2015 MUSTANG FIRST DRIVING REVIEWS

[VADER SS L99]

It is for sure GM's game to lose after seeing those performance #'s. LOL at the comments saying that the 5.0 is getting a power boost and GM better watch out. As if GM can't up the power of the LT1 anymore. Even if Ford does up the power on the 2016 models that would be a total dick move to the 2015 owners. Like even worse than what they did to 2010 owners. Not to mention this is the 50th anniversary of the Mustang so if they are holding back that would be a epic fail just in itself. Looks like the Challenger RT392 will be the best bang for your buck for the 2015 MY.

[raptor5244]

I think the folks at ford were just too busy developing the IRS, updated exterior/interior and ecoboost 4 banger power-train for the new stang. They did make some minor improvements to the 5.0, bigger valves, etc. so they could post a small power increase. I also don't like that they carried over the MT82 manual Trans. They also didn't bring out an 8 speed auto or direct injection. So, if you jump in now you will probably see an 8 speed auto and direct injection in a year or two which is a bummer for those early buyers.

I feel they are more focused on taking the mustang global instead of pleasing the enthusiasts. Majority of sales will,be the 4 banger anyway. Chevy is just more performance focused with the Vette and Camaro. We have lots of iterations of the Camaro, v6, SS, tracked focused 1LE, ZL1, and Z28. If we really get a 3600 camaro with the LT1 that will be nice upgrade. 8 speed auto, maybe 7 speed manual with rev matching, NPP exhaust option, 1le suspension setup, direct injection. 440-450hp and torque and with basic bolt ons and tune approaching 500hp. Let's just hope it looks as awesome as it performs.

[TheReaper]

Originally Posted by Bhobbs

I read that there were engineering issues with the 5.0 that delayed the release until the 2011 model year. They didn't specifically hold back on the Coyote.

Got a Link? This is news to me.

[shine2013]

This is GM's game to lose.

[shaffe]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

It's a well-known fact that, at mid-stage development, "changes" were made. Those changes occurred after Jim Farley was given, amongst many responsibilities, the job of "reinventing" Lincoln.

Up to that point, Pericak's mantra of "at least 200 lb" was on-track. However, that version was more or less a "revised S197 with IRS" and a few other tweaks added. And that version was NOT what Farley wanted to work with...not to compete with the Lincoln version's intended competition. And the Lincoln models (plural) will NOT be just 2-dr versions.

And now the S550 is what it is...a far better foundation than a flexi-flyer S197-based version ever would have been. At the Lincoln's price point, there's budget for light-weight tech adoption, that will eventually trickle down to the Mustang...

Source please. I just want to read more on it, more so of finding out more on a possible S550 lincoln.

[newmoon]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

I think the folks at ford were just too busy developing the IRS, updated exterior/interior and ecoboost 4 banger power-train for the new stang. They did make some minor improvements to the 5.0, bigger valves, etc. so they could post a small power increase. I also don't like that they carried over the MT82 manual Trans. They also didn't bring out an 8 speed auto or direct injection. So, if you jump in now you will probably see an 8 speed auto and direct injection in a year or two which is a bummer for those early buyers.

I feel they are more focused on taking the mustang global instead of pleasing the enthusiasts. Majority of sales will,be the 4 banger anyway. Chevy is just more performance focused with the Vette and Camaro. We have lots of iterations of the Camaro, v6, SS, tracked focused 1LE, ZL1, and Z28. If we really get a 3600 camaro with the LT1 that will be nice upgrade. 8 speed auto, maybe 7 speed manual with rev matching, NPP exhaust option, 1le suspension setup, direct injection. 440-450hp and torque and with basic bolt ons and tune approaching 500hp. Let's just hope it looks as awesome as it performs.

Not updating/upgrading the MT82 transmission was a big mistake. This transmission was a problem in my GT and many others. The aftermarket has fixes for it but then you run the risk of voiding the warranty on the transmission.

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by Q'smuscle

Well everyone remember when those came out because that was the year that started all of this retro stuff and nobody else was doing it! That was the real reason why the O5's was a hit!

