When it hits dealerships later this year, the redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang will have plenty of rivals. From Detroit pony cars like the Chevrolet Camaro to muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger to more sleazy German sports coupes, they all have a Mustang number.
However, the new Mustang’s biggest rival could be itself.
The 2015 model year brings more changes than this car has seen in decades, and some are quite controversial. As Ford tries to broaden the Mustang’s appeal, it risks diluting the qualities that made it a fan favorite in the first place.
Exterior design
Ahead of the 2015 Mustang’s unveiling in December, there were rumors that it ditched the previous model’s retro styling for a more modern look inspired by the Ford Evos concept. This caused much consternation in Mustang land.
The finished product is actually much closer to the 2014 model than originally thought, although the word “retro” no longer adequately describes it.
Important Mustang features—such as the grille, fast silhouette and taillights—remain, but Ford designers also made the 2015 model sleeker and more muscular.
The Fusion-style headlights are an immediately noticeable difference in photos, but in reality the 2015 model looks much sportier and visually slimmer than the 2014 model. The latter’s glum was its only real aesthetic flaw.
While it may not win everyone over, the 2015 Mustang’s styling is definitely an improvement over the 2014 design.
Interior design, comfort, facilities
The 2015 Mustang also received a less dramatic interior redesign. As with the exterior, retro elements have been toned down to give the cabin a more modern look.
Overall, the new interior feels more like a sports car than a muscle car, but it should still be familiar to anyone stepping out of a 2014 Mustang.
Both cars have plenty of extra tech, including drive mode selection, Sync with AppLink connectivity and tracking apps that record acceleration times, braking performance and g-forces.
While the new interior is an improvement, it’s not dramatic enough to give the 2015 Mustang the edge over last year’s pony.
Drivetrain
The 2015 Mustang retains the powertrain options from 2014, but with one big exception.
Another controversial move by Ford was the addition of a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to the lineup.
While a four-cylinder Mustang might seem wrong to some, Ford has offered them before (last in 1993) and with an estimated 300 horsepower and 305 Nft of torque, the EcoBoost should offer plenty of power with improved fuel economy.
Otherwise, Ford will offer the same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 as the previous model. The V6 is expected to produce 300 hp and 270 lb-ft for 2015, down slightly from the 2014 model’s 305 hp and 280 lb-ft.
The Coyote’s V8 output of 420 hp and 390 lb-ft is expected to remain unchanged for 2015. Ford has reworked the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions for 2015, with paddle shifters for the latter.
With last year’s competent powertrains still on offer, along with a third, more fuel-efficient option, the 2015 Mustang is way ahead here.
Performance
Performance data for the 2015 Mustang will have to wait, but there is some new hardware that should make the new car a big improvement over the old one.
The new Mustang has an independent rear suspension instead of the 2014 solid axle, which was as much a throwback to the 1960s as the styling.
Despite the protests of a very vocal segment of Mustang fans, the move to an independent rear end has seemed inevitable for some time now, and rightfully so. In the 21st century, muscle cars need to be at home on road courses as well as drag tracks.
Speaking of brake pads, Ford also made electronic line lock standard equipment on the V8-powered Mustang GT.
This allows the driver to easily perform a burnout – a necessary part of drag race preparation – by locking the front brakes. However, actual racing with the new Mustang will void the warranty.
The improved suspension alone should make the 2015 Mustang superior to the 2014 model, while the line-lock feature should be good for a few bars.
Note that at least one performance version of the new Mustang is also in development, set to replace the outgoing Shelby GT500. Rumor has it that this model will bear the designation GT350 or Mach 1.
Price
Pricing for the 2015 Mustang is still in question, though the EcoBoost four-cylinder is likely to cost more than the V6, while the V8 will remain at the top.
However, for most people the price difference between the two is likely to be that between a brand new car and a lightly used one.
So Mustang buyers will have the choice of saving a few bucks on an older model or spending the extra money on a warranty, all the new features and that new car smell.
Either option seems reasonable.
Cool factor
The 2014 Mustang is no nonsense, but the 2015 car’s more dramatic styling will definitely draw more attention on the street. Plus, it’s a new car, which means it’s going to get most of the attention right now.
It’s hard to imagine anything better than the radically redesigned Mustang that was unveiled for the car’s 50th anniversary, and that’s exactly what we motorists are enjoying right now.
Once the reviews are written and the first leased cars start rolling out, it’s hard to tell.
The 2014 Mustang proved to be a great performance car as well as a style icon and, while it’s hard not to imagine that 2015 will develop a similar reputation, it still has more to prove.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn