Ford Mustang: Getting younger (and sexier) with age

By Chupsie Medina December 10,2013

IT’S unmistakeably still a muscle car that the big boys will drool over. But the noticeable changes will also draw the ladies to covet this sexy animal.

The all-new Mustang, ready to be released next year, is getting younger in looks and even heart, thanks to a dedicated, perhaps a bit fanatical, team of designers who want to continue the revered tradition of this 50-year-old legendary nameplate.

 

It’s unmistakably still a muscle car that the big boys will drool over. But the noticeable changes will also draw the ladies to covet this sexy animal.

 

A simultaneous global “reveal” held in four key cities stretching four continents allowed invited guests a precious peek at the pony car’s latest interior and exterior features. While the Philippines may get its first shipment in late 2014 or early 2015, the queue for orders will be undeniably long.

 

The rumored pricing of a unit will be in the upper P3-million range, not necessarily a stiff price to pay for the power and torque—and more—that this iconic brand is imprinted on the memory of a generation of car lovers.

 

Buzzwords like EcoBoost, Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC and MyKey in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system make the 2015 Mustang truly of age—attuned to environmental concerns and information technology advances.

 

Here are some of the key design features that define the all-new Mustang:

 

A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track

 

The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass

 

Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals

 

Contemporary execution of the signature shark-nose front fascia and trapezoidal grille

 

Convertible model

 

The Mustang convertible model will come with a standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

 

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship found in a Mustang.

 

Large, clear instrumentation puts the vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

 

The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds are key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

 

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 313 kilowatts and 529 Newton-meters. of torque (US specifications). A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

 

The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 227 kW and 407 Nm of torque (US specifications).

 

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

 

Performance standards

 

With at least 220 kW and 366 Nm of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.

 

Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

 

When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality.

 

“We already set a very high standard for Mustang’s dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car,”  Pericak said.

 

Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

 

The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages.

 

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

 

More control

 

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

 

The advanced new Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang’s dynamic capabilities with features like torque vectoring that directs engine power to individual wheels to help keep the car on course. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

 

When it’s time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink lets drivers control their smart phone Apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

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