As if the Ford Mustang GT wasn't enough of a tire-shredding menace already, Dave Pericak, the car's chief engineer, has announced in Charlotte that the all-new 2015 edition gets electronic line lock as standard equipment. It'll be part of the Track Apps suite, which already includes features like launch control, an acceleration timer, and an accelerometer.
Here's the first-ever 2015 Mustang GT burnout video, showing off the line lock in action:
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The line lock feature will let weekend warriors properly warm up the rears at the dragstrip without having to install a mechanical line lock, then flip over to launch control (also standard equipment) and, you know, dust the Camaro in the adjacent lane. We can only imagine the battles between engineering and legal in getting this through to the final product, so kudos to Pericak and company for winning out.
Here's video of Pericak's announcement:
But there's still more food for thought.
While the current 2014 Mustang owner's manual clearly states that all Track Apps features are "for off-road use only", line lock adds a new wrinkle. This is a textbook racing feature, and the 2014 Ford Warranty Guide is unequivocal about what happens if you race your car:
Page 6: "These implied warranties do not apply at all if you use your vehicle for business or commercial purposes. In addition, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose does not apply if your vehicle is used for racing, even if the vehicle is equipped for racing."
Page 12: "WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED
WARRANTY? ...misuse of the vehicle, such a driving over curbs, overloading, racing or
using the vehicle as a permanent stationary power source"
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So here's the question: if you use the line lock and bring a 2015 GT in for warranty service, can a tech scan to check for its usage and then deny coverage? It's one of those gray areas that could either be a non-issue or, in the worst case, a GT-R style debacle for owners.
Here's the full text of Ford's 2015 Mustang GT line lock announcement.
NYC native, now in suburban exile. Miami Hurricanes alum. Brown-car evangelist. Beleaguered Knicks fan. Prefers IndyCar to F1. Wants you to stop clogging the left lane, already.
