The All New 2015 Ford Mustang

Undoubtedly one of the most important new car debuts this year, the 2015 Ford Mustang has arrived with a new look, an improved interior, a choice of three engines and a more advanced suspension. The redesigned Mustang has also been revealed in convertible form. 

Derived from the automaker’s Evos show car, the 2015 Mustang’s new style blends new with old. Up front, it adopts a version of the design language that debuted on the Ford Fusion about a year ago, but the look is clearly more aggressive than before. Perhaps the biggest change is to the Mustang’s side profile, which features a new kick-up at the rear of the side windows. From its tail, the Mustang is more evolutionary than revolutionary, continuing the vertical lamp arrangement of so many of its predecessors.

Ford says that the new Mustang is slightly lower and wider than before. A convertible with a cloth roof will follow – likely at the New York auto show in April.

The most dramatic styling upgrades come inside. For the first time ever, Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system will be available on the Mustang. All models will come standard with a proximity key and the automaker’s Sync connectivity system. Toggle switches just below the screen will control a number of performance features – including the car’s electric power steering.

Slightly roomier than before, the new interior is also composed of higher quality materials. Exact standard and optional details will be announced closer to the car’s on sale date.

Underhood, the Mustang’s 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines remain mostly carried over – albeit with the addition of more power (official figures to come). The big news is the return of the turbocharged Mustang – in this case, the engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit shared with the Lincoln MKC. An estimated 305 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque (the latter of which comes at just 2,500 rpm) should give the smallest engine its own performance feel. Like in Ford’s F-Series pickups, the turbo engine is actually an extra cost upgrade even though it’s the smallest displacement on offer.

Fuel economy numbers should be announced closer to the Mustang’s on-sale date, but improvements across the range are expected.

Six-speed Getrag manual and six-speed automatic (with new paddle shifter) transmissions will be available. The automatic is a conventional unit, not the long-rumored dual-clutch.

Bringing things to a halt are larger brakes, which grow from 12.6 inch front rotors to 13.9 inch units with the selection of the optional Performance Package on four and six-cylinder models. Selecting the V8-powered GT nets 15-inch Brembo front units.

Underneath, the Mustang’s rear solid axle has been chucked for only the second time ever (the SVT Cobra model briefly offered an independent rear setup). Up front, Mustang gains a new MacPherson strut/double ball joint design that takes up less space and offers what’s said to be improved handling.

Between the suspension changes and Ford’s use of lighter materials, the Mustang checks in about 200 lbs. less chunky than before.