When you think of classic American cars, there is no vehicle on the road that has been more influential than the legendary Mustang. One of the very few automobiles to ever crossover from a mere vehicular presence to an outright pop culture icon in its own right, the Mustang has a lineage nearly as long as the Detroit plants they rolled out of. Now, the Ford Mustang is about to become the newest member of a very rare and exclusive club – vehicles in continuous production for 50 years.

In its first 49 years, more than 9.2 million Mustangs have been produced and sold. In the process, the Mustang has gained a worldwide base of avid fans, including more than 5 million on Facebook, the most of any vehicle nameplate. The car’s unique combination of style, performance and affordability established an entirely new class of sporty cars, and Mustang has led the segment ever since. From the racetrack to the silver screen to the airwaves to the toy box, Mustang has become an enduring part of pop culture. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

Even it’s 50th birthday is gearing up to be the same one-of-a-kind event via the Mustang Countdown, an online video series Ford has produced to throw the spotlight on the legendary sports car and the culture that has formed around it all across the globe in preparation for its April, 17, 2014 birthday. The series kicks off with – Where It All Started: The Mustang 1 Concept – and turning the clock back to the 1962 debut of the first concept car to wear the pony badge. From there, other episodes lift the lid on Ford’s exhaustive Mustang archives, Mustang toys, custom Mustangs and more – all featuring unique and often rare footage, exclusive new interviews and expert insight. Subscribe to the Mustang Countdown playlist to never miss an episode.

When it comes to the latest incarnation of this classic car itself, they have modernized while staying true to some of its older features, all while making it more widely available than it has ever been offered before. The visceral look, sound and performance of the Mustang are all part of the reason it has become so iconic, and they have stayed true to these features. The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution. The Mustang is now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine as well.

In addition, Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort.

Mustang purists will also notice a lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track, all which form to give it a sleeker look. Additionally, the return of the Mustang fastback—with its sleeker profile, enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass—is reason enough to have some of you out there giddy with anticipation, no doubt. There are also three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps with sequential turn signals and a contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille. Awesome. Additionally, Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valve train and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions. The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect. Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

The all-new Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC and MyKey in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel. These finishing touches prove to be deft and modern additions to the classic look so many have come to love.

Auto-enthusiasts mark your calendar for an automotive birthday—April 17, 2014, marks the 50th—and lets all celebrate with a cruise down the Gulf Road!

For more information please contact Arabian Motors Group on 1828 828, visit their showrooms in Shuwaikh, Ahmadi or Jahra or visit their website www.ford.com.kw .