America's original pony car will turn 50 in 2014, and Ford->ke31 is celebrating the monumental birthday by taking its maiden voyage overseas. The 2015 Ford Mustang->ke428 will find its way into right-hand-drive markets, such as England, Japan and Australia. Moreover, for the first time in the Mustang's history, England and Australia studios will aid in the design of the new-generation muscle car. Add that to the fact that the 2015 Mustang will receive independent rear suspension for the first time ever, with exception of the Cobra version a decade ago, and the Mustang suddenly becomes a hot topic among enthusiasts.

With such dramatic changes in the geographical availability of the Mustang, as well as the move away from the cheaper live axle, not much else has to change in order for this new-generation Mustang to find its new niche in the 2015 model year. That being said, expect the updated muscle car to get a radical redesign while still staying true to its overall look and style.

Also, for the first time, the Mustang is offered with an EcoBoost engine and a series of new technologies that will push it on top on the market.

Updated 09/12/2014: Ford released mileage figures for the all new-generation Mustang, and the bad news is that the new model delivers worse fuel economy than the model it replaces. The 2015 Mustang GT delivers 15 mpg city, 19 mpg combined and 25 mpg highway when equipped with the manual or automatic transmission. The V-6 model delivers 19 mpg city, 22 mpg combined and 28 mpg highway when mated to a manual gearbox, while the automatic-equipped V-6 gets a 2-mpg boost in the city and a 1-mpg boost in the combined rating. The new Mustang EcoBoost delivers 22 mpg city, 26 mpg combined and 31 mpg highway with the manual version, and 21 mpg city, 25 mpg combined and 32 mpg highway with the automatic gearbox.

More details on the 2015 Ford Mustang after the jump.

2015 Ford Mustang

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Ford Mustang
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 6500
  • Torque: 280 @ 4000
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The sixth-generation Mustang adopts an evolutionary design, with a "shark-bite" front fascia and trapezoidal grille flanked by slender headlights. The new Stang marks the return of the fastback profile, thanks to a sleeker profile enabled by a raked windshield and rear glass.

Ford also lowered the Mustang's roof, giving it a sportier look, while the wider rear fenders and track give it a stout stance. The hood is long and sculpted, while the rear deck is short, adding the popular cab-rearward look to the Mustang. The rear is defined by three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals and a splitter offered in the same color as the body.

The only thing we can think that could make the Mustang any better would be some carbon fiber!

2015 Mustang Convertible

Here you can see that the Mustang convertible, loses its fastback look with the convertible top in place. This is pretty standard oin all drop-top models with a raked rear glass like the Mustang's.

With the top down, the new Mustang looks as stunning as ever.

New Sequential Taillights

Sloped Nose Looking Real Mean

New Headlights Give New Life to the Stang

Interior

The new Mustang's interior adopts an aviation-inspired cockpit with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in Ford's pony car. Thanks to the Mustang's increased body width, the cabin is now larger, while the new independent suspension system affords the rear passengers improved shoulder and hip room.

Rounding out the interior enlargements is a larger trunk that can accommodate two golf bags.

Galloping Horse Emblem on a Retro-Inspired Steering Wheel

Eight Ball Gear Shift Knob

Engine

The sixth-generation Mustang is offered with a choice of three engines: a more powerful 5.0-liter V-8, a 3.7-liter V-6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.

The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is equipped with direct injection, variable cam timing and turbo, resulting in output of 310 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. Additionally, the flat and broad torque curve of the EcoBoost engine affords the drive on-demand power.

Durability is a concern when pumping this kind of power from a small-displacement engine, so Ford reinforced the EcoBoost 2.3-liter engine with a forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods, piston-cooling jets, steel piston ring carriers, premium bearing materials, upgraded valve seat materials, high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps, and a deep-sump, die-cast aluminum oil pan

The base-line 3.7 liter, V-6 engine delivers at least 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. By Ford using the term "at least," we expect to see a mild boost over last year's output numbers for the base model. This is still very low relative to the 323 ponies the base Camaro churns out.

The most powerful engine is the updated 5.0 liter, V-8 engine used in the GT version. It receives an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads, a new intake manifold, new piston tops to clear the larger valves, rebalanced crankshaft for higher rpm, and sinter-forged connecting rods, which combine to push the output beyond last year's 420-horsepower and 390-pound-feet marks. The grand total for th3 5.0-liter engine i0s 435 ponies at 6,500 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm.

We anticipate seeing a few higher-output V-8 engines in the near future, but these will likely be the engines that debut with the new Mustang.

