One of the most thrilling things about being a journalist, especially in the automotive industry, is gaining access to products that are not on the market yet. In May I saw the next-generation Ford F-150 a full five months before going on sale. It was really fun. This week was even better, because I got to see, photograph and drive Ford’s most iconic vehicle that has been completely redesigned for 2015: the Mustang.
This iteration brings some exciting new technology and other changes from the previous Mustang. Strictly regarding the exterior, the 2015 is a distinct departure from the previous model because of its more interesting, fluid lines that lend a real sense of sophistication to the muscle car that were absent before. The elongated hood and elegant greenhouse also add a sense of overall style to this car. The last Mustang gave a much stronger impression of strength and overt masculinity. Some will probably miss the heftier, more muscular look of the outgoing model, but the new model is bound to win over a lot of people that maybe were not attracted to earlier Mustangs.
The Phoenix Automotive Press Association worked with Ford to make two pony cars available for a drive, a Mustang GT with the burly 5.0-liter V8, and a standard Mustang with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four cylinder (Ford jargon for turbocharged). My initial impressions of the cars were extremely favorable. I have always loved the idea of muscle cars like the Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, but have never really thought they were cars I would want to live with. My drive made me think otherwise.
Interior materials (on the whole) felt high quality and looked good. The center stack was a little bit busy looking in the model that was not equipped with navigation and fancier entertainment options, but a little bit more time and familiarization would make it easily manageable. The model with the large navigation/infotainment screen was much more handsome, and the system seemed logical.
The EcoBoost engine, which puts out 310 horsepower, was very fast and fun to drive—it will clearly be sufficiently fast for the majority of drivers, and the automatic transmission was smooth and responsive. The V8 makes a hefty 435 horsepower and a really satisfying growl on startup and a full on howl under throttle. It was paired with a smooth 6 speed manual. It was even faster, and never batted an eye at any request the driver made of it.
The yellow EcoBoost model looked identical from the outside as the 5.0-liter V8 model. Photo by Kyle Baker.
These two models represent the middle and upper trim levels that will be made available at launch—there will also be a V6 model that slots in below the EcoBoost engine to serve as the entry level Mustang.
My brother felt like the Mustang GT was almost too tame—not raucous enough to live up to what he felt like a top shelf Mustang should be. I felt like the GT had just the right blend of boy racer personality combined with a comfortable and livable cabin. But his comment did make me realize that the Mustang is capable of being an easy daily driver because of how calm it can be when it is not pushed hard; it does not feel the need to put on a big show all the time, but can get a little more wild when pushed. That seems a little contrary to the typical Mustang of years past, but it is everything that made me feel like Ford’s new muscle car was something I would want to have every day. We will see how others react to it when it goes on sale soon.
Photo by Kyle Baker.
Zac Baker 