I might suspect a Mustang "Concept" car release at some car show either late '13 or early '14 to ramp up to the reveal of the actual production Mustang on 4/17/14 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary unveiling of the original Mustang at that same venue. As for actually being able to drive home a production 2015, I would suspect a month or so after that.

 

Well that sux. Looks like it's time to start shopping for a non-Mustang for my next vehicle. Don't think I can wait a whole year to buy something new.

 

Then you're not a real Mustang nut just a mild one then?

 

i don't buy it. no way they're gonna wait that long.
all of a sudden they'll stop producing the new MY in Jan/Feb
and extend a slower selling outgoing model for an extra half year.
makes no sense.

 

I am not looking forward to the, "AMV" stickers dealers are going to throw on the Anniversary and new MY 'Stangs...

 

How good are these 2014 1/2 MY being the S197 platform? I've been waiting for it since the beginning of this year, and I was literally about to order my 2014 today. I may hold off.

 

Since we know for a fact that 2015 Mustang production does not start until July 2014 with vehicles not arriving at dealers until August or September 2014. And, historically, a new model typically sells very well as many people want the latest and greatest. So, how does Ford keep Mustang sales strong in the interim on an aging (S197) platform? Build the 50th anniversary model on the S197 platform. Even better, let's call it a 2014-1/2 to milk that heritage. And be sure to have it available for sale by April 17th, 2014! Or, if the 2014-1/2 will be available earlier, then have the 2015 order banks open by April 17th, 2014. Either way, make April 17th a special day.

Need a precedent for a platform going out on a high note? Go back to the end of the SN95 platform when Ford spiced up that aging platform's sales by introducing the Terminator (03/04 Cobra), Mach 1 (03/04), and 2004 40th Anniversary model (crimson red, white, or black with Arizona beige stripes & wheels with parchment interior). The then-new S197 in 2005 had no special models - just a V6 and a GT model, which sold quite well. The special edition S197's came out later (Shelby GT-H in 2006, Shelby GT in 2007-8, Shelby GT500 in 2007-14, GT/CS in 2007-14, and Bullitt in 2008-9).

 

You post a good argument. Let me give you a bit of back-story. I started looking up the Mustang Sept 2012. Quickly I fell in love with it. I was basically obsessed researching and talking to dealers until Nov. At that point I said I would hold off because I don't want delivery in the middle of winter.

Come 2013, I was ready to place an order on a 2014 GT --- but the rumors of the 2014.5 MY were in high speculation. Autoshows came and went, and no 2014.5 MY. Bought a Miata to tide me over. Finally these last fews weeks I was on the search again, and today about to place my order (couldn't wait any longer). If what you say is true, I may be willing to wait.... some more.

If patient is a virtue, please, admins, rename me to The Virtuous Sabin.

 

We do? Who is we and how do they know?

 

What say you to this article? https://themustangsource.com/s550-pl...-mustang-2921/

 

I can't name my sources for this info, so you'll just have to trust me on this.

I've been on quite a few Mustang forums since 1999. Ask anyone who follows my posts here and they'll tell you that my info is typically pretty darn good, as I avoid posting pure speculation (unless I specifically say that I'm speculating).

 

I've read that same rumored info around the net, but it's just a rumor. The only part I agree with is that Ford will likely open the order banks for the 2015 Mustang on April 17th, 2014, since I know that they have scheduled a system fill (for orders) in May 2014 for the '15 models. Typically, us dealers can start ordering a new model year a few weeks before the system starts filling orders.

If I were a betting man, I'd place my life's savings on the 50th anniversary model being based on the S197 platform to give it a big send off. Just my own opinion at this point, but a carefully researched opinion. Besides, would it be a horrible thing if the 50th was built on the current S197? I love my new '14 GT, even with its live axle and extra weight compared to the expected lighter and newly designed '15.

 

On the contrary, I am HOPING it will be on the S197 platform!

Do you feel it will be limited to 1000 cars? I would rather buy one now than spend alot extra on dealer markup for limited editions.

 

Possible, certainly, but probable?

Guess Ford has a choice of spending their 50th Anniversary mojo to prop up an aging outgoing model for a few extra months, figuring the incoming 2015 will sell well of its own accord. There's certainly some justifiable logic to this Plan A.

However, I would favor Plan B. Why fritter away the incredible 50th Anniversary marketing hoopla to prop up a few month's worth of sales of an old, outgoing model rather than leverage it to create a major-scale Ford marketing splash with the fresh new 2015? The timing is just awkward for Plan A and absolutely perfect for Plan B.

Ford will, of course, do what they can to keep the 2014 moving off the lots, but that will likely be more the usual end-of-model-run sales and marketing schtick -- maybe a Bullitt or some other heritage model reflective of the S197's retro persona -- save the good powder to make the biggest boom with the new model.

Or that's how I'd play it were I head of Ford marketing.

 

I'm not sure why people think dealers will mark up 'limited edition' cars. If the 50th anniversary is just a stripe and badge job on a V6 and/or GT, then I'd guess no crazy markup. The last several anniversary Mustangs aren't worth any more than they're same year cousins. For example, the 35th anniversary car stood out from other '99 GT's, yet they don't bring (m)any more dollars than a regular '99 GT.

 

Brian
I really appreciate your info on the 2015 Mustang, it's exactly information I was looking for.I was hoping the 2015 would be available shortly after April 17th instead of August or September, because for those of who live
in Northern U.S. states it might not be practical to purchase closer to winter.

 

Aren't dealers notorious for putting "market adjustments" on the Boss?

 

That's a low volume special edition with standard features not found on other versions. Brian is talking about the anniversary edition that may or may not be limited.

 

Brian, I've been around long enough to know that you're a both a reliable source of information as well as a true Mustang enthusiast, so I can totally believe what you're telling us.

However, you must forgive the internet cynicism from others, especially when it comes to the S550. I think this is purely because there are very few hard facts that we can go on........I know you can't name your sources (and you have my respect that you haven't!) but without those hard facts it's tough to know what is true and what is internet fantasy. Those that have been on TMS long enough will know who to trust........and I know you're a stand up guy.

My take? I'm sure Ford wanted to ensure S550 was ready for the big celebrations on April 17th but I also think they probably needed a Plan B in case it didn't make it in time........and that Plan B was to have an S197 based '14.5MY available. THAT'S why I think the existence of the '14.5 was denied by Ford........because they didn't know if they'd need it or not.

Given the most recent spyshots of S550 testing (with its production nose exposed), you'd be forgiven for thinking the April 2015 timescale was achievable. Clearly there must be a good reason why S550 won't be ready in time as, for me, having S550 ready for April 17th HAD to be Plan A.

Sooooooo, if we're getting an S197 based '14.5MY then I hope that still means we get to see S550 early next year, even if it's only in "95% production ready concept" form at Detroit or NY.

Of course, I could be WAY off base

 

I was basing that comment off of the 1000 car limited production rumor. I can easily see that selling above MSRP if it's that limited.

If it's not limited, then I would not expect to see any marketing adjustment. Since Brian has a better view of this than I do, I was picking his mind on the validity of the 2014.5 being that limited.