All the engines can be mated to an updated Getrag manual gearbox with a new shift linkage for crisper shifts and a gear shifter that is closer to the driver. An optional automatic transmission featuring new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, rev matching, and a redesigned case for better rigidity is available.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8
Configuration Aluminum block and heads Aluminum block and head Aluminum block and heads
Intake manifold Composite shell-welded with runner pack Composite shell-welded with runner pack Composite shell-welded with runner pack and charge motion control valves
Exhaust manifold Cast iron Three-port integrated into aluminum head Stainless steel tubular headers
Valvetrain DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independentvariable camshaft timing DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing
Valve diameter/lift Intake 37 mm/10 mm, exhaust 31 mm/9.7 mm Intake 31 mm/8.31 mm, exhaust 30 mm/7.42 mm Intake 37.3 mm/13 mm, exhaust 31.8 mm/13 mm
Pistons Cast aluminum Cast aluminum Cast aluminum
Connecting rods Forged steel Forged steel Forged steel
Ignition Distributor-less with coil-on-plug Distributor-less with coil-on-plug Distributor-less with coil-on-plug
Bore x stroke 3.76 x 3.41 in./ 95.5 x 86.7 mm 3.45 x 3.7 in./ 87.55 x 94 mm 3.63 x 3.65 in./ 92.2 x 92.7 mm
Displacement 227 cu. in./3,727 cc 140 cu. in./2,300 cc 302 cu. in./4,951 cc
Compression ratio 10.5:1 9.5:1 11.0:1
Engine control system PCM PCM PCM
Horsepower 300 HP @ 6,500 RPM 310 HP @ 5,500 RPM 435 HP @ 6,500 RPM
Torque 280 LB-FT @ 4,000 rpm 320 LB-FT @ 2,500-4,500 rpm 400 LB-FT @ 4,250 RPM

Fuel Economy

Engine MPG (City/Highway/Comb.) Manual MPG (City/Highway/Comb.) Auto
2.3-Liter 4-Cyl EcoBoost 22 / 31 / 26 21 / 32 / 25
3.7-Liter V-6 17 / 28 / 21 19 / 28 / 22
5.0-Liter V-8 16 / 25 / 19 15 / 25 / 19

Handling and Stability

For the first time in 10 years, the Ford Mustang will be use an independent rear suspension. This new suspension will be a one-off, of sorts, derived from Ford's Control Blade suspension. This setup is similar to that of the Ford Falcon->ke442 from Australia, marking the area in which Ford's Australian arm comes into play.

Up front, the 2015 Mustang will get a new double-ball-joint MacPherson strut system. Sure, that's nothing revolutionary, but it is still nice to see that Ford didn't ignore the front suspension.

Ford gave the Mustang's handling an extra kick in the pants with the addition of computer-controlled, torque vectoring. This system applies and holds torque where it is needed for more aggressive and controlled handling. This type of setup is typically reserved for higher-end sports cars, proving that Ford is not kidding around with in making the Mustang the cream of the muscle car crop

Pricing

Prices for the 2015 Ford Mustang will start from $24,425.

Base Pricing

Mustang V6 Fastback (050A) $24,425
Mustang V6 Fastback (051A) $25,420
Mustang ECOBOOST Fastback (100A) $25,995
Mustang ECOBOOST Fastback (200A) $29,995
Mustang ECOBOOST Fastback (201A) $31,790
Mustang GT Fastback (300A) $32,925
Mustang GT Premium Fastback (400A) $36,925
Mustang GT Premium Fastback (401A) $38,720
Mustang GT 50YR Limited Edition (500A) $46,995

Option Pricing

Floor Mats $85 retail
GT Performance PKG $2,495 retail
Navigation $795 retail
Recaros Leather $1,595 retail
Enhanced Security Package $395
Enhanced Security Package $395
6-Speed Automatic Transmission $1,195
3.55 Diff $395
Spare Wheel/Tire $195
Reverse Park Assist $295
Floor Mats $95
Recaro $1,595
Wheel Stripe Package (Ecoboost) $895
18" Painted Aluminum Wheels (641) $155
ECOBOOST Performance Package (67E) $1,995
Adaptive Cruise Control (52S) $1,195
20" Machined Aluminum Wheels $1,295
Premium Trim Package $295
Navigation $795
50th Anniversary Package $1,595
19" Wheels $995 (GT)
GT Performance Package $2,495
Dest and delivery $825

Ordering Guide

Competition

Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro already received a pretty hefty revision for 2014, so we likely have a few years before we get to see the new-gen Camaro. This puts GM behind the eight ball a little, and gives Ford a head start on reeling in fringe buyers. Of course, don't expect any hardcore Camaro fans to stray onto a Ford lot looking for a Mustang...

The current Camaro is offered with a choice of two engines: a 323-horsepower V-6 or a 426-horsepower V-8 engine, reserved for the SS versions.

Prices for the 2014 Camaro start from $23,455.

Dodge Challenger

The Challenger is a real niche model that caters to buyer who want a true retro muscle car, as it lacks the modern technologies and design of the Mustang and Camaro. However, the Challenger has its set of fans that won't buy anything else, so don't expect a dramatic response from Chrysler any time soon.

The Challenger is offered with a base 3.6-liter V-6 with 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque or a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 470 horsepower and a peak torque of 470 pound-feet.

Conclusion

So, the waiting game with the Mustang continues. Sure, we got a little information and a good look at the car now, but we are still waiting to hear the final specifications. We also anticipate a few high-performance versions to roll out over the next year, so keep an eye out for those.

