Ford Expands “Burnout” Feature to All 2018 Mustangs

Ford Motor Co. says all 2018 Mustang pony cars will be equipped with an electric front brake lock that allows owners to perform drag racing-type brake “burnouts.”

The so-called line-lock feature, previously limited to V-8-powered Mustang GT models, will be standard on Mustangs equipped with V-8s and the base 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated with either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford previously said it was dropping the mid-level 3.6-liter V-6 on the revised Mustang.

Drivers can activate the system via a steering wheel-mounted thumb switch that toggles through the main instrument cluster menu. Once engaged, the line-lock builds pressure on the front brake calipers that can be held for 15 seconds. Hitting the accelerator during this time will spin the car’s rear wheels in place to spew smoke from them.

In Mustangs equipped with an optional 12-inch digital instrument cluster, an animation of a spinning alloy wheel creating a cloud of smoke will be played when the lock is engaged. The display also offers a countdown timer to indicate when the line-lock will release. Ford expects the feature to be popular with amateur racers.