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• New Mustang features a sleeker, more athletic design; more advanced and customizable technology; and improved performance

• Spurred on by rising sales in China in 2016, Mustang is now the country’s best-selling sports coupe

• Iconic pony car features active valve exhaust, which offers complete auditory control over the exhaust system, letting drivers control the sounds of the car like never before

SHANGHAI, China, April 8, 2017 – With pony car fever spreading quickly in China, the new Ford Mustang debuted today at the company’s Go Further event in Shanghai.

The new edition of the iconic muscle car was unveiled in memorable fashion with the help of members of the Mustang Club of China, a grassroots fan group. China’s best-selling sports coupe after just over two years on the market, Mustang is taking a leap forward thanks to a host of improvements, including a refreshed design, new technology, enhanced performance and new MagneRide™ suspension technology.

Customers also now have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang, with three new paint colors and a customizable digital instrument cluster.

First introduced to China in January 2015, Mustang is now set to gallop even further ahead of the chasing pack, building on a strong 2016 that saw 44 percent year-on-year sales growth.

“Mustang has captured Ford’s passion for making incredible cars for over 50 years and it has been amazing to watch Chinese consumers make it their own,” said Peter Fleet, vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific. “We know they’re going to love the new Mustang, with its performance enhancements and smart technologies that make it even more rewarding to drive.”

Technology for greater personalization
Mustang features Ford’s first 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in its instrument panel. This all-new customizable instrument cluster can be easily personalized, offering three separate views. Customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. The new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

The new Mustang is so customizable that even its engine note can be adjusted. Delivering an audible experience like never before, an all-new active valve exhaust system is optional on Mustang GT, with a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range.

When Mustang's powerful V8 engine fires up, the active valve exhaust is automatically in the quietest setting, but changing to sport or track mode using the toggle switch lets valves in the system modulate the engine roar based on careful tuning. The signature burble can be quieted down or allowed to thunderously crackle as the driver sees fit.

Ford SYNC® Connect with FordPass™ is available on Mustang for the first time. When using the FordPass® app for smartphones, drivers can start, lock, unlock and locate their car for ultimate convenience

Ultimate Performance
Performance is at the core of Mustang DNA. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling.

MagneRide damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package to optimize ride and handling in all situations.

The proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine continues to offer outstanding performance. Using Ford’s transient overboost technology uniquely calibrated for Mustang, torque is increased for wide-open throttle acceleration.

Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter V8 engine has been thoroughly reworked. It is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT before. This power increase was achieved with the first application for Mustang of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection on a V8 engine – delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.

The manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque. For the V8, the manual transmission has been totally redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.

A new 10-speed automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines, is the best automatic Mustang has ever offered. With a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, this all-new gearbox helps deliver higher average power for acceleration – improving responsiveness and performance.

Compared to the previous six-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.

Energy in the design
The new Mustang boasts a new, more athletic exterior, with a lower, remodeled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for hood vents. For the first time, the entire Mustang line will feature all-LED front lights including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams and available fog lamps.

The rear of the car gets revised LED taillamps for a more technical look, plus a new bumper, fascia and available performance spoiler. A dual-tip exhaust is standard for the EcoBoost Mustang, while the V8-powered Mustang GT gets a standard quad-tip exhaust.

With a dozen available alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior color choices – including all-new signature Orange Fury – enthusiasts can order a Mustang customized to any taste.

Improved touch points and visual cues with a more premium look and feel characterize the new cockpit. The center console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters, while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminum. Restyled seating surfaces feature new patterns and color choices.

“We’ve seen huge success so far in China, the Mustang Club of China for example, which now has some 2,000 members,” Fleet said. “We believe the reason Mustang has been such a hit here is because Chinese drivers have a genuine appreciation for style and prestige, and a deep understanding of what makes a great sports car.

“Ford has big plans for Mustang in China, and we look forward to continuing to grow the Mustang story both in China and across Asia Pacific” Fleet said.