Developing a car for a single market is becoming less feasible by the day. As a result, the sixth generation of the legendary American muscle car will adopt principles from the ‘One Ford’ strategy, which sees cars developed with a global market in mind.

In going all continental, the Mustang’s muscle needed to become lean - using lightweight aluminium parts and smaller dimensions - and better-controlled, thanks to the adoption (at last) of independent rear suspension.

Engines will be offered in the traditional V6 and V8 flavours (305bhp 3.7-litre and 426bhp 5.0-litre respectively), but a very un-American 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 309bhp will also be available, presumably with the European market in mind. For the first time, right-hand drive markets will be catered for.

Officially debuting at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show in January, the fastback ‘Stang will go on sale alongside a soft-top convertible model. The public launch will take place on 17 April 2014, fifty years to the day that the original was launched in the US.

Photos: Ford