Here are some of the more noteworthy comments from Ford and other sources over the past year–10 things you might not have known about the New Mustang.
The 2015 Mustang’s IRS & Performance Goals
This new focus around building only “aspirational vehicles” calls for a level of engineering that puts the Mustang at or above that of the toughest competition and, for the time being, Ford is claiming success in this category. According to Ford Chief Engineer Dave Pericak:
“ Again, not trying to be the 911, but reaching beyond. And we used the BMW M3 (E9X) we beat it with our Boss 302 on the track. ”
2. The 2015 GT can beat the 2013 BOSS 302: What’s impressive is that the 2015 Mustang GT is said–according to the same interview with Dave Pericak–to have the speed and quickness to beat the 2012-2013 Boss 302 around the track.
3. The 2015 GT uses parts from the BOSS 302: In fact, the new GT has many of the same parts internally as the Boss 302, a on a lighter, shorter and wider platform. Even if the GT receives only a mild bump in horsepower when compared to the S197 Coyotes, there will undoubtedly be a significant performance upgrade over the 2014s, you’ll just have to look past simple power ratings to see it.
6. No solid rear axle (SRA) as an option: One thing not addressed is how this new IRS will fair on the drag strip. It’s been announced that the production 2015 Mustangs will not come with a solid rear axle, not even as an option on anything less than the Cobra Jet.
That’s Right, No More Solid Rear Axle
The IRS has officially replaced the solid rear axle that has been a mainstay for the Mustang since its inception. Despite a temporary experiment with IRS in the 1999-2004 Cobras, a solid rear axle can be found under virtually every production Mustang pre 2015. Those days are over. IRS has replaced the SRA and Ford will not be looking back. They’ve also gone on to say that it would take a “significant tear-up” to try and even get an SRA under the 2015, requiring re-piping of the exhaust and likely cutting of the floor. No worries says Dave Pericak, the 2015 Mustang’s IRS will be battle tested and able to stand up to the demands of the drag strip after all:” we know our customers love to go out and drag race in the weekend and we’ll make sure it’s all durable. ”
(4) Improved Driving Modes – Snow/Wet, Normal, Sport and Track
8. New driving modes: The new GTs are getting two more driving modes than previously available, thanks again in part to the Porsche 911. After spending a good bit of time testing the 911, the conclusion was that investing in fine-tuning different driving modes for vastly different circumstances was an important aspect in building a top of the line ponycar. The result was four driving modes–snow/wet, normal, sport and track–that provide peak performance for the given scenarios.The 2015 Mustang is Still Going to Lose Weight
9. S550 will be lighter than the S197: It has been said that the GT may receive a 200lb weight reduction, though Ford has been very tight lipped with anything regarding weight specs. An earlier “leak” had some model losing as much as 400lbs off what a comparable S197 would scale in at. If that’s the case, expect those trimmings to be saved for the top-of-the-line Shelby model.3 Engine Options
10. The EcoBoost 4 cylinder is faster than the V6: Apparently, the V6 was re-tuned to lose 5HP over 2014 models. Again, not confirmed, but it would make sense. The 4 cylinder is supposed to be the premium model–as revealed by a leaked Ford survey–and in order to appeal to those other than gas conscious buyers, also had to has to have a desirable amount of power.11. The V6 will not be sold outside of the US: And this might be bad news for the future of the V6. Ford may only keep the V6 around until they are ready to offer the EcoBoost V6 in its place, or until sales numbers no longer justify building one. Even if Ford keeps the V6 around for the foreseeable future, it will only be sold here in the states, per Dave Pericak:
” the V6 will stay in the US, except for some minor export markets. Generically, when we export to Europe and the other countries, it will be the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the 5-liter V8 ”
The Two Things Ford Won’t Tell Us:
1. Final Weight: While we’ve heard “strong” rumors to the effect of the GT losing ~200lbs and the Shelby possibly losing 400lbs, but these are, at the moment, unconfirmed by Ford. With the Blue Oval engineers still dialing in the final weight specs and the Brass not yet ready to give the public an exact number, we can only hold our breath and hope we’ll see some kind of a significant weight reduction, as many enthusiasts have been calling for.2. Exact Horsepower Numbers: As of right now, the unconfirmed numbers have the EcoBoost 4 cylinder at 305HP, the V6 dialed down to 300HP and the GT somewhere in the range of 435HP from the factory. Like the weight specs, these numbers have not been confirmed by Ford, but have surfaced in a number of rumors and mentions lately. Like the car’s weight, they’re still getting these numbers finalized before making news.
Photo Credit: JC Design
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