2015 Mustang revving up for sales
The new 2015 Ford Mustang is getting ready to leap out of the gate with plenty of big changes.
Production of what Ford calls its "Pony Car" began last week at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.
Here's what's in store:
Driver's wheel on the right: Not only will the Mustang go on sale this fall in the United States -- For the first time in its 50-year history, it is also going global.
Ford's production of a right-hand-drive Mustang means it can export the vehicle to allow more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.
"Mustang is and will continue to be an automotive icon," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "Expanding its availability globally affords our customers around the world the opportunity to have a true firsthand Mustang experience – one unlike any other."
A an "all-new" 2.3L EcoBoost engine: This version will brim with 310 horsepower and 320 pounds-per-foot of torque. It boasts direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, according to Ford.
Mustang GT has under its hood the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8 – now featuring upgraded "valvetrain, new intake manifold and improved cylinder heads," Ford says. It bursts with 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
A badge showing off its birthday: In April, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original Mustang. Each 2015 model will be adorned with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words "Mustang – Since 1964."
More than 9.2 million Mustangs have been sold since 1964, Ford says.
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Other features of the new Mustang, according to the press release:
- All-new front and rear suspension systems.
- A new "perimeter subframe that helps stiffen the structure while reducing mass and and increasing wheel control".
- An "integral-link independent" suspension. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
