Preview: 2015 Ford Mustang is Officially Here – V8 is Back

The official details about the 2015 Ford Mustang are here, as are the official images.  The sixth generation of Ford’s pony car is all new and globally focused.  The design is an evolution, but the new sheet metal is hiding some interesting details as well.

Power:

The new Mustang is packing a choice of three engines.

• 3.7-liter V6 is the base motor, which basically is a carry-over from the current car.
• Next, the big news is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4. Ford estimates the maximum output of this turbo-four at impressive 305 hp @5,500 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque @2,500-4,500 rpm.  These numbers may change when final certification is complete.  However, many manufactures are know to underrate their turbo motors, so we have faith in these big numbers.  The EcoBoost will be priced above the V6.
• Put down your pitch forks.  The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 is still here in the top level GT and is said to make a little more power than in the current Mustang (“more than 420 hp and 390 lb-ft”).

There will be a choice between manual and automatic transmissions.  The Getrag 6-speed manual is carried over.  And the 6-speed automatic gets paddle shifters.  No dual-clutches or 8-speeds in the new Mustang.  Ford went the more traditional approach.

Final horsepower and EPA ratings will not be revealed until next year.

Chassis:

The new Mustang retains the same wheelbase (107.1 inch) and overall length (within a fraction of an inch), but it’s a lot wider.  The rear track measures an additional 2.8 inches to 64.9.  The car is overall 1.5 inches wider.  All the rumors are true.  There is a new independent rear suspension in this Stang.  The front suspension is also redesigned to double-ball-joint independent setup with MacPherson struts.  Ford engineers spent a lot of time tweaking the handling of the sixth generation.  Official weight is not yet know, but rumors are that the new car lost about 200 pounds.

Design:

The Mustang has a longer and more hunkered down appearance.  The whole car is 1.4 inches lower and the roof-line is basically a Fastback.  The trunk lid has been lowered, which makes for better rearward visibility.  The wider chassis allows for more trunk space and more interior volume (at 84.5 cubic feet).  The front grill appears very similar to the current model, but the headlights are more squinted and pushed to the corners.  The taillight are an evolution on the 50 years of Mustang history.  The overall look is more aggressive and there is a cool body-colored air defuser down below.  You will have a choice of wheels going up to 20-inch in size.

Ford says that the upcoming Mustang Convertible will have a cloth and all-electric top.

Interior:

Ford did not leave the interior alone.  It’s all-new as well, but incorporates classic and modern features.  The MyFord Touch infotainment system will be optional, and even if you get it – there will be redundant HVAC controls via traditional knobs and switches as well.  There is a Performance Pack option that comes with selectable drive modes that affects the steering feel and throttle response among other things.  Other high-tech features include adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.  Keyless entry and push-button start are also there.

Come back for more details from Los Angeles unveiling and TFLcar video from the event.

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.