The Volkswagen "New Beetle" ushered in the retro craze. And who designed that?

J Mays...who, by the time the design process began @ Ford for the Gen-5 ‏‏Mustang, was Global Vice President of Design at Ford...

Originally Posted by shaffe

Source please. I just want to read more on it, more so of finding out more on a possible S550 lincoln.

Let's just use the ubiquitous "industry sources"...but it's a poorly-guarded "secret" in Detroit...

[shaffe]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

The Volkswagen "New Beetle" ushered in the retro craze. And who designed that?

J Mays...who, by the time the design process began @ Ford for the Gen-5 ‏‏Mustang, was Global Vice President of Design at Ford...



Let's just use the ubiquitous "industry sources"...but it's a poorly-guarded "secret" in Detroit...

ahhh. Yeah I have seen/heard/read some of that stuff. I was hoping maybe you had found something a little more concrete.

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

I feel they are more focused on taking the mustang global instead of pleasing the enthusiasts.

Here's the deal: Mustang-6, in actuality, is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the S197.

"What's wrong with LOWDOWN?! Has be fallen and cracked his skull?!"

Ford realized their popularly-priced pony car was l-o-n-g overdue to arrive in the 21st Century. Take a look around: NO IRS! Far from industry-leading chassis - structure! Competitive marketplace!

They have fully concentrated on making the BASIC CAR as good as they can make it, considering 1) a mid-$20s starting point; 2) other Corporate objectives...

Adding power, as we've discussed, is something that will happen over the lifecycle of the car. Just as the GT350 will happen. Just as other versions may...

As for introductory performance, we can chide them for not initially giving us MORE-MORE-MORE, and giggle like little girls while we tweak their noses, but...

...as a starting point, they've done a credible job. And "Job One" is f-a-r from done...

Bring the A-GAME, GM!

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by shaffe

ahhh. Yeah I have seen/heard/read some of that stuff. I was hoping maybe you had found something a little more concrete.

I've said enough, already..."stay tuned"...

[Angrybird 12]

If they made it perfect right out of the box what would they get to improve to get people that buy a 2015 to upgrade to say a 2017? Like Chevy did to get people to trade for 2012's, 2013's and yes 2014's...

[khell86]

Originally Posted by Angrybird 12

If they made it perfect right out of the box what would they get to improve to get people that buy a 2015 to upgrade to say a 2017? Like Chevy did to get people to trade for 2012's, 2013's and yes 2014's...

Yup theres I believe its already been said that the 10 speed being worked on between ford/GM will find its way into the mustang. Also talk of DI making its way into the mustang for a mid cycle refresh as well. Who knows though. Gotta keep the people interested.

[LostPony]

Here is the thing, I don't think ANY car these days needs to be made faster. After many years as a performance and security driving instructor, I can tell you without fail that 90% of the general population can not handle even half the power of current cars. And that would go for a vast majority of people in enthusiast forums too. Many do not know how much they don't know about driving and vehicle dynamics until it bites them in the butt.

I am just disappointed that Ford said the Boss was the target, and it appears they have missed. I don't know for 100% sure what was said regarding weight, but the general impression of most everyone was that it was going to be lighter, they missed again.

I am happy it rides better, but quite honestly, my Boss rides just fine too. I see a lot of apologies being made for the car and it amuses me to see people who have called the Camaro a pig because it weighs 3,800 pounds, now excuse the weight because "now we have more features and safety." Now don't think for a minute that I believe the new Camaro will be any lighter than the S550, but really all GM has to do is match the weight and I think Mustang will be playing catch up for quite a while performance wise due to the better torque of the LT1 and the experience they already have invested in the Alpha platform regardless of which one they use under the 6g car.

[87GNX]

To be honest here, Ford made this car for the world scene. It doesnt look like an american icon anymore, but Ford is losing % sales to the Camaro as of today(not much but it's enough). The bottom line here is sales. How many can Ford sell? If they can meet their target, who cares about the loyalists. That is their analogy. It worked for them with the Sn/95 very nicely...