Ford has confirmed that it will unveil the new-generation Mustang at 12:01 am on December 5, with the debut taking place simultaneously in six cities on four continents – Dearborn, Los Angeles, New York, Barcelona, Shanghai and Sydney.
Don’t know what to expect from the reborn ‘Stang? We have all of the latest intelligence and spy shots available for your perusal.
Spy Shots
Although Ford’s engineers have done a particularly good job covering up the Mustang before it debuts, our spies have managed to sneak the most revealing peek yet into the new coupe’s cabin.
Not only can we see the deeply-scalloped three-spoke steering wheel and heavily-bolster seats, we can now see how the automaker’s MyFord Touch infotainment system will be integrated. Also, we have confirmation that ventilated seats will accompany a power driver’s seat backrest as new-to-Mustang features.
A start/stop button and toggle switches also help liven up the ‘Stang’s dashboard, which looks to be a giant leap forward compared to its rather dull predecessor. One question that remains is whether the Mustang will have a launch control system; the traction control switch shown here could do double duty.
Speaking of switches and knobs, we’re pleasantly surprised to see that the new Mustang won’t feature the controversial capacitive touch switches seen in some other recent Ford products. That said, the Mustang doesn’t include the radio preset buttons that made a comeback in the Ford F-Series recently.
We also can’t tell if this test car is an automatic or a manual gearbox model, although we’re leaning toward the former. The gear lever shown is a big departure from the current automatic, but it looks like the top of it is a toggle-style shift interlock switch.
Outside the Beast
Just weeks ago, our spies sent us the most revealing photos yet of the next-generation 2015 Ford Mustang, which is expected to be smaller and as much as 400 lbs. lighter than the current model.
Snapped during high-performance testing at a race course, the new images reveal a front end that clearly draws influence from the Evos concept, although the details have been massaged for a slightly more muscular look. In place of the concept’s narrowed headlights are larger units that invite comparison to the Fusion sedan, while the grille is an aggressive rendition of Ford’s latest hexagonal design.
The interior photos also show off just what the coupe’s C-pillar will look like, which gives us a hint as to the car’s overall proportions.
This latest round of photos also included some shots of an especially aggressive brake and tire combination, which really makes us wonder what’s going on with this particular test car.
V8 Soundtrack Caught on Video
A video recently surfaced online showing the new Mustang in action. Crank up your speakers because you can hear the new Mustang’s V8 for the first time.
The video was posted to Mustang6g.com.
What We Know So Far
Stricter fuel economy regulations are looming in the not-to-distant future, and rumors have suggested that Ford will respond by putting the 2015 Mustang on a diet with the goal of dropping 400 lbs. from the current car’s curb weight. More compact dimensions are also likely in store, with one source claiming that the new model will be about 15 inches shorter and 6.5 inches narrower than before.
On the powertrain front, base model 2015 Mustangs will likely continue to use the existing 3.7-liter V6, but a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost with around 350 horsepower could join the range as a step-up option. Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8 will remain under the hood of the new Mustang GT, but power should grow from today’s 420 horsepower to 450 horsepower.
If industry whisperings are to be believed, the most potent form of the pony car – which could be badged as the Shelby GT350 – will use a naturally-aspirated V8 in place of the current Shelby GT500’s supercharged bent-eight.
The 2015 Mustang will initially debut with six-speed transmissions, but a 10-speed automatic co-developed with GM will eventually be offered.
The underside of the ‘Stang is in line for a major overhaul - the car will make the switch from a solid rear axle to an independent setup for 2015, which should net a more compliant ride.
Of course, the 2015 Mustang won’t be the first version of the pony car to employ an independent rear suspension, as the 1999-2002-era SVT Cobra also used an IRS.
Look for the next-generation Ford Mustang to make its first public debut sometime in 2014, probably at the Detroit auto show in January.
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