"carwitter" (carwitter)
12/21/2013 at 14:30 • Filed to: Ford, Mustang
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"carwitter" (carwitter)
12/21/2013 at 14:30 • Filed to: Ford, Mustang | 4
| 6 |
The 2015 Ford Mustang is a proper redesign. Set up as a global car, it is designed for a customer base that is international, not strictly for the United States. But, you read the title and think, how is it rooted in music?
Ever follow a band for up to ten years? Ever notice how a band's sound changes over time? "Nothing is ever good as the original," some may say. "They have changed their sound, and I don't like it," others may say.
The same can be held true for the automotive world. When it comes to historic cars, the original Ford Mustang will never be topped. The chassis was based on the Ford Fairlane and Ford Falcon. The design of the original Mustang at the right price point made it a huge hit in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of cars were sold within months.
Just to contrast the volume of what that number looks like, as much hype as the Scion FR-S (Toyota GT86) has received in the past two years, over 15,000 units have been sold within the first 12 months. That in itself is considered a success for the market.
Basically, within four days of the original Mustang being put to sale, it outsold the Scion FR-S for an entire year! When one considers how much the population has changed in the past 49 years from then to now, the number is outstanding.
The Mustang has changed its sound. The front hood is more flat. The stance of the car has a bit more squat. The rear view of the car is newly rounded. I can even see Aston Martin-like proportions of the cabin in relation to the hood line and rear decklid.
Fortunately, they deviated from the original concept design and added similarities to the previous generation Mustang. The original concept had a Ford Fusion-like front end, a cabin that was too low and tight, and a nearly non-existant rear deck.
Once the front end added headlights similar to the previous generation, and lower facia with a larger open grille, the Mustang face was created. It looks sharp, refined, and still aggressive. It's no longer an outright muscle car, it is now a sports car.
Given that the target price hovers around $25,000, the competition remains the same. When the previous generation was released, it was possible to get a stripped-down Mustang for under $20,000. The $5,000 difference though, is worth it.
The base will come in a v6 form with over 300 horsepower. The redesign may allure customers that were once interested in the Toyota GT86 or Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This car is a better alternative to both for those who want the horsepower and torque, without the stigma of dated muscle car handling. The Mustang finally arrives with independent rear suspension as well.
I am personally happy to see that the Mustang has changed its tune. It may just be enough to sway me away from a Scion FR-S down the line.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Birddog
> carwitter
12/21/2013 at 15:02 |
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He's right about this Mustang having a global focus but he makes it seem like the Mustang has never changed before.
There were major changes in 68, 71, 74, 79, 94 and 05.
It's a machine that evolved to stay relevant. Sometimes over shooting. (Like the 84-86 SVO.)
Purists (and anyone who's had a Cobra IRS grenade on them) are typically the only ones that reject change.
Lets Just Drive
> carwitter
12/21/2013 at 15:38 |
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I loved this article!
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carwitter
> Lets Just Drive
12/21/2013 at 15:56 |
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Thanks :D
CanyonDriver73
> Birddog
12/22/2013 at 13:36 |
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Agreed there have been major changes to the car. I wanted to specifically address how the recent model is for a global scale. I don't recall previous Mustangs catering to a UK or European market with their interests at heart.
Personally, this car carries a new stance that's aggressive, refined, and taut. Those are words that float around German automaker designs.
I may seriously consider it as my next car. It feels like it's a horse I can actually tame.
dean_acheson
> carwitter
12/30/2013 at 08:08 |
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I enjoyed your article a great deal, and would only comment on two small things. The Mustang isn't really a "muscle car" but a "pony car." A muscle car is an intermediate. This might silly, unless you have ever tried had to ride in the back seat of a mustang. Also, "front hood?"
Very good post- enjoyed reading it.
Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
> carwitter
12/30/2013 at 09:26 |
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I really do hope that this generation of Mustang will have exceptional handling characteristics, I really hope Ford knocked this one out of the park. Because there is huge potential with this car. It's going to interest such a wide range of buyers, they better have this car spot-on. Just think of the new markets this is about to be available to. It can appeal to anything from a muscle car enthusiast to a European that typically buys from the German RWD offerings.
People that used to cross shop a 3 Series vs a 370Z can, on paper, now add the Mustang. If this car delivers, I think its potential is huge. This generation feels so much more grown-up than any generation before it. The design has been refined while still letting you know it is a Mustang.
On top of all that, I think this more refined design makes it possible to make a fashion statement with a Mustang, a MUSTANG! I don't think that has been possible since the first generation. The Mustang sorted fit the cheap-horsepower-crowd, its design became less and less classy over the years. The 2010-onward was a bit better. But this design really is in a class of its own in contrast to 1970-2010.
Especially in the European market this car will really set its owner apart, it'll be cool to have a Mustang, it won't just be the a boy-racer, cheap-horsepower car of old, especially so for Europeans.
All of the above, especially, if the car handles like it should with its weight-shedding, IRS and advanced engine options.