I think the real proof will be 2016 sales... new models always spike- if '16 falls on its face or holds up with '15 sales in my opinion will be the good/bad decision proof...

 

I agree that a new model can boost sales, and then have sales fall in a following year. But the Mustang hasn't even begun sales in the global market. The demand there is an unknown and could drive sales even if the North American sales slow. Also the GT350 as a 2016 will be coming--whether sales of the SE will be high volume or not it should keep interest in the model high. March sales were the highest total since 2007. It is also the highest monthly total for any pony car (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger) in over 4 years.

Sales spiked for the new S197 when it was introduced as well--though not to the same extent as the S550. Yet in 2007 sales slumped, even though there was no competition--the new Camaro wasn't in production and Pontiac had cancelled the Monaro, er I mean GTO. Are you going to claim the S197 wasn't a success because of that?

What baffles me is that (on a Mustang site, of all things) that there is such a reluctance to give credit where credit is due. You don't have to like the car--you don't have to buy the car. But somebody (actually lots of somebodies) are buying them. And that is a change from the last seven years.

 

Oh, I agree- and when the exports take off it will be interesting- it could change everything in the way ponycars are marketed(and should- I never understood why a 2014 mustang in europe cost over twice the US model). your post reminded me of this article:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...nger-combined/ mentions a lot of the same points- mostly that it looks like Ford is on the right track- I just hope its not a new model surge, only time ever tells. Things sure arent looking good for Lincoln- hopefully their coming S550 variant might turn them around... I still think its too bad Mercury didnt bring back the cougar nameplate on S197- think it coulda saved them.

manufacturers are kinda odd though- they deliberately de-contented the panthers for a decade before shooting it in the head, mostly in hopes of selling more profitable models- but giving up a law enforcement mainstay- that car had to be profitable, when you look at the tooling investment that had to have been paid off for a decade already... I just hope the lincoln variant comes to fruition- but if they worry it might cut into MKZ or Mustang numbers, who knows...I'd think a sale is a sale, but there is a lot of 'bragging rights' involved in marketing decisions too... hopefully the worldwide market will be hungry for a real ponycar- and hopefully long term. some regions are 'odd' in their wants- australia seems to like 4 doors only, europe tiny motors due to fuel cost, and rather bland styling with swoopy head/tail lights seems to be 'good' enough over there... the mustang, featuring some actual styling in profile and body lines is gonna be a head turner for sure

 

It was time to move on with the IRS and the styling. I like it and think its a huge stretch to criticize it as looking like the fusion. Its brand identity.... no different than the BMW kidney grilles that are always evolving but always familiar. Cadillac, Lincoln, Mazda and others were all over the map styling wise for years but you see them all moving to a common theme, a brand identity.


I know the thread is for haters, and this comes from a 2013 GT/CS owner, but I love the 2015 and predict it will grow on 90% of you over time.

 

Respectfully disagree. Camaro does not look like a Malibu. Challenger does not look like a Charger. The Mustang might as well be a Fusion Coupe GT. There is corporate styling, and then there is the S550. They are not the same thing. Ugh

 

Yes, not all cars by all makers have a similar look. But the 2016 Malibu will look a lot like the Impala... it is a trend with American car companies. Not an absolute rule. Should Ford avoid that with a Mustang... maybe, its a strategy decision I'm sure they agonized over.

I like it, you don't. That's fine.

 

I don't see it.

 

True. The S550 will do fine. The 770 or whatever they call the next one will too

 

First off I like the S550. Secondly if you don't see a family resemblance then me thinks you are blind! :-)

 

I think the late 80s -early 90s Mustang looked more like a "generic sedan" than the S550. I guess that's what I'm comparing it to.

The S197 was very unique compared to the branding we see normally.

 

Yes the S550 definitely has more uniqueness to it then the earlier years as you stated! But IMHO there is still a family resemblance. :-)

 

Yup, no question that there's a resemblance. And although at first I didn't care for the new design, I've grown to really like the way it looks in a big way.

But here's my problem with the S550:
Now that I've seen the GT350, a "plain old" '15 GT just won't do.

 

Yes ! There is definitely a family resemblance, no doubt about that at all.. However if the S550 came first before the Fusion ? this debate more than likely wouldn't even exist to begin with..

As for the Fusion, I think we're all fully aware that Ford took it's corporate design theme from both Aston-Martin and the Evos concept as inspiration..

Therefore why not just consider the S550 as a resemblance to Aston-Martin rather than compare it with the Fusion

As far as I'm concerned, I see far more of a Vanquish, DB9 and Vantage influence than Fusion to say the very least IMHO

 

It's the emperors new clothes lmao.

 

If you "don't see it" than Ford has failed in what they were trying to achieve, which is give all their cars the same front end. It's so obvious it's not even funny.

 

A good point since it is not the first time that Ford has pulled this design language thing.

 

Don't forget about it's predecessor lol. As the SN-95 was also very unique as well

 

This is whats in now. Dodge is doing it, look at the new Charger and the rest of their line up, Chevy is doing it, once the 2016 Camaro and Malibu are released. Challenger is the only one that stands out now. The Mustang i see coming down the street i have to wait until it gets close enough to tell if its a Mustang. Same with the Charger from both ends not sure if its a Dart or Charger at certain angles.

 

know what you mean... If we had room for another car, I'd have to get a Challenger- its a big behemoth of a car, and a mopar too... but man do they look 'right' to me- and like you said, one of the only cars you can see several blocks away at any angle and identify at a glance... brand styling seems to come and go every so often, personally I miss the days of the late 60's cars- every model was unique, something for everyone... so thankful(and honestly surprised) ford didnt slap a tri-bar grille on Mustang in the early 2000's

 

I totally agree and if only I could afford adding another toy in addition to my Mustang ? It would definitely be the Challenger, as Dodge nailed the late 60's-early 70's retro styling even more so than what Ford did with the S197 and most definitely by far than what Chevy did with the 2010-2015 Camaro..