CMOC Admin

iTrader: (1)

2014 will be the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang coupe, and latest reports from the US suggest it could also be the year the original pony car goes 'global'.

In our story on the new 305hp Duratec 3.7 litre V6 engine option for the current Mustang published last November, we noted the possibility of global sales for the iconic coupe, quoting a well-placed source from inside the company.

Now Motor Trend in the US has picked up where PH left off, suggesting the new 2014 model will get an independent rear suspension set-up that - together with its now bang up-to-date engine range (including the 5.0 V8 launched at Detroit) - could transform the Mustang into a truly global contender.

Apparently, according to the magazine's report, the Mustang programme managers at Ford are considering three different possible paths for the 2014 car.

First up, and perhaps the most likely option, is a car with a revised and updated platform that still uses the 5.0 V8 as its key powertrain - thus allowing the Mustang to fully leverage its classic 'muscle car' heritage in global markets.

The second option reportedly under consideration at Ford is a more Euro-style car with a new high-output turbocharged V6, while the third and most extreme scenario would involve transforming the Mustang into a technological masterpiece to take on the Nissan GT-R.

All nice ideas, but given the pressure on development resources in the automotive industry today, could either of those latter options be anything other than a pipe-dream?

SNAKEBITE

Sweet. I see Euro's over in N America at our car shows so I know some of them like our stuff