By NOEL MURPHY
FORD Australia could be planning a muscle car-led Mustang recovery in the Aussie motor stakes.
The beleaguered auto-maker might be closing its Geelong and Broadmeadow manufacturing operations as its flagship Falcon drives off into history but growing reports argue its Mustang will soon return to Australian shores.
Considered the world’s most powerful road car, with a super-charged 5.8-litre V8, the coupe made famous in movies such as Bullitt, Goldfinger and Gone in 60 Seconds is tipped to be formally announced an Aussie import next month.
Australian engineers are reportedly helping develop the next generation Ford Mustang, working on new rear-wheel-drive underpinnings and drawing on a Control Blade suspension system used successfully on the Falcon sedan and Territory SUV.
Ford will close its Geelong manufacturing plant in 2016 but industry commentators expected it to retain and grow its product development operations.
The Australian branch has long been tipped to become an import-only business.
The new-breed Mustang is set to assume a sleeker, futuristic style with choices of turbo four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines. Industry commentators expect Ford to unveil the car at New York’s motor show next year on the Mustang’s 50th anniversary.
Ford Australia declined to comment on any involvement with the Mustang or import plans.
Under the halt to its Australian car-making, Ford will cut 1200 jobs, including 600 from Geelong, in October 2016.
