Ford is marking the 50th anniversary this year of the Mustang with a new sleekly designed, high performance version, and each 2015 model will carry a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the legend: “Mustang – Since 1964.”
It is loaded with innovative technologies and delivers a high level of performance and style, so it’s a good bet that the all-new Mustang is the next chapter in the life of one of the world’s most iconic cars. Ford’s Mustang inspires passion like few other cars, and many say it is the heart and soul of Ford. With 9 million-plus Mustangs sold in its 50 years of continuous production, it has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games. For the first time, Ford will offer Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
The new Mustang has four-, six- and eightcylinder engine options and each produce at least 300 hp. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The 3.7-liter V-6 and upgraded 5.0- liter V-8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang. The EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver excellent performance across a broad RPM range. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver 310 hp and 320 pounds-feet of torque.
At the same time, the Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the 5.0-liter V-8 with an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that help boost output to 435 hp and 400 pounds-feet of torque. A new intake manifold has charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds for better air-fuel mixing resulting in improved efficiency and idle stability.
With 300 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque from the standard 3.7-liter V-6, it delivers the performance you would expect and it has smoother shifting as a result of an updated manual gearbox. A reworked automatic transmission has new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a choice between convenience and control.
As for the look of the new Mustang, it still carries unmistakable characteristics of the legendary pony car. It retains key design elements — including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck — with contemporary styling.
Several key design features that define the new Mustang include:
•Alower, wider stance, with a reduction in roof height and wider rear fenders and track;
• Return of a fastback with a sleeker profile, a more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass, and
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillights with sequential turn signals.
The MSRP on the 2015 Ford Mustang GT is $32,300.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
