Network
Yesterday we finally received official word from Ford officials that the 2015 Mustang will indeed make it’s debut in just a few short weeks on December 5 at 12:01am. With the premiere of the S550 just two weeks away we thought we’d take a look at what we already know about the next Mustang.
Appearance
The renderings, spy photos, and commentary on appearance has been mixed, as it always is whenever Ford completely revamps a product. “It looks like a 2 door fusion” seem to be the cry of some, followed by “I’ll never buy another new one.”
It is true that Ford is going in a new direction with the Mustang’s styling, although they have stated it will remain distinctly Mustang. This is not the first time the Mustang has taken on a more corporate appearance, look at any Fox-body or SN95 for those examples. Every generation of the car has it’s naysayers. We won’t know the entire picture until the car emerges in two weeks, but we suspect something very Evos inspired with subtle cues to the past.
Shared design features worked for the Fox-body just look at the grilles of the Taurus, Tempo, and Escort, it could work for the S550
Suspension Audit
The Mustang is going around the world, officially for the first time ever. We suspect the front suspension will remain much the same as it is today, although it might be nice to see a change to a front suspension design superior to the current McPherson strut arrangement.
The car will receive an independent rear suspension. Spy photos and Ford insiders have confirmed this already. While drag racers may cry “the Mustang is ruined forever,” keep in mind that this car must sell worldwide, and even in the USA the majority of Mustangs sold will never see use on a drag strip. Keeping a live rear axle to satisfy a few fans, and sacrifice the handling capability and ride quality enhancements offered by an IRS design would be unwise.
Tech Laden
Ford is making a big a push with in car technology. The SYNC system is a prime example, as are many of the improvements to the control systems in the current car.
Expect a healthy dose of standard and optional tech in the new car. The feds are about to mandate that all new cars have backup cameras, so it’s feasible that the 2015 Mustang will either have that as standard or optional equipment, making it standard when the government mandate goes into effect.
We suspect other apps including track apps will be available as well. With all that tech though expect the car to still retain classic dial type gauges, although a switch to fully electronic display gauges would not only be more accurate, but also offer more up to date appearance.
Powertrain
This is where things get interesting, and at best we’re left to spy data, leaked information, and the few facts we have. We know the Coyote engine will continue, likely with at least a small bump in power as the muscle car wars are not yet over. We’re hearing rumors of either a bump in horsepower for the GT later in the year, or an optional engine package. This could also be part of a new trim level. Rumors have stated everything from a naturally aspirated engine making 475-500 hp, to a new Shelby coming that will pack at least one turbo. We have no way to confirm any of those rumors at this time however.
A V6 will likely still be offered, though we expect it to eventually be phased out completely. The 3.7 should live on for at least one more model year, providing around 305-310 hp. Ford seems to be phasing out naturally aspirated V6 engines in favor of the EcoBoost four-cylinder.
Ford already confirmed an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine will find it’s way between the fenders of the Mustang. Rumors have been swirling ever since, with some circles keeping their fingers crossed for a return of the SVO. The news that broke late last week of a new EcoBoost derivative being available in the upcoming Lincoln MKC, making 275 hp would seem to confirm our suspicions that a 2.3 liter turbo will in fact be the mill. We’re hoping that as in the past, Lincoln is getting the lower powered version and the Mustang version will feature a bump of at least 25-35 hp.
Trim Levels
This is another area where rumors are swirling. There will be of course the V6 and GT models. We’re not sure where the four-cylinder fits in yet, is it just going to be the Mustang EcoBoost, or Mustang ST? Sorry SVO fans, but we doubt that moniker makes it back since that name has been dead at Ford for over two decades, changed to SVT in the 1990’s.
The BOSS name has been retired again, so we won’t see it on the 2015 or later models. Rumors have swirled that Mach 1 is making a return, but that has yet to be confirmed as well. If it does return expect the Mach 1 to pack more ponies than the GT, with suspension, interior, and exterior upgrades to boot.
Image Credit: Left: Top Speed. Right: Mustang6g.com
Last is the Shelby. Rumor is that the GT500 name is dead, and that the S550 platform will see a return of the GT350 name, this time to a Ford assembly line. We have no way to validate that rumor at this time. Given the strong relationship between Shelby American and Ford, we expect things to continue in some manner with the S550 Mustang.
That brings us up to date on the next-generation Mustang. In two more weeks we hope to have all of the juicy details and finally start making plans for the new model.
