Ford Mustang (sixth generation)

Ford Mustang
Overview
Production Aug 2014–present[1]
Model years 2015-
Assembly Flat Rock, Michigan
(Flat Rock Assembly Plant)
Designer Kemal Curić (exterior: 2011, 2012)
Sewon Chun, Michael Thomson (interior: 2011)
Body and chassis
Body style 2-Door Coupé Fastback
2-Door Convertible
Powertrain
Engine 2.3 L Turbocharged EcoBoost I4
3.7 L "Cyclone" V6
5.0 L "Coyote" V8
5.2 L "Voodoo" V8
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag MT82)
6-Speed (6R80) Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length 188.3 in (4,784 mm)
Width 75.4 in (1,916 mm)
Height 54.4 in (1,381 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor 2010-2014 Mustang (S-197 II)
Main article: Ford Mustang

The sixth generation Ford Mustang is a pony car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. The sixth generation was presented at private Ford events on December 5, 2013 and commenced series production at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant on July 14, 2014. In departure from prior Mustang models, the sixth generation Mustang includes fully independent rear suspension on all models, as well as an optional 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged and direct injected four cylinder engine. The new Mustang was introduced as a 2015 model year vehicle, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Ford Mustang, which was revealed as a 1965 model year vehicle on April 17, 1964.

This will also be the first Ford Mustang to be marketed and sold globally, and the first factory right hand drive Mustangs produced in addition to the left hand drive models. This is part of Ford's One Ford campaign, which also applies to the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Ford Mondeo, Escape, Ford Kuga, Edge, Ford Transit Connect, Ford Transit, as well as other models.

Background

Ford Mustang convertible

The sixth generation of the Ford Mustang debuted on December 5, 2013 with same-day media events in Dearborn, Michigan, Los Angeles, California, New York City, New York, Barcelona, Spain, Shanghai, China, and Sydney, Australia.[2] The 2015 Mustang marks the 50th anniversary of continuous Mustang production, which began in March 1964 in advance of the debut of the original Mustang at the 1964 New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964 in Flushing, Queens.

Development of the 2015 Mustang, codenamed "S550," began in 2009 under chief engineer Dave Pericak and (from late-2009) exterior design director Joel Piaskowski, shortly after the updated 2010 model year Mustang went on sale. In December 2010, an exterior design theme proposal by Kemal Curic from Ford's Cologne, Germany design studios was selected by design management. Curic (also responsible for the 2011 Focus (2012 in the US) and the 2014 Mondeo/Fusion) relocated to Ford's design studios in Dearborn in January 2011. During mid-stage development, Curic's original exterior design proposal was eventually rejected by Ford executives, resulting in rapid design changes. After reviewing 3 different exterior theme proposals (A, B, and C) in design clinics in September 2012, the final exterior design (Theme A) was approved by Ford management, with the final design freeze occurring in December 2012, 20 months ahead of originally scheduled August 2014 production. The interior design program began in the spring of 2010, under Doyle Letson. By late 2011, a final interior proposal was settled on and was combination of Theme A & B. In June 2012, the final interior design was frozen. The first test mules in 2010 model year bodies were spotted earlier in June 2012, and the first S550 prototypes were built five months later (exterior design freeze) in May 2013.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

Engine

Three engines are available: a standard aluminum 3.7 L "Cyclone" V6, and optional 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged with direct injected I4, or a 5.0 L "Coyote" V8.[10] The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine is new to the Mustang, having debuted in the 2015 model year Lincoln MKC crossover. This four-cylinder includes improvements over earlier versions. The 2.3 Ecoboost engine also marks the return of 4-cylinder engined Mustangs, which were standard in cars produced from 1974 to 1993, as well as in the "SVO" turbocharged models from 1984 to 1986.[3][11]

Model Engine cc Power Torque Compression Ratio
Mustang V6 3,720 cc (227 cu in) V6 304 PS (224 kW; 300 bhp) @ 6,500 rpm 379 N·m (280 lb·ft) @ 4,000 rpm 10.5:1
Mustang EcoBoost 2,253 cc (137 cu in) I-4 314 PS (231 kW; 310 bhp) @ 5,500 rpm 434 N·m (320 lb·ft) @ 3,000 rpm 9.5:1
Mustang GT 4,949 cc (302 cu in) V8 441 PS (324 kW; 435 bhp) @ 6,500 rpm 542 N·m (400 lb·ft) @ 4,250 rpm 11.0:1

The Shelby GT350 version uses a modified version of the Coyote engine, code-named the Voodoo, that features a 5.2 L with flat-plane crankshaft instead of the traditional crossplane.

Body

Bodywork

This generation of Mustang has been influenced on the front end by Ford’s Evos concept [12] which was featured in the Frankfurt auto show in 2011. The rear famous “vertical bar” style taillight will continue, however will be lit by LED, and will illuminate sequentially when being used for turn signals.[12]

Interior

The new Mustang’s interior body style resembles that of an airplane cockpit boasting an increased body width, and a larger cabin similar to the Ford GT. This gives more room in the back of the vehicle for rear passengers. “The changeable ambient lighting continues, but it will spread beyond the dials, cup holders, and speakers to other points within the cabin, something also found in European luxury cars like the new S-class.” [12]

A metal tag on the dashboard bears the Ford Mustang "Running Horse" insignia.

