As mentioned in our recent ‘The New Faces of CarScoop’s 2015 Mustang‘ article, we have been working hard over the past few weeks to give you the most accurate look of the 2015 Mustang yet.
Hours upon hours have been consumed in getting the look as close to the real thing as possible via feedback and our own extensive investigation, and now, we can finally show you the next generation of pony car. Make no mistake; this isn’t our view of the next Mustang, but how Ford’s designers are actually imagining the car to look like.
The Mustang has been Ford’s halo car since 1964, and the 2015MY ‘Stang is expected to emerge from the stables in time for its 50th birthday. This nameplate is one of the longest running in Ford’s automotive history – and that’s something you do not want to mess up. Bearing this in mind, taking on the challenge of rendering the actual 2015 version was hugely exciting.
Working closely with our own sources as well as gathering all the extra information we could, including from a Ford forum thread that concerned a recent consumer clinic about the next Mustang (and which by the way, has since been shut down…), we created these renderings. The car in question has been designed in GT trim, so one can expect even wilder versions like the Boss 302, CS, and GT500 down the track.
The first striking thing upon viewing the car is how similar the front resembles the new Ford Fusion (Mondeo in Europe); it’s not a complete clone but it is frighteningly close. The fog lights (with LED turn signals), grille and headlamps are similar; almost taking away that styling independence the Mustang had previously enjoyed. In fact, one person we spoke to had the view that if the grille emblem were to be removed, the car would lose its Mustang identity.
The styling of the classic side C-Channel takes on a more streamlined theme compared to Pony cars of old and is quite restrained; something that could be attributed to the global aspirations Ford is seeking with the new car – it will have to appeal to Europeans as much as it does with buyers on its home turf.
The glasshouse of the next generation model will be surprisingly conventional. The side quarter windows could be of any car as the unique floating items of the current model are gone. Fortunately, the roof helps redeem things with its twin bulges over the driver and passenger, giving it a more Jet-fighter appearance.
As one glances around to the rear of the coupe, you will notice that the classic Mustang tail remains, almost appearing at odds with the Fusion-like front. The taillights are enclosed in a glossy black panel, just like on the current car, except they protrude out more. Another detail required for European sales is the rear LED fog light, embedded between the quad exhausts on the lower diffuser; it almost stands out as an oddity.
Whilst there is nothing bad about conforming to European requirements, one does wonder if the strength of the Mustang design DNA has been watered down to please those on both sides of the Atlantic, resulting in what could be described as a “revolutionary compromise”.
Aside from the exterior design, Carscoop learned that the new Mustang will feature an instrument cluster similar to the current car with a convex brushed-aluminum dash panel. Other highlights will include the MyFord Touch screen flanked by audio controls on both sides, plus an oddly placed red starter button.
As for the engine lineup, we are told that aside from the usual V8 range, the new Mustang will be offered with turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost and V6 units.
What do you, as a reader, think; has Ford gone too timid or has it struck the perfect balance between classic and modern? One thing is for sure, it won’t be much longer before we officially find out…
By Josh Byrnes
All Photos Copyright: CarScoop / Josh Byrnes
PHOTO GALLERY
