The Mustang Source’s First Take Behind the Wheel of the 2015 Mustang

Let’s start here.

There are going to be some Mustang fans who aren’t going to like the new model regardless of what people say about it, and to some degree I get it.

The outgoing car has developed quite a fan base over the years with good reason. It’s largely credited with helping to save the nameplate, and a lot of current owners have been very vocal about their dislike for the new design.

Personally, I think Ford nailed it.

Sure, the new Mustang has a lot more curves than the previous gen, which some would probably argue has softened the design, but trust me, it has a much better presence on the road and in the flesh.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Also, consider this.

Of all the cars in the world, the Mustang is probably the most difficult when it comes to a redesign because it has such a loyal fan base.

Now, add to that the push for the car to have more global appeal while staying true to its muscle-car heritage and the redesign process gets even more challenging.

In fact, it’s quite a balancing act considering there were loyalists who were bound to hate the new Mustang the second they heard the design was changing, but I think Ford has managed it to pull it off in a way that’s going to have a lot of people doing double-takes when they see the new model.

Having an opportunity to test drive the car in Los Angeles was a good examination of that given how much attention it got on the streets, which doesn’t come easy in the land of “seen it all.”

That said, there certainly are a few colors that are more striking than others, but like I noted in an earlier report here, the beauty of the line-up is that it offers something unique for everybody depending on your personal taste.

Even when behind the wheel, it’s hard not to get caught up in the new Mustang’s styling. Whether staring down at the hood when driving, or glancing at the rear wheel arches through the side-view mirrors when turning, the more time you spend with the car, the more you appreciate the new design.

One of its best styling cues is its new rear profile, which gives the car a far more aggressive stance on the road. Details like the sequential turn signals give the new model even more presence on the road.

GET IN

Of course, the true selling point of any car takes place in the cabin. From the moment you settle into the new Mustang, it’s clear that Ford put a lot into improving the experience that comes with just sitting in the car.

While still a bit heavy on the plastics in some areas, every touch point in the Mustang has been improved substantially. Despite all the new technology packed into the car (and there’s a lot), it’s not too overwhelming.

Thanks to a new airbag system, knee space in the Mustang has been increased by 30 percent, which makes it a lot more livable than the previous model, especially on those longer drives.

As for the back seats? Well, let’s just say it’s still pretty much a two-seater for any passengers over six foot, but for the driver and front passenger, the experience of sitting in a Mustang is a drastic improvement.

LET’S DRIVE

Still, it’s performance that really separates the new Mustang from previous models, especially with the addition of the new optional EcoBoost model.

That engine is pretty impressive.

Of course, a colleague here at The Mustang Source, Jonathan Klein, raises some interesting questions about the engine sound here that’s pumped into the audio system in the EcoBoost model. I can say experiencing it first-hand during my test drive was even more disappointing considering that your first impression is, “This thing sounds good.”

That is, until you let down the windows and rev it through a tunnel and realize it really doesn’t have much of a true exhaust note to spout off.

Still, I think most, aside from those die-hard tuners, who opt for the 310-horsepower EcoBoost engine will be pleasantly surprised. The 2.3-liter engine that has 320 lb-ft of torque is a lot more responsive than you’d expect, and with an estimated MPG of 21 city and 32 highway, it’s truly the best of both worlds, which is sure to have major appeal in markets like Europe.

Unfortunately, the 300-horsepower V6 model wasn’t available to drive during the press launch. Ford says they wanted to highlight the models that have been generating the most buzz, and while the EcoBoost has been getting a lot of the attention, the 5.0-liter GT remains the heart and soul of Mustang … even more so with the new model.

Featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that help boost output to 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, the new V8 delivers in every way you’d expect from a next-gen Mustang when it comes to performance.

Die-hard enthusiasts will be drawn to the new line-lock system for pulling off those near perfect burnouts. However, there’s a lot more high-tech performance stuff to love about the 2015 Mustang like the new toggle switches that you can feel change the car’s driving dynamics by adjusting things like the steering effort, engine response, and electronic stability control settings.

The ride and handling for both the EcoBoost model and the new V8 is better than it has ever been in any production Mustang, and it is probably as good as it gets in the segment. It’s a sure sign that moving to an independent rear suspension was probably one of Ford’s best moves yet.

Coupled with the all-new front suspension, the switch makes a huge difference.

THE WRAP

Given all the improvements, I’m betting most, including a lot of Mustang fans who have been skeptical of the new model, will be impressed.

There will undoubtedly be a few who will find something to criticize about the new model, but my guess is that many of them will find more to like about the car than not if they drive it.

Of course, Mustang customizers will have the final word on exactly how the 2015 model measures up when it comes to modifying, which we’re sure to cover here at TMS in the months to come.

Still, in the end, evolution is inevitable, and Ford has certainly proven that you don’t have to ignore the past to embrace the future.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

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