INTRODUCING THE 2015 FORD MUSTANG

In its half-century, Ford Motor Co.’s long-standing 2+2 “pony car” has become a piece of Americana, as much as Elvis or baseball. This is a good thing, as the U.S. automaker plans on selling its all-new, sixthgeneration 2015 Mustang around the world.

While the 2015 Mustang’s front-end takes its cues from the 2011 Ford Evos show car, the rest of the design is pure Mustang, with leaner proportions inspired by the 1964 to 1970 Mustangs. The traditional “dual-cowl” cockpit design has been retained. The MyFord touchscreen will also be offered for the first time in a Mustang.

In anticipation of more import-brand buyers, Ford is giving the 2015 Mustang more than 20 new technology offerings, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning, a new four-mode driver-selectable system that tunes the car’s steering, stability controls and engine, and intelligent-key access and push-button start.

Underneath the 2015 Mustang’s hood, customers will be getting mainly carry-over powertrains, save for an all-new turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine.

The base mill is the same 305-horsepower 3.7-litre six-cylinder gas engine as in the 2014 Mustang, producing 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The existing Mustang GT’s 5.0L V8 receives a new intake manifold and standard oil cooler, allowing Ford to claim that it will make more power than the 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque in the 2014, plus get better fuel economy.

Ford says the 2015 Mustang’s rear-wheel-drive platform will be about 90 kilograms lighter than the current car’s 1,600-kilogram curb weight. That, and the application of an independent rear suspension, suggests the 2015 edition should finally be able to compete against import rivals in the new markets that Ford is planning to sell its pony car.