In terms of design, we love what Ford did with the new Mustang, as it kept the design true to the history of the model, while giving it a modern twist. Nice work, Ford.

Leaked Images

Front Three-Quarter View

From here, we can see that the Mustang retains much of its muscular look, just withe a softened nose. As expected, it adopts the Aston Martin-like grille shape, wraparound headlights, a more sloped nose and aggressive hood ridges.

Profile View

The profile view gives us a nice look at the new Mustang's elongated hood and cab-rearward design. It also shows off its sleek roofline and the more forward-leaning rear fascia.

Rear View

The back end gets a boxier perimeter than the current model, and an all-new rear bumper and diffuser. The taillights remain sequential, but with vast restyling, and the floating horse returns on the center of the fascia.

Interior View

The changes on the dashboard are pretty incredible too, including a textured center insert on the dashboard, round air vents, a revised steering wheel with the floating horse, and a set of gauges above the center stack, where the air vents used to be.

Teaser Images

History

The Ford Mustang is one of the most successful muscle cars ever to roam the streets of America market and one with the longest history. The model arrived on the market in 1964 and, depending who you speak to, it is either on its fifth or tenth generation. If you consider platform changes as generations, then you are on the side that says this is the sixth generation. However, if you take major body changes as new generations, then you know that the Mustang is on its 10th rendition. We're not here to argue semantics, so we'll just stick with the five platform changes to make things easier...

First Generation: 1964 - 1973

The first-generation Mustang was offered in coupe and convertible, plus a sporty 2+2 fastback body style added just a few months after the car's official debut. The 1964 Mustang was offered with a 170 cubic-inch six-cylinder and a pair of V-8 engines. The most powerful Mustang of the first generation was unveiled in 1968 when Ford announced the 428 Cobra Jet, which delivered a total of 335 horsepower.

In 1967, the Stang underwent a metamorphosis that some consider a new generation, as it grew in length and width, but rode atop the same 108-inch wheelbase. In 1969, the Mustang grew once again, plus it received a four-headlight setup, a sharp nose and a revised grille. This is considered by some enthusiasts as the "third generation," but the basic platform and 108-inch wheelbase remained the same as the debut model.

The 1971 model year was likely the most hated of the first-gen Mustangs, as it grew into a 187.5-inch-long whale of a muscle car whose base 145-horsepower six-banger just wasn't up to the task of hauling this much lard around. However, the 375-horsepower Cobra Jet 429 was certainly up to the task.

The first-generation closed out in 1973 with emission regulations choking the Mustang to just 150 horsepower from the once-feared 351 cubic-inch V-8 engines.

Second Generation: 1974 - 1978

The second generation arrived in 1974 and, when the Mustang II arrived with smaller dimensions, thank to a chassis that was borrowed from the Pinto. Sure, the chassis was modified for the Mustang II, but it was still a basic Pinto structure and had a petite 96.2-inch wheelbase. This generation used engines ranging from a Pinto-sourced 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 88 horsepower to a 5.0-liter V-8 with 134 horsepower. The Mustang II's only claim to fame was its Cobra II model in "Charlie's Angels".

Third Generation: 1979 - 1993

In 1979, Ford released the infamous "Fox Body" Mustang with the hopes of winning back the Mustang's reputation. The debut Fox Body was a four-eye-style - four headlights - and came with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 88 horsepower as standard and topped out with a 5.0-liter V-8 with 140 horsepower.

In 1987, Ford dropped the four-eye look and released a flat face with composite headlights. This gave the Fox Body the iconic look that everyone remembers.

By time the third generation came to its final year in 1993, the Mustang boasted a healthy line of engines, ranging from a 105-horsepower 2.3-liter to a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 in the Cobra model.

Fourth Generation: 1994 - 2004

The fourth generation was unveiled in 1993, as it dropped the hatchback coupe model in favor of a traditional notchback setup. The base model was offered with a 3.8 liter V-6 engine delivering 145 horsepower and up to a V-8 with an output of 215 horsepower.

The 1999 model year is another transition year, as some consider it a new generation, thanks to the drastically restyled body, but Ford essentially swapped out the fascias, sharpened the fenders and restyled the grille. Much everything else on the 1999 Mustang was the same as the year before.

The pinnacle of the third-generation Mustang was the 2003 Cobra, which featured a 390-horsepower V-8 powerplant.

Fifth Generation: 2005 - 2014

In 2005, Ford went retro with the Mustang, bringing back the rounded headlights, three-element taillights and extending the wheelbase by 6 inches. A new 4.0-liter V-6 with 210 horsepower debuted in the fifth generation, as did a 300-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8.

The 2007 model year brought a new Shelby GT and Shelby GT500. The former featured a 319-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 and the latter enjoyed a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine.

In 2011, Ford shocked the world with two new engines. First was a base 3.7-liter V-6 engines with 305 horsepower and the other was the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 with 412 ponies.

The most powerful Mustang ever - the 2013 GT500 - offered up a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine with an output of 662 horsepower.

Check this link for a full history on the Mustang.

Update History