All-new 2015 Ford Mustang makes global debut
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, Ford’s iconic pony car that sold over nine million units since 1964. Despite being exclusive to the North American market, five model generations of the Mustang enjoy worldwide popularity famed for the brutish charms of their growling V8s.
The sixth-generation Mustang made its global premiere this week and for the first time in the model’s history, Ford is making the Mustang a global car with right-hand drive versions confirmed for production. This new model is charting unexplored territory in having to balance the sophisticated tastes of a modern audience whilst retaining the flavour of the original that made the nameplate popular in the first place.
Ford designed all-new modern underpinnings beneath the Mustang’s sheet metal, which are sculpted in either convertible form or the iconic fastback configuration of the original first-generation model. Compared to the fifth-generation Mustang, the new sixth-generation incarnation sits lower and wider, with roof height reduced and rear track widened. It further invokes memories of the original with its distinctive three-bar tail lamps with sequential turn signals.
The technical department features two key developments that help bring the Mustang’s engineering up-to-date and in-line with global tastes; the new model will be the first ever Mustang to feature independent rear suspension and to be offered with an option of a four-cylinder powertrain. The outgoing fifth-generation model was famous for being one of few modern RWD passenger vehicles that continued to use a live rear axle.
The traditional live axle is an excellent solution in heavy duty applications due to its durability and relatively low cost. These things can take unfeasibly high amounts of power, but they also put dynamic handicaps on high performance cars. With independent rear suspension, the new Mustang should theoretically handle way better than before, and the scope of its motorsports potential will likely expand beyond just drag races.
As before, Ford will continue to offer the Mustang with a choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines, but joining the roost this time is a new four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with projected outputs exceeding 305hp and 407Nm. Like existing members of Ford’s EcoBoost family, the new 2.3-litre mill features direct injection and variable camshaft timing, but boosted by a new twin-scroll turbocharger, the first Ford engine to do so.
The EcoBoost engine’s dense power outputs place additional stress on its internals which Ford appropriately enhanced to preserve its durability. It gets forged steel crankshaft and con-rods, steel piston ring carriers, upgraded valve seat materials, deep-sump die-cast aluminium oil pan, and high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps.
Can’t take your ‘Stang with a ‘lowly’ four-pot? No problem, the good-old 5.0-litre V8 remains alive and well with the new generation, enhanced with a host of upgrades that enable it to breathe better, especially at higher engine speeds allowing it to generate in excess of 420hp and 528Nm. A 3.7-litre V6 completes the engine line-up.
All versions of the Mustang come with a choice of two six-speed transmissions. A manual from Getrag, said to come with new shift linkages for shorter and more precise throws, is the standard fare, with the alternative being a torque converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Besides updated running gear, the new Mustang also comes with a high level of technology typical of recent Ford products. Standard equipment across the board will include keyless entry, start/stop button, and Ford SYNC infotainment. At the flick of a switch, the driver can toggle the Selectable Drive Modes system that adjusts settings of the steering, engine, transmission, and stability control systems. The range-topping Mustang GT will incorporate launch control as a standard feature.
The new Mustang will be rolling out of Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, USA, which also assembles the all-new Fusion. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Mustang’s debut which took place on 17 April 1964, each 2015 model will have the iconic galloping pony logo printed on their instrument panels accompanied by the words ‘Mustang – Since 1964′.
KON
Pictures: Official Ford release.
