes
the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including
the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – in a contemporary execution.
With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang
to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V8 is joined by a 3.7-liter V6 and an
all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to
Mustang.Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of
the throaty 5.0-liter V8 – now featuring upgraded valvetrain, new intake
manifold and improved cylinder heads – that yields 435 horsepower and 400
lb.-ft. of torque.The Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses
direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver
the performance Mustang drivers expect with an output of 310 horsepower and 320
lb.-ft. of torque.
With Mustang, it’s all in the ride
When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new
Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class
dynamics and ride quality.Mustang features all-new front and rear
suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the
structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more
predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.At the rear is an all-new integral-link
independent suspension. Geometry, springs, dampers and bushings are all
specially tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear
knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
Transformed Flat Rock Assembly PlantIn 2013, nine years after moving Mustang
production there, Flat Rock Assembly Plant celebrated the 1 millionth Mustang
built at the facility.“What an honor it is for the hardworking and
dedicated UAW Local 3000 workers of Flat Rock Assembly Plant to build the
next-generation Mustang,” said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles. “I don’t think
there is any
place in the world where this vehicle is not known. To build it right here in
Michigan is something to be proud of.”
In the last year, the plant has been
transformed. As part of a $555 million investment, it has added a
state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop to allow multiple models to be
produced on the same line, supporting Ford’s flexible manufacturing efforts.
Other technologies recently incorporated at Flat Rock include three-wet paint
process, dirt detection and laser brazing.
In addition to Mustang, Flat Rock Assembly Plant
also produces Ford Fusion. The facility has approximately 3,000 employees
working two shifts at full line speed.
