2015 Ford Mustang

The sixth-generation Ford Mustang will arrive as a 2015 model in the fall of 2014. The vehicle is all-new (completely reengineered and redesigned), smaller, and lighter than the S197 fifth-generation model it replaces. Besides the readily-apparent improvements in Mustang’s design, the engineering-level improvements result in noticeable advances in the overall driving experience, performance, and fuel economy.

A new design, an independent rear suspension, and a new cabin are only at the surface of the positive updates to the new model.

The next chapter in the illustrious story that is the Ford Mustang begins on December 5, 2013 — when Ford pulled the wraps off the all-new sixth-generation 2015 Mustang. The new pony car is loaded with innovative technologies to deliver world-class levels of performance.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” said Pericak. “We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century.”

As many Mustang owners and enthusiasts already know, the Mustang is much more than just a car — it’s a cultural icon that produces passion and excitement.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

Speaking even more to the cultural effect of the Mustang as a nameplate is the model’s impact that goes far beyond the 9 million units sold in its 50 years of continuous production. The vehicle has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, while also being the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook.

Speaking to the theory behind designing and engineering the 2015 Mustang is Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln: “We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world”, he said in a new release.

Ford is simultaneously unveiling the 2015 Mustang around the globe in six cities on four continents, underlining the automaker’s plans to make its new pony available in key European and Asian markets — the first for the vehicle.

The next-generation 2015 Ford Mustang will continue to utilize a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) architecture with a longitudinally-mounted engine. From what is known at the time of publication, the platform is expected to be related to the D2C platform used in the fifth-generation Mustang, but with improvements in most, if not all, areas.

Full specs coming soon.

The 2015 Mustang makes a few upgrades to the 3.7 liter V6 (base) and 5.0 liter V8 (GT) engines from the 2014 model but makes some improvements along the way. These familiar engines are joined by Ford’s new 2.3 liter EcoBoost inline-four engine that’s newly-positioned between the naturally-aspirated six and eight.

Base 3.7 Liter Duratec V6

The base engine continues to be Ford’s proven 3.7 liter Duratec V6. In the 2015 Mustang, it makes “at least” 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-.ft of torque.

2.3 Liter EcoBoost I4

Having made its premier on the 2015 Lincoln MKC, Ford’s new 2.3 liter EcoBoost four-banger makes its Mustang debut in the 2015 model. It uses modern technologies such as direct injection, variable cam timing, and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver a projected output of more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

5.0 Liter Coyote V8

The Mustang GT continues with the Ford’s high-revving and throaty 5.0 liter V8. The engine has been upgraded with a revised valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

Revised Transmissions

Smoother shifts are standard in the 2015 Mustang thanks to the updated manual gearbox. A revised automatic transmission, meanwhile, features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

Both, the Mustang coupe (fastback) and convertible receive a clean-sheet design that “evokes the essential character of the brand” with a “contemporary execution”, according to Ford. The new design features elements of Ford’s Kinetic Design language while preserving key Mustang design traits such as the long sculpted hood and short rear deck.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new 2015 Mustang, including:

The Mustang convertible features a standard insulated multilayer cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as on the previous fifth-generation Mustang while featuring a sleeker profile when folded for open-air driving.

Inside, the 2015 Mustang features a new cockpit that is “executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang”, according to Ford. Information and controls needed by an active driver are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, with large, clear instrumentation that places information right in front of the driver as well as tactile switches and knobs for better control.

The new cabin also features improved ergonomics and also has more room thanks to the added width. Meanwhile, the new independent rear suspension allows for improved shoulder and hip room for passengers as well as a more usefully-shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

Even though the fifth-generation Mustang wasn’t a slouch in the handling department, it left a lot to be desired. The all-new Mustang loves taking curves, setting new handling benchmarks for the brand and delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality.

“We already set a very high standard for Mustang’s dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car,” said Pericak.

The 2015 model features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. Additionally, the new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. Ford expects the 2015 Mustang to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for the high-performance Mustang application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

The all-new 2015 Mustang contains a significant amount of innovative technologies aimed at providing drivers with enhanced information, control, and connectivity. Intelligent Access with push-button start, the SYNC infotainment system, and MyKey configurable key are included in every Mustang built. Available Track Apps, MyColor gauges, and new Shaker Pro audio system allows drivers to customize their time behind the wheel.

Drivers will also be able to control how their Mustangs behave by adjusting switches on the console to control steering effort, engine response, transmission shift points, and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes.

The 2015 Mustang also features the new and advanced stability control system. Developed by Ford, the system is tuned to maximize the Mustang’s dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

For the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. SYNC AppLink enables drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

The next-gen Mustang will compete in the mainstream sports car segment against the:

We expect the 2015 Mustang to continue carrying a base price around $20,000, and be configurable all the way up to $60,000 for the most high-performance model.

For the first time ever, Ford will make the Mustang available to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia. Production at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan is slated to begin by the fall of 2014, and sales should commence shortly thereafter.

Ford will manufacture the next-generation 2015 Mustang at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The 2015 Mustang will share a production line with the Ford Fusion midsize sedan, which began production at Flat Rock in mid-2013.

April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang. That’s why each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words “Mustang – Since 1964.”

It’s a widely-recognized fact that the fifth-generation Ford Mustang is a very capable sports car. This has been the case thanks to Ford’s unwavering commitment to updating the pony car throughout its life cycle. But having originally been designed for release in 2005, the Mustang is beginning to show its age, especially when compared to its most direct rival — the Chevrolet Camaro.

That’s why the next-generation Mustang, which will be all-new for its sixth iteration, is expected to improve on the current fifth-generation model, offering higher levels of performance, convenience, technology, safety, as well as the overall driving experience and comfort.

Some insiders have described the sixth-gen Ford Mustang as being more along the lines of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, indicating the expected downsizing of the Mustang’s dimensions.

A smaller, lighter, more nimble Mustang that is modern inside and out.

A notable shift in consumer preference in the mainstream performance (sports car) vehicle segment is provoking segment contenders to make the cars more approachable by downsizing, improving fuel economy, and improving the driving experience.

We expect the next-generation Mustang to be unveiled in 2014 as a 2015 (or possibly as a 2014.5) model year vehicle, with a debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2014.

Expected improvements over the fifth-generation S197 model include: