One of the most hotly anticipated new models in recent times, the redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang will soon be making its official debut – but that didn’t stop Autoweek from publishing photos of the Blue Oval’s new ponycar just days ahead of its formal debut.
The Autoweek issue was posted to SVTPerformance.com. Additional photos were published by Time Magazine.
A number of details were also leaked by the magazine, including that the redesigned ‘stang will sport nearly identical dimensions to the current model – aside from a 2-inch wider rear track – but will weigh 200 lbs. less due in part to aluminum front fenders. An independent rear suspension will finally be fitted, and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will also be offered. The options list will include Performance Packs with a limited-slip differential for both four- and eight-cylinder models, while the latter will also get 15-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers.
Inside, the Mustang will be available with Ford’s controversial MyFord Touch infotainment system, but the setup will include physical knobs and buttons for the HVAC system. A proximity key will be standard on all models.
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. Stay tuned for the Mustang’s official debut on Thursday.
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.
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 photos published in Autoweek clearly indicate that the Mustang is a fusion between the Evos and the current Mustang. A
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
On the powertrain front, base model 2015 Mustangs will likely continue to use the existing 3.7-liter V6, but a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost with around 305 horsepower will 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 about 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 at the Detroit auto show in January of 2014.
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