For the first time in Mustang’s 50-year history, Ford will officially sell its pony car in Europe as well, with the carmaker deciding to take the first orders during the continent’s most popular sporting event: the final of the UEFA Champions League.

Ford announced that the first 500 new Mustang models for Europe would be made available to reserve from the start of the game until the moment the match ends.

“The arrival of the new Ford Mustang in Europe is an event that deserves the biggest possible stage,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “We hope that making the first models available to order at the exact moment the Final kicks off will ensure a reach which matches the significance,” he added.

The Mustang will be offered in Europe both as a fastback and a convertible, with two engines: the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder unit producing 329PS (324hp) and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque, or the 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering more than 426 PS (420hp) and 529 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

The Mustang will come with Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity and navigation system, heated and ventilated seats, Park Assist, black leather trim, chrome detailing and 19-inch alloy wheels. Each of the first 500 models will include a special package and a limited edition certificate. Ford will begin Mustang deliveries in Europe next year.

Ford has been an official UEFA Champions League partner since 1992. This year, the final in Lisbon, Portugal, between Real Madrid CF and Club Atlético de Madrid is expected to attract a Europe-wide audience of 70 million football fans plus another 165 million people around the world. This year’s final will be the last match as official sponsor for Ford, with Nissan taking over from next season.

By Dan Mihalascu

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