Technology

The car includes features such as; proximity key and push-button start, a center touch screen with voice-activated control, a radar-based blind spot monitoring system, and a parking sensor system which can alert drivers to objects approaching perpendicular to rear of the vehicle, such as other vehicles in a car-park, while the driver is attempting to reverse out of space.[13]

Models and Options

For 2015, the Coupe style is renamed the Fastback to pay tribute to the previous-generation Mustang models. The Convertible remains the same. The 2015 Ford Mustang is offered in several models:

The Shelby GT500 models are discontinued for 2015, as is the 5.8 L V8 supercharged engine.

Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition (2014½)

A total of 1,964 units of a version of 2015 Ford Mustang GT Coupé with performance pack and either a manual or automatic transmission, were made to commemorate 50th anniversary of Ford Mustang line of vehicles. Changes included a choice of two body colors (Wimbledon White, Kona Blue), louvered rear quarter- windows with layered sheets of glass, cashmere-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, cashmere-stitching in instrument panel, shifter boot, center armrest, door inserts and seats; exclusive two-tone cashmere and black leather upholstery, Mustang 50 Year logo on the seat backs, loop-carpet floor mats with cashmere stitching and suede binding, 19-inch (9.0/9.5-inch front/rear) alloy wheels with unique Y-spoke design, 255/40R front tires, 275/40R rear tires.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2014 New York International Auto Show.[14]

The vehicle went on sale in September 2014.[15]

This model will be marketed as a 2014 1/2 model, paying tribute to the original 1964 1/2 model. Wimbledon White and Kona Blue will no longer be available exterior colors on the Mustang after the 50 Year Limited Edition's discontinuation when the model sells out.

A "one of one" convertible version of the 50 Year Limited Edition Mustang was raffled off for charity on the "Woodward Dream Cruise" on August 16, 2014 with the proceeds benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. [16]

The 50 Years Appearance Package will continue to be available on the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium Fastback and Convertible models after the 50 Year Limited Edition sells out. It will add nineteen-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels, the "stable"-style front grille, the "Running Horse" front fender badges, a unique "Raven" interior color scheme, and more.

Shelby GT350 (2016-)

For 2016, GT350 has been confirmed, featuring a 5.2 L Flat Plane Crank V8 engine with more than 500 horsepower and 400 foot pounds of Torque. The GT350 is more track focused than the GT500, and was bench marked against the Camaro Z28, Porsche GT3, and BMW M4. Notable features are track-focused chassis tuning, significant aero-dynamic changes to include lowering the hood around the engine, two piece Brembo brakes, MagneRide damping option, light weight Tremec six speed manual transmission, Recaro seats, and various light weighting efforts. Specifically a carbon fiber reinforced polymer radiator support that directs cooling channels for various components. [17]


Additional options, such as larger alloy wheels, navigation system, rear backup sensors, a rear backup camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, security system, remote vehicle starter system, SHAKER PRO Surround Sound Premium Sound System, premium leather seating surfaces, sunroof and HID front headlamps are available. Interior color schemes, such as Coral Red and Saddle, are available in addition to the standard Black interior color scheme.

Shelby GT350R (2016-)

A further enhanced and even more limited edition of the GT350 with an "R" package (GT350R) was announced by Ford at the 2015 North American International Auto show in Detroit, to be available to customers later in the year. The first GT350R with #001 sold for $1 million at Barrett Jackson Auction at Scottsdale, Arizona.[18]

A combination of changes to aerodynamics and suspension tuning to the new Shelby® GT350R Mustang leads to most race-ready road-legal Mustang ever. Significant engineering innovations result in weight savings, aero improvements to benefit on-track performance; Ford is the first major automaker to introduce carbon fiber wheels as standard equipment on Shelby GT350R Mustang. Items removed include air conditioning, the stereo system, rear seats, trunk floorboard and carpet, backup camera and emergency tire sealer and inflator. Exhaust resonators also have been removed for weight savings with the benefit of creating a sharper exhaust tone.

Shelby GT350R is more than 130 pounds lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model, which has proven its durability in multiple 24-hour racetrack tests.

Aside from carbon fiber wheels, larger front splitter and rear wing, Shelby GT350R features distinct design details. Exterior touches include red painted brake calipers, red pin striping at the edges of the optional over-the-top racing stripes and Shelby GT350R badging. Inside is high-contrast red stitching, Shelby GT350R badging and the D-shaped steering wheel fitted with a red center mark at the top. [19]

F-35 Lightning II (2015)

On July 31, 2014 a special 2015 Mustang was auctioned off at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with proceeds going to benefit the EAA’s Young Eagles program.

