Importantly, details gathered by Car and Driver reveal the Mustang still has close family ties to previous cars, and shouldn't upset too many fans of the existing model's pseudo-retro styling. It's a little smaller and a little sleeker than before, but mixes the classic retro Mustang shape with cues from more recent Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] models--in particular, the Fusion.
ALSO SEE: 2015 Ford Mustang Rendered - Updated With More Images
The overall impression is of a car that looks sharper than before without losing its pony car looks--and neat details like the current sequential turn signals return, albeit updated with each element raised above the light unit in a new 3-D design.
The next important change is that of the powertrain. It's long been known that a four-cylinder model would return to the Mustang range, now confirmed as a 310-horsepower, direct-injection 2.3-liter unit. It'll sit above the base six-cylinder unit but below the 'Stang's archetypal V-8. Both vee-engines feature identical power ratings to the current car: 305 horses for the V-6, 420 for the V-8.
HEAR IT: Is This Ford's Four-Cylinder EcoBoost 2015 Mustang? Sure Sounds Like It
That's at launch, at any rate--the GT-badged V-8 is expected to jump to 500 ponies a few months later. While transmissions are also carried over from the current car, with six-speed manual and automatics available at launch, the slushbox will make way for a new 10-speed auto in a couple of years. The unit is currently being developed together with GM.
2013 Shelby GT350
LEARN MORE: Mach 1 Trademarked Again-Possibly for 2015 Ford Mustang
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.
Other changes to the 2015 Mustang are mostly expected. The car's curb weight should drop by around 200 pounds, rear suspension is independent across the range, and a retro-styled interior still features--augmented by a large MyFord Touch touchscreen should the customer desire.
Also See: Search for a Used Ford Mustang
Pricing is unconfirmed, but enthusiast site Mustang6g suggests a base price under $24,000, a near-$1,800 increase over the current base model. The site also backs up Car and Driver's leaked engine details, a recent Morpace survey also suggesting the four-banger's highway economy could top 32 mpg.
The 2015 Mustang is expected to debut in full in December, prior to an international launch at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2014 and the nameplate's 50th anniversary in April.
_______________________________________
