The 2015 Ford Mustang is on track for an auto show debut within the next six months and already many of its details are becoming known. Today, we learned that engineers developing the car have targeted a substantial weight saving for the new model.

A source familiar with the car’s development told Edmunds that the 2015 Mustang will be only slightly smaller than the model it replaces but weigh around 400 pounds less. The 2014 Mustang equipped with a V-6 tips the scales at just over 3,500 pounds, which means the new 2015 Mustang may be as light as 3,100 pounds.

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The source said engineers were trying to improve the fuel economy of the car, though no doubt lobbing off around 400 pounds from the current Mustang will also yield significant gains in virtually every dynamic statistic. Combined with a new independent rear suspension, the lighter weight should see the Mustang turn in new levels of performance at the track.

The 2015 Mustang is expected to be about 15 inches shorter than the current car and 6 inches narrower. As can be seen in spy shots, the new car appears to sit much lower as well. Getting the weight down will be done by using lighter materials such as aluminum instead of conventional steel. Improved chassis design will also mean less reinforcement will be needed.

This will come at a cost, however. While pricing of the base model should stay close to the $23k starting price of the current model, performance offerings like the Mustang GT and eventual SVT-enhanced model may see prices rise by about 10 percent.

For more on the 2015 Ford Mustang, hit the links below:

2015 Ford Mustang Spy Shots

2015 Ford Mustang Spy Video

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