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APR 21, 2014 | DEARBORN
INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE GIVES RACERS INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE FEATURE FOR ALL-NEW 2015 FORD MUSTANG GT

• Ford leverages advanced controls technology to give drag racers electronic line-lock – an industry-first performance feature standard on the all-new Ford Mustang GT
   

• Electronic line-lock will give drag racers the benefit of a mechanical system without having to modify the brakes of 2015 Mustang GT
   

• Electronic line-lock along with standard launch control should help bracket racers achieve more consistent performance at the drag strip

Ford engineers are leveraging state-of-the-art controls software technology to give some of the most avid Mustang customers an industry-first feature – electronic line-lock.

“Competition has been an integral part of the Ford Mustang lifestyle since its earliest days 50 years ago,” said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager. “We know our customers, and we wanted to provide a unique feature for those wishing to take full advantage of the increased capability offered by this new Mustang GT at the drag strip.”

Mustang has run everything from rally to stock car racing, but with drag racing a particularly popular venue for grassroots competitors, electronic line-lock on every 2015 Ford Mustang GT should be a real benefit for customers who like to compete one-quarter mile at a time.
“We’re using advanced controls technology for the all-new Mustang to provide some of our most dedicated fans with an industry-first feature they can use when they go to the track,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “With electronic line-lock, customers who drive their Mustangs to work all week and then compete on the weekends will appreciate not having to modify their brake systems to be able to do effective tire prep at the drag strip.”

The flexibility of track apps, launch control and selectable drive modes makes it easy for Mustang drivers to get the right capabilities for any situation.

As one of the most exciting and accessible forms of motorsport, drag racing – in particular, bracket racing – has always been a great fit for the powerful, rear-wheel-drive Mustang. Drag strips are often open during warm weather weekends for amateur competitors to bring out their factory stock or modified cars to run against the clock.

Consistency pays off in bracket racing, where competitors try to get as close as possible to their predicted quarter-mile times without going faster. Electronic line-lock and launch control – also standard on Mustang GT with manual transmission – can help drivers achieve more consistent performance from run to run.

With the electronic line-lock feature enabled, when a driver releases the brake pedal, the hydraulic control unit for the stability control system will keep the front brakes locked while releasing the rear brakes. When Mustang is sitting in the burnout box of a drag strip, the driver can apply the accelerator to spin up the rear wheels to warm the tires for maximum grip. This can all be done without having to balance one foot on the brake and the other on the gas, or install a mechanical line-lock.

With the tires properly warmed up, drivers can pull up to the staging line, engage launch control, and get a perfect catapult as soon as the lights go green.

“Whether a customer wants to take weekend road trips, go road racing or compete in grassroots drag racing, we aim to maximize the driving experience for everyone,” said Pericak. “Mustang offers selectable drive modes for those who prefer to compete on road courses or in autocross events, so when we realized we could provide a really cool feature like electronic line-lock that no one else offers, the decision was easy – ‘Let’s do it!’”

Electronic line-lock for 2015 Mustang GT is intended for use only on racetracks. Racing your vehicle will void your warranty.