Check out: " Next Ford Mustang going global"- http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/n...-going-global/

 

Hmmm, not exactly news, as this has been known about for months. And I'll believe it when Ford officially announce it.

Besides, I reckon 80% of current Mustang owners (I'll speak for those in the UK) actually prefer LHD and we have a small but excellent group of specialist companies who will import, support and service them.

We're also in the (current) fortunate position that as an un-offical import, our cars are taxed annually at the lowest rate. Official cars are based on CO2 emissions, and that would likely double the annual Road Tax. Also, for brand new (official) cars, there's also a first year tax (again, based on Co2) and this could add between £1000-1500 to the purchase price.

So, keep 'em as "Grey Imports" please



(however, if they really are going to the expense of ensuring the new design passes European pedestrian laws, then I guess it may well be true. Just hope that doesn't screw up the styling )

 

This is interesting...I think I can understnd this. I lust for a handful of British gems like the original Mini Cooper, Lotus Elan, MGBGT, etc...and in every case, I'd prefer to own a copy with the steering wheel on the right, as they were intended.

So given the choice of a RHD Mustang, would you still go for the more "authentic" experience of driving on the "wrong side?"

 

Moving to ' 2015 - Next Generation' section, but will leave a link for today . . .

 

More an elaboration/confirmation on what we already know pretty much. While there is some niche value on both sides of the pond to have cars with the steering wheels on their respective wrong sides, I think overall it would be a benefit to the Brits and other Europeans to have Stang's brought out of the gray and into their showrooms. It would certainly benefit Mustang sales and American exports immensely.

While some worry, overly in my opinion, that going global will somehow make the Mustang a bland, beige shadow of itself, devoid of actual character, I think, if properly executed by Ford, will result in a far better car than we would otherwise get yet still retain all or more of the character that distinguishes the Mustang. Rather than replacing current character traits the Mustang has in some zero-sum equation, I think it will fix a lot of character weaknesses and bolster its strengths.

In too many instances, in some perverse way, I think some of the Mustang's "character" is actually defined by real weaknesses -- lively axle for one -- rather than real strengths as a sort charitable or defensive reaction. In that vain, why not leaf springs, drum brakes and bias-ply tires to REALLY give the Stang some unique character. Progress and competence need not equate to blandness.

 

MR GTX.....I'd really want to keep the steering wheel on the left

Many S197 Mustangs are driven as weekend toys over here (mine certainly is) and, in that respect, I guess we treat them like many owners treat their classic Mustangs.....taking them out for fun trips, rather than commuting to work. If I had to drive it daily, perhaps the visibility issue of LHD would pose more of a problem.

 

Hey the Corvette still uses leaf springs and push rods.... just say'n

 

Just not for actually locating the rear axles, only as a springing element. The actual suspensions themselves are quite sophisticated. They're also of composite construction, located very low for a low CG and last practically forever. I'm not sure why utilizing leaf springs in this way isn't more common (lightweight, low, tight packaging, durable).

Pushrods? Somehow GM does make these work (as does Dodge for that matter). Maybe there's something to yestertech after all!

 

I know, seems like a keep it simple stupid method to a complex system. Also utilizing a transaxle and everything. Darn that modern tech mixing with yester tech. Not so much unlike the Mustang.