Going into pure speculation mode here, but what models/designations do you think we might find for the 2015 Mustang?

1. Essentially the same as today?
2. Whole new models/designations to indicate the break with retroStangs and better relate/comport to other Ford models?
3. A mix of old and new?

I would guess #3, some holdover names to keep the old veterans happy but some new one to clearly bring the Mustang out of retro yesteryear mode.

A plausible lineup might be:

• S (EB 4)
• SE (V6)
• ST (V8)
• RS (SC/EB V8)

replacing the:

• Base
• GT
• GT500

Interleaved into the new designation might be some heritage names:

• Boss, either appended to ST = ST/Boss
• Bullitt, similar configured as ST/Bullitt
• California Special = ST/CS

Anyway, again, pure rainy day speculation.

 

Would Ford make an ecoboost 5.0? Or just pump up the boost on the EB V6?

A Bullitt version of what is supposed to be an "Evo-esque" redesign wouldn't look right IMHO. (and I'm a HUGE Bullitt fan)

 

EcoBoost 4

V6

GT

GT500

/ Thread

 

I could see an Egoboost 5.0 replacing the GT500's SC5.8. An EB3.5 would probably slot in somewhere slightly below the 5.0 V8, kind of like on the F150, though there does seem to be a lot of overlap, numbers-wise, between those two engines.

As far as a Bullitt version of the '15, I could see that. It certainly worked for the last two body styles as a stripped down, dark colored gentlemans stealth Stang. In fact, being a gentleman of a certain age, such a car holds a lot of appeal to me. I'd love to see the current Boss's performance bits packaged in a far less ostentatious wrapper, i.e., 2014 Bullitt?

 

They will not changed the trim level names, the have been around for almost 50 years you don't fix what isn't broken

 

Yeah, that's one I wouldn't touch.

 

I don't think they need to change the current model lineup, but it is possible. The fox had all kinds of models that were never heard from again.

 

A turbocharged 5.0L would certainly give my Ego a boost!

 

Ford would never do this removing the GT from the name of the V8 powered version and go into a new confusing lettering designation.

The only difference I'd like to see is the LX designation return.

Base model Mustang with Ecoboost 4 making 250+ hp
LX model with NA V6 uprated to 320 hp
GT with 5.0 possibly uprated to 425 hp
GT500 with the same 661 hp

Boss model will most likely be dropped after 2014 model.

The next possible specialty model they release could come in the 2016 model year and maybe the SVO (though the SVO never sold well it was mainly because of it's inflated price but not enough performance to justify).
This time around maybe make it a NA 5.8 liter from the GT500
475+ hp special brakes, suspension, wheels, etc to set it apart and make it more of a handler than the GT or the GT500 (essentially doing what the Boss does now).

 

Wasnt the SVO a four cylinder model though? I would think the Mach making a return with the N/A 5.8 and similar suspension tuning to the Boss LS. Id really like to see the ecoboost engines come in to play though

 

You guys really have a hard on for the Mach 1.

 

GT500 with ECOBEAST

 

I bet the BOSS models take a 2-3 year hiatus then return. I cant imagine the engineers not wanting to do an all out track model given they will now have the advantage of lighter weight and IRS.

 

LX was part of Ford's early 80's model trim designations that basically represented a well equipped luxury oriented model replacing what used to be the Ghia. It has nothing to do with the actual performance of the car since all Mustang LX's came standard with 4-cylinder engines.

The first use of the letter designation trim levels for the Mustang was 1982. L was the base model, then GL as a mid level trim and extra equipment and GLX for the most "luxurious" model. Of course the GT was resurrected that year as the performance model.

In 1984, the trim level designations were revised to drop the G letters and aligned to be only the L and LX under the GT, GT Turbo and new SVO model. Eventually, LX became exclusively the base model Mustang with or without a V8.

Really LX has no great meaning other than being used as necessary to differentiate a Mustang LX 5.0 with plain bodywork and interior from a Mustang GT with the body kit and interior upgrades.

I say stick with the classic model names that work and stay away from any meaningless alphabet soup.

 

I really hope LX never comes back. Not a fan of the letter theme and LX actually sounds rather boring.

 

Yeah I owned two LX 5.0's back in the late 80's and a GT.
LX was never written or placed on the body anywhere.
It's just what it was called as the "base" model.

