In 2015, Ford made it easy for Mustang GT owners to lay rubber with the addition of a line-lock to the Track Apps feature. The link-lock enabled drivers to lock the front brakes only for approximately 15 seconds of tire roasting, whether for fun or for better drag strip performance. And today, Ford announces the line-lock feature will become available on all 2018 Mustangs, including the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, 5.0 GT and the Shelby GT350.
“We introduced line-lock on EcoBoost Mustangs because we didn’t want those customers to miss out,” said Mark Schaller, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “The number of people choosing EcoBoost power continues to grow globally, and with the increased torque and new features coming on the new Mustang, customers will not be disappointed.”
According to Ford, line-lock is a track-exclusive feature available with either the 10-speed SelectShift® automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Schaller added, “On models equipped with an available 12-inch, all-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.”
Wanting the world to see the line-lock in action, Ford tapped Formula championship drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. to put on a smoke show. Not only did Gittin slay tires, he coached a handful of pedestrians, teaching them the art of the burnout during an expo at Southern California’s Irwindale Speedway.
“Burnouts just never get old, no matter how old you are and how many times you’ve done them,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr. “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.”
Traditionally, a line lock is used by drag racers to hold the front tires while allowing the rear tires to spin freely to heat them up for increased traction. To activating the system drivers use a steering wheel-mounted thumb switche, to toggle through a menu on the instrument cluster. Once engaged, the system builds and holds pressure on the front brake calipers. The link-lock can stay activated for up to 15 seconds, which allows the driver to hit the throttle and do a stationary burnout.
The redesigned 2018 Mustang is scheduled to go on sale later this year. It will be packed with advanced technology, including the available 12-inch, all-digital, customizable instrument cluster. Other features include MyMode with memory function that remembers driving preferences, and new driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for increased confidence behind the wheel.
Enthusiasts can also expect increased horsepower thanks to increased compression and better-breathing induction—another plus is the all-new 10-speed automatic transmission that is sure to enhance acceleration and improve fuel economy. And if you like cornering, you’ll want to option your Stang with the MagneRide™, which has proven to be a winner on the Shelby GT350 and GT350R.
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