In celebration of its 50th anniversary.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: In celebration of its upcoming 50th anniversary, the iconic Ford Mustang will make its debut in the Indian market later this year.
The quintessential American muscle car will hit Indian showrooms in the second half of 2014, Ford announced last week. According to CarDekho.com, an Indian automotive news site, the Mustang has long been coveted by Indian car enthusiasts, but has never been available for any market where the drivers go on the left side of the road. This year, however, that is set to change.
Ford has been a presence in India for quite some time, but is only now rolling out its Mustang line in the subcontinent. Analysts say that this could be a way to gain an upper hand on other luxury brands that are starting to claim a larger market share in India, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Audi.
It is not yet known exactly what the specs of the Indian-based Mustang will be, but if they end up being close to (or identical) to the American model, Indian drivers are going to be in for a treat.
The Mustang will come equipped with a four-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which has 305 horsepower and a maximum torque of 406 Newton-meters. A V6 version will also be available, with a 3.7-liter engine, and a Mustang GT with an incredible 5.0-liter engine, 420 horsepower, and 528 Nm of maximum torque.
The Mustang has been in existence since 1964, and quickly became a sensation across the US. There are several iterations currently available, including a standard two-door coupe, a hatchback, and a convertible. The car is recognizable for its large grille in the front, three-striped taillights in the back, and, of course, the iconic galloping horse that symbolizes the speed and grace of a Mustang.
The car has been seen in several television shows and films throughout its lifespan, most notably in the legendary car chase from the 1968 Steve McQueen film, Bullitt. It has also featured prominently in the more recent Fast and Furious films, particularly a bright blue model driven by Brian O’Connor, the character played by the late Paul Walker.
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com