Australia Gets RHD Ford Mustang GT & Shelby GT500

Living down-under has its ups and downs (...) as Aussies miss out on a bunch of vehicles that are exclusively made for left-hand-drive (LHD) countries. However, when there’s a will, there’s a way; Performax International has been importing and converting LHD American cars to RHD for about 20 years. Performax’s latest offerings are the RHD versions of the Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 300 Hp and the Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4 V8 500 Hp. Both cars have received ADR (Australian Design Rules) approval. But, here's the catch: the Mustang GT coupe or convertible are available for $115,000 AUD which translate to $95,800 USD or €69,100 and the Shelby GT500 Coupe will be priced at $179,990 or $149,800 USD or €108,100. PS; a Mustang GT in the States goes for about $26,000 USD... -Press release and images after the jump


Performax International Releases Latest Mustang GT In Australia

LATEST versions of the iconic Ford Mustang have gone on sale Down Under after the completion of a government-approved conversion program by Australia's leading independent American vehicle importer Performax International.

The V8-powered Ford Mustang GT coupe or convertible are available for $115,000 (including GST), ready for registration in any State or Territory with a high-quality conversion to right-hand drive and full compliance to Australian Design Rules.

The ADR approval achieved by Performax International, an ISO-accredited company with almost 20 years' experience in vehicle conversions, also means enthusiasts soon will be able to buy the high performance Shelby GT500 and Saleen Mustangs.

The GT runs a 4.6-litre, overhead-cam alloy V8, producing 300 horsepower (224 kiIoWatts) and 320 foot-pounds (434 Newtonmetres) of torque, running through five-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Acceleration from rest to 97 kmh (60 miles an hour) takes 4.9 seconds, according to factory figures. Standard features on the Australian-delivered Mustang GT include -

• Air-conditioning
• Power windows
• Remote central locking
• 6-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat
• 6-CD in-dash audio system
• Rear boot spoiler
• ABS brakes
• Traction control
• 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/50/ZR18 tyres
• Four-year/120,000 km warranty, with roadside assistance

Mustang's traditional Le Mans-style wide body stripes are available optionally in a variety of colours, along with leather upholstery.

Performax International expects the Ford Mustang GT will be popular with enthusiasts looking for something different from the usual offerings in Australian new-car showrooms, but with the confidence and back-up that comes with a mainstream brand.

"The current Mustang has been a huge success in the United States because its style and performance capture all the flavour of the original Mustang in a design that is sophisticated and absolutely up-to-date," Performax International General Manager Nick Vandenberg said.

"Now this car is available in Australia brand new, with a four-year/120,000 km warranty and roadside assist package and with the customer's choice of body colour, trim and options.

"Our conversion to right-hand drive and Australian Design Rules has been completed to the highest standard with our own computer-aided design, engineering and quality finish.

"The car completely retains the ex-factory look and driving feel. It's a quick and comfortable four-seater, great to drive and certainly attracts admiring looks whereever it is driven."

The Mustang Shelby GT500 will be available only as a Coupe, fitted with a supercharged 5.4 litre, 32-valve engine developed by the legendary Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT.

It will be priced at $179,990.00, including GST.

Performax International, formerly Corvette Queensland, has been importing and converting American cars for almost 20 years, developing an unequalled reputation for the quality of its engineering work and customer service.

It employs more than 40 people at its Sunshine Coast, Queensland, factory and produces around 200 vehicles a year for Australian roads.