2015 Ford Mustang GT features electronic line lock

Ford continues to add to the bag of tricks that will ship with the 2015 Mustang. On Monday, it announced new GTs will come equipped with an electronic line-lock function that keeps the front brakes engaged while you warm your rear tires.

“Competition has been an integral part of the Ford Mustang lifestyle since its earliest days 50 years ago,” said Steve Ling, Ford car-marketing manager. “We know our customers, and we wanted to provide a unique feature for those wishing to take full advantage of the increased capability offered by this new Mustang GT at the drag strip.”

Now, before you get too amped up, know that racing in any form voids your warranty from Ford.

Ford says consistency pays off in bracket racing, where competitors want to get as close as they can to a predicted quarter-mile time without going faster. The line lock and launch-control functions help drivers get steadier times.

When the feature is engaged, the driver presses and releases the brake pedal. Then the hydraulic control unit takes over and holds the front brakes. After that, the driver can spin the rear wheels to build up heat before initiating the launch-control function.

“Whether a customer wants to take weekend road trips, go road racing or compete in grass-roots drag racing, we aim to maximize the driving experience for everyone,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Mustang offers selectable drive modes for those who prefer to compete on road courses or in autocross events, so when we realized we could provide a feature like electronic line-lock, the decision was easy.”

By Jake Lingeman