Ford opens the order books for the new Mustang

Ford Australia has set up a website to handle the orders for the new Mustang more than a year before it goes on sale.

The new Ford Mustang is still a year away from Australian showrooms but the company has been so overwhelmed by demand that it has set up a dedicated website to take orders – even though the price is yet to be confirmed.

Ford has received more than 15,000 "expressions of interest" and the national network of 200 dealers have taken more than 1200 firm orders for the first ever factory-built right-hand-drive Mustang in 50 years.

The early orders alone are expected to account for almost a year's supply of cars.

RELATED: Police could get Mustang highway patrol cars

MORE: The new Ford Mustang is coming

To avoid a one-year waiting list once the Mustang goes on sale, Ford Australia will use the feedback gained from the pre-ordering system to secure more cars from the factory in Flat Rock Michigan.

It is the first time Ford Australia has established a pre-ordering website, although Subaru did something similar three years ago for its BRZ sports coupe.

However, the Subaru website was open to the public, the Ford one can only be accessed via a dealer. 

Ford Australia will import both the four-cylinder and V8 versions of the Mustang, in coupe and convertible body styles in November 2015.

Price is yet to be confirmed but Ford has given an indication the range will cost between $50,000 and $70,000, putting it within price reach of the homegrown Falcon XR8 sports sedan which costs between $52,000 and $54,000.

"The Mustang is drawing people to Ford well in advance of its arrival, and we've reacted quickly to find a way to communicate with these new potential owners," Bob Graziano, the President and CEO of Ford Australia said in a media statement.

"With more and more customers coming forward each week, this new pre-ordering system will allow us to plan and cater to their specific requests from the outset."

Ford also believes the Mustang may help sell other models in the range. Ford is currently on track to record its ninth year in a row of sales decline and executives say it could take 18 months to two years before there is a sales turnaround.

"In just the first few days since launching, Ford dealers already have registered 1200 orders, including 600 customers who already have put down deposits," said Mr Graziano.

The website will also allow customers to choose their options and order the exact car they want.

Fans may be surprised to find a four-cylinder in the options list but it is not the first time a four-cylinder has been offered.

Ford made four-cylinder Mustangs from 1978 to 1993 but they were discontinued because the technology wasn't as advanced then as it is today.

Ford's latest four-cylinder turbo engine to be used in the Mustang has more grunt than many V8s. It will also be much more fuel-efficient.

Meanwhile all V8 models will come with a controversial "burnout" button, to be used at off-street drag races to warm the rear tyres.