The 2015 Mustang is the first model year of the sixth-generation Mustang. This model also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic car. Although the design is completely new, elements of the past Mustang generations are reflected in many places.
The trapezoidal radiator with a honeycomb grille, round headlights framed by the three dummy air vents that now serve as daytime running lights, a raised hood with ventilation scoops, C-shaped side elements, long hood with a short fastback, three-chamber rear lights… These are just some of the homages this car pays to its ancestors.
This American muscle came standard with the 300 hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, the GT model with the 420 hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. A 305 hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available as an option.
Available in coupe and convertible versions, the 2015 Mustang was also officially available in Europe through Ford, for the first time since 1979. New exterior colors coming to the range are 'Triple Yellow', 'Competition Orange' (return of the 2012 BOSS color), 'Magnetic Metallic Gray', and 'Guard Metallic Gray'.
2014 Model Year
The '15 Mustang was a completely new car 'We didn't start from scratch with all parts, but in the end everything was new. Which means there isn't a single part that isn't new or reworked,' said chief engineer Dave Pericak.
Compared to the '14 Mustang, the '15 Mustang's roofline was 1.5-inches lower, and the vehicle was 2.8 inches wider (measured to the rear fender) while the wheelbase remained unchanged.
For the first time the standard Mustang had all-round independent suspension and a reinforced sports chassis. Upfront is new MacPherson struts with a double ball joint, allowing for larger brakes. All '15 Mustangs were available with either a 6-speed manual transmission from Getrag or a 6-speed automatic transmission 6R80 with standard paddles on the steering wheel.
The convertible had a smaller folded roof, which can be lowered more easily and thus improved rearward visibility. A multi-layer fabric roof with a central latch (replacing the two latches at the two corners) was provided. This makes opening the roof about twice as fast as the '14 Mustang.
The '15 Mustang interior was also completely new, with new dials for the speedometer and tachometer, a smaller steering wheel, and a much larger glove compartment. The '15 models also have 50th Anniversary emblems.
Shoulder, leg, and knee room had been increased. There were also four interior color options available. New innovative technologies such as MyKey, Launch Control were in the standard version as well as options like TrackApps, MyColor instrument lighting, blind spot information system, and selectable driving programs.
At the end of 2013, Ford presented the new model generation of the Mustang, which was launched on the US market at the end of 2014. Like its predecessor, the car was offered in two body styles, as a coupe ("Fastback") and as a convertible.
The braking system came from Brembo, depending on the engine version, there were four or six-piston fixed calipers and ventilated brake discs measuring 352 mm × 32 mm or 380 mm × 34 mm on the front axle, and floating calipers and ventilated brake discs measuring 330mm × mounted on the rear axle 25mm.
The Mustang VI had independent wheel suspension on the rear axle for the first time, the previous models (with the exception of the SVT Cobra from 1999 to 2004) were only equipped with a rigid axle. The hood and fenders were made of aluminum to reduce the weight of the vehicle.
The 50th anniversary of the Mustang Super Snake was celebrated in 2017 with the 750 hp Shelby Mustang Super Snake from the tuning company Shelby American. The model, limited to 500 units, was officially presented at the 2017 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale.
2018 Model Year
In August 2017, the Mustang underwent a big facelift operation. Among other things, the vehicle got a new chassis, higher-quality materials, a digital cockpit, and a new ten-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine was discontinued, the 5.0-liter V8 in delivers 331 kW (450 hp). A valve exhaust system was installed as a standard on the GT to adjust the sound of the vehicle.
Numerous assistance systems have also been added, which resulted in a better performance in the 2018 Euro NCAP crash test (3 stars). That was the highest score any Mustang was able to get until that point in the history of this car.
As part of the Detroit Motor Show 2018, Ford presented a special model of the Mustang to mark the 50th anniversary of the movie ‘Bullitt’. In January 2019, a new top model of the series was presented at the Detroit Motor Show with the 567 kW (771 hp) Shelby GT500. It has officially been sold exclusively in North America since fall 2019.
With Mach 1, Ford replaced both the Bullitt and Shelby GT350 in fall 2020.
Protecting 6th Generation Mustang VI
In 2015, the pony car became the world's best-selling sports coupe. According to IHS Automotive, 141,868 Mustangs were sold - around 110,000 fastbacks and 30,000 convertibles.
As the figures show, this is the Mustang you should own if you want a hassle free muscle car experience in 2020s. However, it is still a precise sports car with huge performance values. That’s why you should invest into the protection of your 6th gen Mustang. Ford also made it easy for you by partnering officially with the established Coverking group.
Take a look at their catalog and start with the covers. If you have an indoor garage, a Satin Stretch Car Cover will look good while providing your Stang with the upmost protection. If you have to leave it outside however, you should really be looking at the StormProof Car Cover.
Mustangs are famous with their unique windshield&window design and leaving them under the sun for even a couple hours can make it impossible to get in and drive. There really is an easy and stylish fix for that now. Get one of these custom fit sunshields and use it everytime. You’ll be amazed how cool your car can stay under the sun.
New generation Mustangs packs a punch with next level performance. If you want to drive a modern muscle car, it is one of the best choices available on the market. Mustang is one of those cars that you will only understand when you drive one so we highly recommend trying it.
Resources
- https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/mustang
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/mustang/
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/mustang
- https://corporate.ford.com/articles/history/mustang.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang
- https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/ford-mustang-history-generations-models-specifications/#:~:text=Developed%20in%20record%20time%20on,automobiles%2C%20known%20as%20pony%20cars.
- https://classicponycars.com/history.html
- https://www.evanshalshaw.com/blog/car-legends-legacy-of-the-ford-mustang/
- https://www.caltrend.com/a-spin-thru-the-history-of-the-iconic-ford-mustang/
- https://www.autoevolution.com/ford/mustang/
- https://www.obaugh.com/ford-mustang-history.htm
- https://www.britannica.com/technology/Ford-Mustang
- https://www.topgear.com/car-news/usa/heres-brief-history-ford-mustang
- https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1293207
- https://www.classicsbeyond.com/history-of-the-mustang
- https://www.businessinsider.com/iconic-versions-ford-mustang-the-worlds-top-selling-sports-car-2020-4
- https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1830481/donut-media-shows-rise-and-fall-ford-mustang/
Coverking Links
- https://coverking.com/
- https://coverking.com/pages/recommendation-wizard
- https://coverking.com/products/2020-ford-mustang-car-cover?variant=40328109686946&sub=Shelby%20GT-350&main=car-cover-stormproof
- https://coverking.com/products/2020-ford-mustang-car-cover?variant=40328109686946&sub=Shelby%20GT-350&main=car-cover-satin-stretch
- https://coverking.com/products/2020-ford-mustang-custom-sunshield
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.