The Ford Mustang Failed The Australian Highway Patrol’s High Performance Test Because It Overheated
When we tested the 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT at a wet and windy Silverstone last month, we couldn’t help but fall for it. With new independent rear suspension, a 410bhp V8 and a sweet manual gearbox, we were overjoyed that Ford had finally given us a Mustang that felt at home on undulating UK roads.
With production of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore coming to an end, our friends down under have been searching for their next high performance patrol vehicle. The Mustang was their first choice with its sizeable boot, torque-laden V8 and well-regarded factory support. Unfortunately - and somewhat surprisingly - the GT failed the Australian Highway Patrol’s high performance test with Jalopnik reporting that the car overheated after just three minutes of “intense driving.”
The GT passed a brake test at the New South Wales (NSW) Police Driving Academy, but the automatic gearbox - a requirement for all vehicles on the force - put an end to proceedings, forcing the car into a “limp home mode” mid-way through a performance test. Business Insider Australia reported that the car even had to be taken to a local Ford dealership for repairs.
So it looks like the Ford is well and truly out of the running, but the NSW Police Department still has the Volvo S60 Polestar and Volkswagen Golf R Wagon on its shortlist. The car that they eventually choose will have to take part in Operation Freeflow, an operation designed to deter traffic offences by intimidating drivers to slow down. Granted, the Golf and Volvo will be better dynamically, but is there anything scarier than seeing a V8 Muscle car in your rear-view?
So this got us thinking. Can we help choose a car for the NSW Police Department? What automatic, high-performance car would you guys like to see join the force? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: EFTM and Business Insider Australia.
Comments
I’d go with the hellcat at this stage :P
Saab 95 or 93 aero 2.8 or subaru imprezza 2.5
Clears throat
REKT!!!!!!
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Overheat? Really? On a brand new car?
Reckon the blues would love an Audi A4 or somin
This!!
Any German V8 or turbo V6 would do
Too expensive
Well that’s a Ford for ya
As an Australian they are looking for highway patrol cars which can stop fast, accelerate fast, turn well and cheap to purchase, run and maintain. Most German vehicles are ruled out due to high repair and purchase costs. We have to look at Japanese cars mainly to stay within all of our requirements. We are currently testing the Suburu WRX but results are yet to be released on wether it is a good option or not
The WRX was used in Sydney years ago I think. Because the police V8s couldn’t keep up with them around town. If you can’t beat them, be them.