Just a few weeks before the reveal date of the much anticipated 2015 Mustang, pictures and information have been "leaked." This new Mustang is very important for Ford because the aim is to take it globally which means it has to appeal to buyers not only in North America but in other markets as well. This model celebrates the 50th birthday of the Mustang and will be the first truly global Mustang model which means it not only has to be appealing to different markets, but it also has to make a very good impression and Ford is counting on three major changes - exterior design, suspension and powertrain options.
The new design is certainly striking (go to Car and Driver for a 360º interactive view - 2015 Ford Mustang Leaked!). The car clearly shares resemblance with the Evos concept and the current generation Ford Fusion while looking muscular. I do wish it looked more like an evolution of the current Mustang but I do like the design. I'm not a huge fan of the very thin headlights but other than that, I think it looks great.
The other major change is tucked under the new skin and has been long awaited by many - the independent rear suspension. There's no doubt that Ford has done an amazing job with the solid rear axle used on the current Mustang but the added unsprung mass that has to be controlled and the inherent problem with articulation can only be completely fixed with an independent suspension. Moreover, the whole chassis is getting reworked to save weight. In fact, there has been reports of the new Mustang being up to 400 lbs. lighter than the current one but I'm not holding my breath for that. I wouldn't be surprised if the chassis is 300-400 lbs. lighter than the current one but I expect added safety requirements and features to bring that down to around 200 lbs. and, according to Car and Driver, that's what Ford is targeting which is still excellent. That would put the V6 version around 3,300 lbs. and the V8 around 3,400 lbs.
Speaking of engines, the V6 and V8 engines are expected to carryover with some changes resulting in more hp, but the major change under hood is the addition of a turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. American Muscle reports that one of their community members shared a survey that he received after buying a 2013 Mustang and the survey shows a 3.8-litre V6, a 2.4-litre I4 (turbo) and a 4.9-litre V8 as engine options (AmericanMuscle.com - Ford Survey Accidentally Leaks 2015 Mustang Engines & Options). The engine sizes are slightly off from what is expected but don't expect that to translate into production. As American Muscle put it, the numbers were probably skewed to throw the average Joe off from thinking they are specific engines that are being developed for the next generation. What we can learn from the survey is that the V6 and V8 engines will be back, the 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine will probably be offered in the US, not just in Europe, and that it will not be the base engine. Instead, it will be an upgrade over the V6 which will continue to be the base engine.
All in all, it looks like the new Mustang will definitely not disappoint. The lighter chassis and better suspension will improve an already great handling car and, while the current Mustang isn't lacking in the power department, the power bump will certainly be very welcome. In fact, with 3,400 lbs and power in the mid 400 hp range, it should have a power-to-weight ratio that's only slightly lower than the new Corvette. And although the new look may upset some die-hard fans of the current retro Mustang, it should bring more new buyers.
Comments
Post a Comment