Ford’s intentions with the brand-new, sixth-generation Mustang are more than obvious. The more European design, the independent rear suspension and the new tech behind it are there with one purpose, to make it appealing to a global audience.
Sure, the Mustang benefits from a 50-year-long history and its iconic, American charm, but Ford was aware that most non-U.S. costumers that haven’t been touched by the muscle car bug were more likely to choose other offerings, such as a BMW 4 Series, over the ’Stang. Hence the diluted recipe for the 2015 model, one that has been acclaimed and criticized as well since day one.
It’s been a little more than four months since the Blue Oval took the wraps off the new Mustang, but new details around the pony are still to come. While we’re anxiously waiting for Detroit to release final performance numbers and pricing figures, the manufacturer introduced us to yet another brand-new feature that will come with the Mustang: electronic line-lock.
Don’t let the name confuse you, this is no groundbreaking technology set to improve handling or braking, but an electronic burnout-control system that enables the driver to burn rubber without risking damage to the clutch. To put it simple, when activated, the feature gains access to the stability control’s hydraulic control unit and locks the front brakes while releasing the rear brakes. This means the driver can do a burnout without having to worry about finding the perfect balance while keeping one foot on the brake pedal and the other on the throttle.
Now don’t go thinking that this new gimmick, which comes standard on Mustang GT models equipped with manual transmissions, was added so that customers can show off by creating a cloud of smoke in traffic. Ford clearly states that the electronic line-lock is intended for race track use, quoting the drivers’ need to prep their tires before pulling a quarter mile run. On the other hand, the automaker says that "racing the 2015 Mustang will void warranty," a statement that leaves up puzzled to say the least, and is in stark contrast to Chevy’s stance on the Z/28’s warranty and racing.
Ford also claims its electronic line-lock is an industry-first feature, but we know this isn’t entirely true, as BMW offers something similar — it’s called "smokey burnout" — on the new M3 and M4 models.
All told, this electronic burnout trick will be hard to swallow by muscle car purists, but we bet it will find a lot of fans among users that are looking for these kind of technologically advanced features. Now everyone can do a burnout without having to practice or worry about anything...
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Ford Mustang.
2015 Ford Mustang GT will Feature Electronic Line-Lock originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 22 April 2014 18:00 EST.
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