"Dubbed the F-35 Lightning II Mustang after the new F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, this slammed, one-off 2015 Mustang GT fastback was one of the first Mustangs to be sold anywhere. It has a completely original look that includes glossy and matte dark-silver paint along with yellow hood stripes, mirror caps, and brake calipers. Blue and yellow rear-end graphics mimic the tail livery of early-production examples of its airworthy namesake, as does the gold tint on its windows. The car sits on lowered Eibach springs and custom black and yellow Forgiato 21-inch wheels, while the exhaust system is modified with larger, ceramic-coated cans. And no car could be named after a fighter jet without sporting one serious aero kit—the F-35 Lightning II Mustang slices through the air with carbon-fiber components including a ground-scraping front splitter, sill extensions, a rear diffuser, and a stand-up rear spoiler. The final touches come in the form of an F-35 badge on the rear panel, and the flags of nine U.S. allies give colorful display on the lower doors."

"The interior sports an intense, high-contrast mix of black and yellow bits, with aggressively bolstered Recaro racing seats, a modified instrument cluster, a custom audio system, and sill plates, as well as F-35 Lightning II embroidery on the floor mats, door panels, and seatbacks. The car comes with a manual 6-speed transmission" [20]

Roush RS Models (2015-)

"The basic Roush RS, RS Stage 1, and RS Stage 2 are primarily cosmetic kits for Mustang V-6, EcoBoost, and GT models. The standard components of each RS model include new front and rear fascias, new grillework, driving lamps, side-sill extensions, a rear spoiler, embroidered floor mats, and a smattering of brand fireworks on the fenders, grille, trunklid, windshield, dashboard, and engine bay. Stage 1 vehicles also tout a performance exhaust system, while Stage 2 cars get all of the above plus a set of five-spoke 20-inch “Quicksilver” wheels and Cooper RS3 performance tires. (The rolling stock is available as an upgrade on the other two models.) Optional on all are a hood scoop, window scoops, billet pedals, a ball shifter, Roush gauges, and Roush doorsill plates. Stage 1 and Stage 2 models can also be upgraded with a reverse-sensing system and active exhaust."

[21]

Marketing

As part of the Mustang's 50th anniversary celebration, Ford engineers cut a Mustang convertible into small sections and reassembled it on the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York City.[22][23]

Ford has also implemented the In a Mustang tagline, which also features short films featuring the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang. Such films are uploaded to YouTube on the Ford Mustang Channel.

Production

The 2015 Ford Mustang began production at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant on Monday, July 14, 2014. Flat Rock Mustang production had initially been scheduled for August 11, 2014, being moved forward by 4 weeks for undisclosed reasons. U.S. market launch of the 2015 Mustang range was scheduled on September 15, 2014 for the coupe and October 27, 2014 for the convertible.[24][3]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.torquenews.com/106/production-2015-ford-mustang-finally-officially-underway
  2. ↑ "Ford to reveal all-new Mustang Dec. 5; Teams with Facebook and Instagram for 15-day countdown" (Press release). media.ford.com. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Simona. "2015 Ford Mustang". topspeed.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  4. ↑ Hirsch, Jerry. "Ford unveils sixth-generation Mustang for 50th anniversary". articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  5. ↑ Weiss, C.C. "All-new Ford Mustang gets a fastback makeover, EcoBoost engine". gizmag.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  6. ↑ Zalstein, David. "Ford Mustang sixth-gen muscle car detailed in new videos". caradvice.com.au. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  7. ↑ http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2015-ford-mustang-in-depth-with-the-team-that-made-it-happen-feature
  8. ↑ http://www.interiormotivesmagazine.com/Article.aspx?aid=238
  9. ↑ http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kemal-curic/a/8b4/84a
  10. ↑ "2015 Ford Mustang USA - technical specifications" (PDF) (Press release). Ford Media. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  11. ↑ http://www.autonews.com/article/20140717/OEM04/140719859/15-ford-mustang-v-8-to-pump-out-435-hp
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Meiners, Jens; Lindberg, Austin (October 2013). "Leaked! This is Almost Definitely the 2015 Ford Mustang: Exclusive 360º View and Full Details!". Car & Driver. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  13. ↑ "2015 Ford Mustang". Ford.ca. n.d. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  14. ↑ Weiner, Eric (April 2, 2014). "2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition Spied". Automobilemag.com. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  15. ↑ 2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition says 'happy birthday' in New York
  16. ↑
  17. ↑ http://articles.sae.org/13709/
  18. ↑ "BARRETT-JACKSON SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS: Electrifying and unforgettable". Barret-Jackson. 2015-01-18. Retrieved 2015-01-23.
  19. ↑ https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/01/12/shelby-gt350r-mustang.html
  20. ↑
  21. ↑
  22. ↑ "Ford Put A Mustang On The Empire State Building". Time. 2014-04-16. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
  23. ↑ Mourdoukoutas, Panos (2014-04-16). "Ford's Mustang Made It to the Top of the Empire State Building". Forbes. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
  24. ↑ http://www.inautonews.com/2015-ford-mustang-starts-production-today#.U8VN9bHCc6k
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