I liked the sleeper appeal of the LX model though.
It was also a bit lighter than the GT and therefore was actually a tick quicker.

 

yes it was.

After I posted the above I searched out SVO and found a couple articles where people are saying (speculating) and somewhat hopeful that Ford will bring the SVO back in 2015 with a 2.3 liter Ecoboost I4.
This was the same displacement of the original.
They are speculating 270-280 hp
But the issue to me is, there is nothing "special" about 270-280 hp
in a Mustang!

The base 2.0 Ecoboost model should have 250-255 hp.
What's 30 more hp???

The SVO needs to be special, not just an "underpowered" Mustang that handles really well.

Make it a NA car that slots above the GT but below the GT500
That would make the S in SVO stand for what it is.... Special.

And in order to do that, offer it up with an engine that can't be had in any other Mustang. The 5.8 liter from the GT500 but in NA form.
It should easily be able to make 475-500 hp.

That would be sweet to me.
It would be a step up in power from the current Boss 302 as well, and handle even better with the new IRS and new chassis.

Further, Ford could then use a version of that NA 5.8 liter in their trucks dumping the 6.2 liter.
Even in truck form, tuned for truck duty, it could easily make 450 hp, but with more low end torque than it would get in the SVO for truck duty. More power and better fuel economy than the current 6.2 liter. That's win-win for Ford.

Bring that SVO with a NA 5.8 liter, starting price of $49,995 and I'd order one in 2015 for sure!

 

The base model possibly returning under the lx moniker 2.0 direct injected 4cyl 250hp 240tq starting msrp $19,995 very few options available as this will be a uber high mpg model to meet ever stricter epa mpg requirements.
I can actually see an 8-speed paddle shifted auto as the base transmission on all mustangs for the 50th.
As over 80% of cars sold currently are automatics *yuck* That's right for the first time those of us who love to shift our own gears will now have to pay for that privilege.
I almost want to say ford will switch to all manuals using either the TR6060, or a revamped version of the mt82 or possibly an all new manual?

Upgraded base model featuring direct injected 335+hp 310+tq 3.7 starting msrp $23,995
This car will have different gear ratios up to 3.73 available, brembos will also be available for the first time on the v6 models*i'm betting the new svo will have them standard, most likely recaros will be in the svo as well*
I think ford will also package/bundle the recaro seats with certain option packages. For example all gt's with the track pack option will have them, and the v6 models with the performance package will also have them, or I can see ford offering them for a discount should you opt for certain performance packages.

svo 2.3l ecoboost direct injected 4cyl featuring a twin scroll or variable vane turbo pushing out 320+hp and 320+tq starting at 26,995+ msrp featuring either a sequential manual or an upgraded mt82 as the only transmission options, recaros either standard or packaged with an available performance package, that will also feature a better diff in the irs more aggressive gearing and possibly a freer flowing exhaust and more aggressive factory tuning good for say 345+hp 350+tq.

Base gt will feature a direct injected boss manifold equipped 5.0 pumping out 479hp and 450tq but due to added tech and base model features the price will jump to $32,995+msrp and this model will feature every available option you could want and then some! If your willing to pay the price that is.
I believe strongly that the gt will retain an sra option *or I could see ford keeping the sra in the returned mach 1/bullitt models thereby making those mustang faithful who desire to retain ancient technology pay a premium for it*

I can totally see the 50th aniv being a smaller more compact albeit new edge size mustang.
I think it will be lighter much edgier in design philosophy and have even more improved build and design fitment.
I think the gg/boss&gt500 models will feature more leather and alcantra surfaces, possibly some real carbon fiber in their construction and interior surfaces etc.
Overall just a more refined build quality which is amazing considering how ford has stepped up their game in just the last few years alone!

 

Again, why the love for an NA 5.8L? Torque? The coyote 5.0L is much superior in design. It wouldn't make much sense to go this route. I like where your heads are at but I'm just not sure what the 5.8 will bring to the table.

I'm sure the IRS will be built well enough. If you're serious about drag racing then you'll spend the cash on a beefier set up.

Turbos, well I foresee the turbo 4 at decent power but not an SVO. Should make for one hell of a tuner car. Sadly there is a lot more money in Ford branching out and gaining a new populace of owners rather than keep appealing to a niche market. Don't get hurt, it's just good business and I'm sure they will appeal to a lot more people than you guys are crying about. There is a lot more competition now then before.

 

Yes I do!