India-bound Ford Mustang V8 makes less power than equivalent UK and US models
Early this year, Ford revealed the India-bound Mustang which is expected to arrive by the end of 2016. This is the first time that Ford has made a RHD version of the iconic Mustang since its launch in 1964. While the RHD conversion helped Ford take the iconic car to newer markets, the same has also affected its performance figures.
Ford India's website shows that the Mustang destined for our shores is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 TiVCT motor that makes 401PS of power and 515 Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. These numbers, however, are lesser when compared to the models sold in US and UK with the same engine. The American-spec V8 generates 441PS and 542Nm while the UK website rates it at 416PS and 530Nm of torque.
The difference between the performance numbers of the US and UK models are primarily due to the reworking of the exhaust manifold positioning to make way for the new steering mechanism. This has limited the length of the exhaust pipe which affects power and torque figures.
In the international market, Ford sent an official communication to the customers who had pre-ordered the RHD Ford Mustang stating, "With the start of production, testing for right-hand drive models has been conducted and due to the location of the steering assembly on the right-hand side of the engine, a new exhaust manifold is required for our V8 GT models. This has had a small impact on peak power at the very top of the engine's range. The power output of V8 GT models is now officially rated as 416PS for the UK and not as previously communicated 421PS. Torque, acceleration, top speed and fuel consumption are not affected.
Ideally, when manufacturers launch an international version of a car in India, they tend to recalibrate the engine to make it suitable to the local fuel quality. That could be the reason why the India-spec V8 makes 15PS less than its British counterpart. We have sent a query to Ford India regarding the same and are waiting for their response.
Ford India is planning to launch the Mustang in the festive season this year. The vehicles have already landed in India. We expect that the prices of Ford Mustang will range between Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, ex-showroom.