INTENDING owners of the latest Ford Mustang now have a
government-approved solution for a major technical hurdle to
getting their cars on Australian roads, thanks to leading importer
Performax International.
Performax International, which has almost 25 years' experience
in importing and engineering American sports vehicles, has
developed a new electric-assisted power steering system for the
right-hand drive Mustang that faithfully replicates the performance
and feel of the left-hand drive factory original.
The first V8 Mustang fitted with the system, which comprises a
rack-and-pinion steering box designed in-house by Performax and a
re-programmed Electronic Control Unit, has recently achieved
Federal Government Australian Design Rule approval, clearing it for
road registration in all States and Territories.
The Performax system, developed at a six-figure cost, is already
attracting export interest from Mustang importers in other
right-hand drive countries, including South Africa.
General Manager Glenn Soper said the steering system was an
example of "the Performax Difference", which set the company apart
from other conversion operations.
"The Ford Mustang is a brilliant muscle car, but the
introduction of electric power steering in the latest model poses a
major technical problem for small or inexperienced conversion
companies," Mr Soper said.
"The electric steering is integrated with the Mustang's other
chassis dynamics systems, including electronic stability control,
traction control, drive-by-wire throttle and a yaw sensor.
"Adapting all this to right-hand drive and retaining the
vehicle's sophisticated and highly-refined driving performance is
no longer just a matter of transferring mechanical parts.
"Unbelievably, we have seen some cars where the electric
steering has been thrown out to accommodate a crude, old-fashioned
mechanical conversion with welded parts or where conversion simply
wasn't possible because of the complexity and cost.
"Performax International invested a substantial amount in
developing a completely new rack-and-pinion steering that works
seamlessly with the other on-board systems.
"The result is a right-hand drive Mustang that is sensational to
drive - it steers exactly as it was designed to by the factory.
"This is the Performax Difference, that we have industry-leading
technologies, experience and resources to achieve a
thoroughly-engineered, no-compromise conversion from left- to
right-hand drive.
"It satisfies not only all government standards required for
road-registration, but also the subjective standards of the most
demanding drivers."
Mr Soper said the approval of the Mustang steering was a timely
reminder to private importers of American vehicles to consult a
reputable conversion company such as Performax International before
finalising their purchases.
"It's too late when the car is on the boat to find out that
right-hand drive conversion is going to be too complex, too
expensive or even impossible," he said.
"Performax can guide owners in making the right decisions to
ensure they end up driving a dream car that meets all their
expectations."
He said buyers should follow Performax International's Top 20
list of items to check for when planning a conversion -
- Is it a well-established company with a proven history of
steering conversions?
- Is the company experienced in your particular vehicle
type?
- Is the company ISO accredited?
- What standard of technology is being used; is it state of the
art?
- Do they use the latest computer software?
- Are you offered a fully guided tour of their factory; does it
seem high tech, well organised, clean and tidy?
- Do they have highly qualified workers who receive ongoing
training?
- Do they produce OEM quality dash boards?
- Is the steering full right-hand drive without any crossover
components?
- Have the steering rack and box been manufactured in accordance
with OEM requirements?
- Has the HVAC ducting been manufactured to deliver maximum air
velocity?
- Are all the A/C lines factory made; not hand bent?
- Are you able to inspect and test-drive a fully completed
vehicle?
- Will the company back their own product (not use aftermarket
warranties)?
- Do they offer Roadside Assist Service?
- Is the speedometer in kilometres per hour?
- Are pedals positioned for driver comfort?
- If power seats are fitted do they work correctly?
- Is all lighting and tow bar (if fitted) ADR compliant?
- Has the Australian compliance plate been fitted?
Intending buyers also can contact Performax International for a
free vehicle history check. This extensive report includes
information on recalls, insurance claims, accidents, genuine
mileage, when the vehicle was last registered and much more.
Performax International operates from a modern factory at
Gympie, near the Sunshine Coast, which is equipped with hi-tech
facilities such as computer-aided design, 3D parts prototyping and
injection moulding.
Work is completed to ISO 9001 Quality Assured standards, meaning
its quality management system has been developed and implemented to
the highest standards.
For further information, please contact:
Glenn Soper
General Manager
Performax International
Phone 07 5482 7833
Mob. (0407) 010 451
gm@performaxint.com.au
www.performaxint.com.au