So Overflow and I decided to participate in a rally today. We figured neither of our cars would be good cars to run it so we went to Avis and picked up a 2015 Ford Mustang V6 Convertible.
Being the base model, I didn't have high expectations for it. I was proved wrong pretty quickly. The 3.7L is pretty responsive and makes for a fun driving experience. Even though the V6 was neutered to make room for the EcoBoost, I found it a much better engine in the 2015 model than the 2014 we rented a few months ago. Handling at higher speeds is stable and easily controlled. The new IRS soaks up bumps much better than the ancient ox cart axle that was in the 2014 model. Braking is exceptional.
Interior is pretty decent too, I liked the design, seemingly aircraft inspired (Ground Speed written across the speedometer, as opposed to Air Speed that will be in the 8th gen Mustang with flight capability...?). Gauges are clear and easy to read, the steering wheel and controls are very comfortable to grip and use. Interior materials are decent in most areas, with hard plastic still scattered here and there. Seats were extremely comfortable and supportive with bolsters that held you in place during high speed cornering.
Exterior design is always subjective, but the 2015 model has grown on me considerably. The Fusion-esque front fascia is familiar thanks to all the midsize Ford sedans running around, but more aggressive. The LED DRLs look fantastic and headlights are super bright. The rear end, always a matter of contention, has also grown on me. Sequential taillights are always cool.
Gripes: An odd rev-limiter or transmission gearing that seemed to be trying to protect the engine from exploding but just led to frustration at times. Sync is still a disaster, the car constantly complained that there was no phone linked to the system (despite neither of us asking the car to connect a phone) and apparently kept trying to dial 911 through said non-existent phone (again, without us asking). The seating position for passengers suffers from the same "sitting in a bathtub" feel as early 5th gen Camaros without height-adjustable passenger seats. Paddle shifters are absolutely useless thanks to the seemingly decade-long delay between actuating a shift and the transmission finally responding. And due to the convertible top, it lost the aggressiveness of the fastback design of the Mustang coupe and now the 6th gen Camaro.
Despite these faults, the 6th gen Mustang is definitely a massive improvement over the 5th gen model. Despite a neutered V6 and added weight, it's a much, much better car, more comfortable, more controlled, and more responsive. It'll be interesting to see how well the 6th gen Camaro competes.
Oh, and regarding the rally. We came in first. A rented stock V6 Mustang managed to beat a group of modded cars.
Thanks to Overflow for taking pictures!