Ford Announces New Mustang Appearance Package, Anniversary Event, and Mystery Update
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Ford took a victory lap this week after realizing the Mustang is now the only traditional front-engine, rear-drive, V8-powered American sports coupe that’s still available after 60 years on the market. To commemorate the achievement, the brand debuted a special red and black logo it said was inspired by the badging and wheel center caps on the Mustang that debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair. This is apparently tied to a 60th Anniversary Appearance Package the brand will soon be offering and a digitized “special feature” that will be made available on April 17th.
The latter item comes via over-the-air updates and requires Mustang owners (with properly equipped models running SYNC4) to activate the “Automatic Software Updates” option on their vehicle. The assumption is that the automaker will be offering new options to customize digital displays in addition to something commemorating the pony car’s 60th birthday.
Meanwhile, Blue Oval is planning to invite fans to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to preview a forthcoming appearance package and celebrate their favorite sports car. The event is supposed to include “track and drift ride-alongs, the latest Mustang news, and a first-hand look at the world’s racing Mustangs.” But it’s likely that Ford will be learning as much about its customers as it will be educating them about future products. These kinds of events often make for some juicy market research and Ford would be foolish to waste an opportunity to engage with its most ardent fans.
“The popularity of Mustang is rooted in its ability to evoke emotion — whether it’s the roar of the engine or the sight of its iconic silhouette, it sparks a visceral connection,” stated Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager for North America. “This year, we’ll start to connect with Mustang customers in exciting new ways.”
The comprehensive list of events includes hot laps of the track, drifting, interacting with Ford’s racing drivers, the complete Mustang model lineup to peruse, an owner’s car show, live entertainment, and more. The date for the party is likewise scheduled for April 17th and interested parties can register here.
Blue Oval is being very secretive about all of the above. We’ve only been give a shadowy glimpse (brightened for your pleasure) at the new badges and they look to incorporate bold lettering set upon a black-and-red-striped background. If you happen to attend the event in April, or are quick to update your car’s operating system, you might find out what else is being done before the rest of us.
[Images: Ford Motor Co.]
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Matt Posky
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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