Auto burnouts for 2015 Ford Mustang

When the 2015 Ford Mustang launches in Australia in the second half of 2015 it will mark the return of the one of the world’s most famous muscle cars, and it could be offered with a semi-autonomous burnout system.

Ford has released new info and a two minute video on the new Mustang’s electronic burnout control system, dubbed electronic line-lock, which allows drivers to execute perfect burnouts, stationary or rolling.

Drivers simply switch on the electronic line-lock system, then push the brake pedal in, which only engages the front brakes. The driver can then let off the brakes and the system automatically maintains front brake pressure, allowing the driver to remove his/her foot and apply throttle, causing the rear wheels to spin. 

No balancing of pedals or dual-footed manoeuvres necessary.

Ford says the system that enables line-lockers, smokies, skids, speedoolies - you name it - is intended for race track or drag strip use only. 

The new electronic line-lock system could be controversial if offered in Australia, where several states' anti-hoon laws can see drivers fined, lose their licences and have their cars impounded for offences such as excessive acceleration, burnouts, dangerous driving and so forth on public roads.

Ford Australia’s brand communications manager Neil McDonald would neither confirm nor deny if the new system would be offered on Australian-delivered Ford Mustangs. 

"We’re sorting through the specification and detail," he told motoring.com.au. "I don’t know if we’re getting it because we’re still a long way out from the car’s launch."

McDonald said he had no opinion over whether the new system would encourage hoon driving behaviour.

"These features like those found on many other performance cars are intended for track use only," he stated.

Victoria Police, which enforces Victoria’s strict anti-hoon laws, expressed concern over the new system.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police told motoring.com.au "Victoria Police does not condone any vehicle accessories or driver behaviour which compromise road safety or which infer that driving in an inappropriate manner is permissible or acceptable under any circumstances."

Although Victoria Police was careful to say such a feature wouldn't be illegal, it warned that motorists who used systems such as the electronic line-locker on public roads would be breaking the law. It clearly placed the onus on drivers to conduct themselves in a responsible way on the road.

"Were vehicles with this feature to be made available in Victoria then drivers who perform burnouts are likely to lose their vehicle for 30 days in the first instance for using it. Repeat offenders may find they lose their vehicle permanently and face significant fines or a criminal record," said the spokesperson.

The idea behind the automatic burnout system is that it improves performance on the racetrack and at the drag strip by rapidly heating up the rear tyres, which results in better traction. Performing burnouts can also put down extra layers of rubber and clean debris from tyres.

However Ford’s fine print reads: "Racing your vehicle will void your warranty". 

The sixth-generation Mustang will include a number of other electronic performance features, including an advanced launch control system that can be tailored for different temperatures and surface types.

"We’re using advanced controls technology for the all-new Mustang to provide some of our most dedicated fans with an industry-first feature they can use when they go to the track," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. 

"With electronic line-lock, customers who drive their Mustangs to work all week and then compete on the weekends will appreciate not having to modify their brake systems to be able to do effective tyre prep at the drag strip," he said.

The electronic line-lock system is only available on the Ford Mustang GT, a model which will be coming to Australia, and is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 pumping out more than 313kW of power and 529Nm of torque.