The sixth-generation Ford Mustang arrived in late 2013 and brought many new features to Ford's iconic nameplate. Arguably the most important addition was the independent rear suspension, a system that the Chevrolet had adopted for the Camaro way back in 2009. The pony car also gained a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it the first Mustang to use one since the third-generation model. Finally, Ford made the Mustang a global car, which means that customers in markets such as Europe and Asia can buy the pony from dealerships rather than the gray market. The move was met with much enthusiasm in Europe, where countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom are home to many Mustang collectors.

While U.S.- and Euro-spec cars are mostly the same, Ford developed a special suspension system and engine internals for the European market, in order to better suit the roads and emission requirements of the "Old Continent." Now that the Mustang has found its way into European dealerships, Ford also created a couple of special-edition models for customers on the other side of the pond. The Blue Edition is one of them, and it pays tribute to the high-impact colors that Ford offered in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“The Ford Mustang has no trouble standing out on European roads, and with the new Ford Mustang Black Shadow Edition and Blue Edition models, Mustang drivers will be turning even more heads,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president of Ford of Europe. “Special edition Ford Mustangs have been an important part of the Mustang story for more than 50 years, and now customers in Europe can play their own part in the iconic car’s rich special edition history.”

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Mustang Blue Edition.

2017 Ford Mustang Blue Edition

Specifications

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• Model: 2017 Ford Mustang Blue Edition
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What makes the Ford Mustang Blue Edition special

All Blue Edition Mustangs are finished in Grabber Blue, one of the two blue hues available for the sixth-generation coupe. While it's safe to say that the paint, which is a no-cost option for any Mustang, doesn't make it special, the double, "go fast" black stripes running from the nose all the way back to the decklid makes the Blue Edition stand out from the crowd. The stripes have a "dissolve-effect" toward the grille and are complemented by black-painted, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Ford argues that the special-edition model "channels the spirit of classic Ford Mustang models that featured eye-catching 'Grabber' colors" and goes on to highlight some of the flashy paints it offered in the past, starting with the 1969 Shelby GT350 and GT500 models that were used to launch the Grabber high-impact hues. Granted, it's more about PR talk than anything else, but the Mustang is a nameplate that relies on a ton of heritage and I can't blame Ford for looking on past iconic models for inspiration.

Inside, the Blue Edition gets a few extras over the regular model. Added options include heated and cooled seats, Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system with navigation, and a premium audio system. The SYNC system comes with an eight-inch touchscreen and an array of cool apps, including one that enables drivers to locate nearby cafes, petrol stations or car parks, as well as find train stations, airports, and hotels. All this is done simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park.” Cool!

The special-edition is pretty standard under the hood, where both engine 2.3-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V-8 options are available. The V-6, America's entry-level powerplant, isn't available in Europe. All told, customers that go with the turbocharged four-cylinder will benefit from 317 PS (313 horsepower), while those who prefer the 5.0-liter V-8 will have 421 PS (415 horses) at their disposal. Yes, the output differs from that of North American cars, which come with 310 and 435 horsepower, respectively. Both the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available for either engine.

Pricing information is not yet available, but the Blue Edition shouldn't cost significantly more than the standard model. For reference, German prices start from €38,000 and €43,000 for the EcoBoost and GT, respectively. In the U.K., the EcoBoost starts from £31,745, while the GT retails from £35,745.

U.S.-Market Mustang Specifications

Drivetrain Specifications

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