The 2015 Ford Mustang, the first completely redesigned Mustang since the 2005 model year, is widely expected to make its official world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, well ahead of the iconic nameplate’s 50th anniversary on April 17, 2014. However, Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] will be giving us a little Christmas bonus this year, as the automaker has just confirmed that the new 2015 Mustang will be revealed on December 5.

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To count down to the moment, over the next 15 days Ford is teaming up with Facebook and Instagram and will be posting Mustang-related content through the social waves. Fans of the car are also invited to share their thoughts on the Mustang via the #MustangInspires hashtag.

Just as the original Mustang was revealed in 1964 simultaneously in New York and 11 European cities, on December 5 of this year the 2015 Mustang will make its debut simultaneously in six cities on four continents. The reveal events will take place at Ford’s home in Dearborn, Michigan as well as in New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Shanghai and Sydney.

2015 Ford Mustang rendering - Image via Mustang 6G

2015 Ford Mustang rendering - Image via Mustang 6G

Even before the covers come off, we already have a rough idea of what to expect. Computer-generated renderings, allegedly based on official CAD drawings of the car, surfaced earlier this year, and our own spy shots of prototypes reveal many of the new car’s details.

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As this will be the first truly global Mustang, expect the retro flavor of the current model to be toned down significantly. There will still be some classic Mustang cues but also some modern touches.

The car’s platform is all-new and will feature an independent rear suspension for the first time. The wheelbase is expected to remain unchanged at 107 inches but weight should be down by about 200 pounds compared to the current model. One other big change will be the introduction of a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which will complement the existing V-6 and V-8 options.

2015 Ford Mustang spy shots

2015 Ford Mustang spy shots

Real performance freaks--and those with a little extra cash to burn--should wait for replacements for the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302. The former is expected to be superseded by a GT350-badged model, and both are said to use versions of Ford's new "Voodoo" V-8, which is said to be twin-turbocharged in the Shelby and naturally-aspirated in the Boss. Peak outputs should register in the 500-600 horsepower range.

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A third hi-po Mustang is also said to be planned. This one, perhaps called a Mach 1, will continue with the current Shelby GT500's supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 and the full 662 horsepower that comes with it.

Sales of the 2015 Ford Mustang will commence next summer.

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