NFS Rivals showcases Ford's new Mustang

Gamers are being given the first chance to get behind the wheel of the all-new Ford Mustang.

EA and Ford are teaming up to let players of the recently released Need for Speed Rivals video game to virtually drive the hotly-anticipated, next-generation Mustangbe fore it hits the streets next year.

Just days after the all-new Mustang– loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance – was revealed around the world, it will automatically appear in the garage of cars available to drive for everyone playing the arcade style racing game.

"During the past five decades, Mustang has become so much more than just a car," said Andrea Zuehlk, Ford digital marketing manager.

"The feeling of freedom and independence Mustang inspires has made it popular around the world, with more than half of its 5 million-plus Facebook fans coming from outside of North America."

With well beyond 9 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production, the Mustang has made a significant impact in pop culture, including gaming as it has been featured in the Need for Speed video game franchise since 2005.

"We worked closely with the development team at EA to provide them with engineering data for the new Mustang, several months before we showed it to the rest of the world," said Mark Bentley, Ford product licensing manager. "Computer design models enabled the game developers to create an accurate representation of the new Mustang before it goes on sale." The exclusive, customized Mustang "hero car" from the upcoming Need for Speed movie has also been playable in the game since it launched in November. Need for Speed players can also choose to get behind the wheel of the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, which is available as a police chase vehicle.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think of the new Mustang: