The 2018 Ford Mustang loves burnouts, and that includes the base 2.3L EcoBoost models, which will be available later this year with the same track-exclusive electronic line-lock feature as the V8-powered Mustang GT—in both 10-speed automatic and 6-speed manual versions.
Electronic line-lock is traditionally used by drag racers ahead of the starting line to heat up the tire rubber for improved traction when the start light goes green. The feature leverages state-of-the-art software technology that also allows amateur race car drivers, particularly those competing in bracket racing, to achieve more consistent performance times.
On models equipped with an available 12” digital instrument display, drivers will see an industry-first, video-game-like animation of a spinning alloy wheel kicking up a cloud of smoke to indicate when the electronic line-lock feature is activated.
“Burnouts just never get old, no matter how old you are and how many times you’ve done them,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr., Formula Drift Champion. “Who would have thought that we would see an EcoBoost Mustang producing 15 seconds of fury like this? You’ve got to love these rad things Ford is doing.”
To introduce the new updates to the world, Vaughn randomly recruited pedestrians in Southern California to join him at Irwindale Speedway, where he put them behind the wheel of a new Mustang to lay rubber. Watch:
Learn more about the revised 2018 Ford Mustang.