Video-game tech targets younger Mustang buyers

Ford is targeting the PlayStation and Xbox generation with its “most digital Mustang ever”.

The US car maker aims to lure younger buyers to its famous American muscle car, which was launched this week in its seventh-generation guise.

New technology headlines the major changes for a Mustang that is an evolution of the previous model.

The cabin features both a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. The larger, central display incorporates an Unreal Engine tool used for video games to allow users to swipe and rotate 3D images of the Mustang as they personalise various settings and drive modes

Mustang marketing manager Jim Owens said the technology will help bring a younger audience to the sports car.

“The new HMI [human machine interface] with its connected screens and that Unreal gaming engine – like Rocket League, Forza – when you get to play with that stuff it’s going to bring in a younger audience for sure.

“With our focus groups, the younger audience were like, ‘Hey, it’s about time.’ ‘This is cool.’ They personalise their tech. That’s kinda how they grew up and they loved [the tech].

“[It’s why] what we wanted to invest in beyond the powertrains [for the new Mustang] were the electronics.”

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Ford has additionally introduced an electronic Drift Brake to its new-generation sports car, which when pulled instructs the stability control system to lock the rear wheels to initiate a slide.

However, it could be argued that this is a feature that could appeal to older, nostalgic drivers as much as younger customers.

Ironically, the original 1965 Mustang was an affordable, sporty car aimed at young people.

The Ford Mustang is scheduled to go in sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2024.