2015 Ford Mustang Arrives Early in Need for Speed Rivals
Gamers can drive the new Mustang months ahead of its showroom debut thanks to a free digital release in the Need for Speed Rivals video game.
Ford has given fans an early chance to experience the 2015 Mustang by releasing it as a free digital car in the Need for Speed Rivals video game. The real car is not due in showrooms until spring 2014, but from Friday, players could add the new Mustang to their virtual garages and take it for a drive on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
The downloadable car arrives before the real Mustang reaches buyers, making Need for Speed Rivals the first way for most people to get a feel for Ford’s latest muscle car. The game itself only launched worldwide in November, so the digital Mustang is one of the earliest appearances of the new shape outside Ford’s own events.
Ford's digital-first strategy for the new Mustang
Ford worked with Electronic Arts to ensure the digital Mustang reflects the new model’s design and character. The car’s exterior and interior have been recreated in detail, and the in-game audio is based on recordings from the real car. The Mustang’s handling in the game has also been tuned to match the dynamics of the actual vehicle, according to the developers.
The 2015 Mustang’s appearance in Need for Speed Rivals comes months ahead of its first deliveries. By offering the car as a free download, Ford aims to build anticipation and introduce the new model to a younger, digitally engaged audience. The Mustang has been a regular in the Need for Speed series since the franchise began in 1994, but this is the first time players can drive the latest version before the car is available in showrooms.
How the Mustang fits into Need for Speed Rivals
The new Mustang joins a roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed Rivals, which is known for its cinematic visuals and arcade-style driving. Players can access the car by downloading it for free when they connect their console or PC online. In addition to the 2015 model, the game also features a 2014 Mustang customised to match the car from the upcoming Need for Speed film, further strengthening the link between Ford and the franchise.
Branding for Ford and the Mustang is visible within the game world, including in-game hideouts and billboards. This digital campaign runs alongside Ford’s wider marketing push for the new Mustang, which includes special editions and anniversary branding. For more on the 2015 Mustang’s technical details, see Ford Confirms 2.0-Litre EcoBoost for 2015 Mustang.
