The seventh-generation Ford Mustang is headed to the European market, the place the nameplate has been surprisingly in style since its official launch in 2015, however fanatics throughout the pond will not have it nearly as good as these in the USA. Ford has printed the mannequin’s specs, and it needed to considerably de-tune the 5.0-liter V8 that comes commonplace on some trims to adjust to emissions rules.
Most of Ford’s European divisions record two variants of the Mustang: the GT and the Darkish Horse. The European GT is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 440 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, whereas their Darkish Horse places 448 horsepower beneath the driving force’s proper foot (torque stays flat). For context, the American-market variants use the identical engine but it surely makes as much as 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque within the GT. Step as much as the Darkish Horse and you have 500 horsepower to mess around with. European drivers are getting robbed of over 40 horsepower.
For context, the last-generation Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 made extra energy than the European-market model of the current-generation mannequin; it was rated at 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque in GT specification. Ford hasn’t commented on the drop in energy in Europe.
To make issues worse, the European-market Mustang additionally prices considerably greater than its American counterpart. Pricing for the GT begins at £55,585 together with a 20% value-added tax, which represents roughly $69,800 on the present conversion price. Order the Darkish Horse and Ford will ship you an bill for £65,585, or round $82,300. American costs verify in at $44,950 and $61,725, respectively, together with a $1,595 vacation spot cost and $645 that Ford expenses for an “acquisition charge.”
Should you suppose that is dangerous, hop throughout the channel and order one in France: Whereas the GT prices €59,300 (roughly $63,700), the federal government collects a €60,000 (sure, sixty-thousand euros!) fuel guzzler tax. That determine represents about $64,500. It greater than doubles the automotive’s base value and makes it immune from promoting; it is an oblique ban.
Much less energy and extra {dollars} is not a successful mixture, however at the least the European-market Mustang exists. In distinction, Nissan selected to not promote the Z throughout the pond as a result of value and problem of constructing it emissions-compliant; Subaru axed the WRX for a similar purpose.
