Backing up from Saturday's win in his new Mustang, McLaughlin beat Monster Engergy Racing's Cam Waters in another Mustang ahead of Holden's Shane van Gisbergen.

McLaughlin made a perfect start to his title defence by claiming line honours in the opening 78-lap race by 13 seconds from Holden great Jamie Whincup.

It was the 25-year-old Kiwis first victory in Adelaide in what was his 200^th race.

It also provided an ideal return for the Mustang, which replaced Falcons in all six Ford cars this season after last being sighted in 1990.

McLaughlin's triumph marked Mustang's first touring car win since 1972.

He claimed third placing behind teammate Fabian Coulthard in the Top 10 Shootout for Saturday's race and claimed pole in the shootout for Sunday's race.

The opening race of the season started late in the day, however the temperature remained at 40 degrees, pushing in cabin temperatures into the mid-60s. 

McLaughlin got a great start and passed both Coulthard and second placed Jamie Whincup to take the lead, with Coulthard second.

A few laps into the race Coulthard was penalised for a jumped start, and given a 10-second time penalty at his first stop. 

"That one’s for you Ford fans, first weekend for the Mustang. We’re here, we’re here to party and we’re going to have a good time," McLaughlin said after Saturday's win.

"It was really tough, but the cooling and all that stuff was really good for us and I just brought it home. I’m really happy with the car. We don’t have number one on the car but we’re number one today, it’s a great start."