Ford's new Mustang models launched in the US this week, with more powerful engines and new suspension technology, are not expected to arrive here until late next year.
The new models include more driver-assist technology, and a 12-inch LCD screen in the dashboard, offering an instrument cluster that can be personalised to suit the driver.
Ford New Zealand says it cannot confirm pricing or exact specifications for the new models, although they are expected to start arriving late next year.
The US launch of the new models used social media channels such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, where they received a mixed reception.
Ford says the new Mustang is sleeker, and offers more options for drivers to customise their favourite drive settings. They offer normal, sport and track-driving modes.
Even the engine note can be adjusted, with an optional active valve exhaust system on Mustang GT models.
The Mustangs will now be fitted with an array of driver-assist technology such as pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and a driver alert system.
Mustang owners will be able to use a new smartphone app to start, lock, unlock and locate their car for ultimate convenience.
Ford says that on all models the new shock absorbers provide better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabiliser bars bring sharper handling.
MagneRide damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package to optimise ride and handling.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine continues and the 5-litre V8 engine has been reworked.
It is more powerful and revs higher than any Mustang GT before. This power increase was achieved with Ford's new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system - delivering robust low-end torque, high-rpm power, and improved fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque. For the V8, the manual transmission has been redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.
There is a new 10-speed automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines. Ford says that with a wide-ratio span and optimised gear spacing, the new gearbox helps deliver higher average power for acceleration, improving responsiveness and performance.
Compared to the previous six-speed, the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. The new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.
Ford says the new Mustang has a more athletic appearance, with a lower, remodelled hood and grille that deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, upper and lower front grilles, and a new position for hood vents. For the first time the entire Mustang line will feature all-LED front lights, including signature lighting, low-beams, turn signals, efficient projector high-beams and available fog lamps.
The rear gets revised LED tail-lamps for a more technical look, a new bumper, fascia and performance spoiler. Dual-tip exhaust is standard for EcoBoost Mustang, while V8-powered Mustang GT gets a standard quad-tip exhaust.
There will be a dozen alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior colour choices, including the signature Orange Fury in the US, where the models will go on sale in October.