The new model was displayed to the public for just a couple hours as part of a tour through Ford dealerships.

Motoring enthusiasts, business people and car club members had a sneak peek at a VIP event in the evening.

Several were so impressed that they immediately made orders to take a Mustang home when it arrives on Australian shores in October, according to Norton Ford sales manager Shaun Noonan.

He said the new Mustang demonstrated what the future would hold for Ford Australia.

“This is the first time the Mustang has been produced in right-hand drive,” Mr Noonan said.

“We think this car will become the new hero car for Ford Australia. The Mustang symbolises the heart and soul of what Ford Motor Company really is.”

Mr Noonan said the hot hatch model was incredibly popular and Ford had already taken 2000 orders across Australia.

“Ford started taking orders on this vehicle before it was even officially confirmed,” he said.

“There were a few gasps as we pulled the covers off it last night.

“I’ve never seen a car generate such hype to such a large range of people.”

He said the Mustang was showing off Ford’s new direction when local manufacturing finishes in 2016.

“The car would be almost a built to order car, not picked up off the showroom floor.”

The Ford Mustang starts at $50,000, including on road costs, with a turbo four-cylinder and will also be available at $70,000 as a V8-powered GT. Each variant has the option of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, electric power steering, sat-nav, 19-inch alloys and reversing camera.

Ford's new infotainment system is also accessible through an eight-inch dash monitor. Initial customers will also be able to customise their cars with racing stripes ($650), black painted roof ($975), 19-inch premium wheels ($500) and prestige paint ($500).