Next Gen Mustang Unveiled

[cosworth151]

The next generation, 50th anniversary Ford Mustang was unveiled today. The good news is that it's not the absolute disaster that many feared. It's not smaller. The 5.0 V8 is still there. It's not that awful looking, Fusion clone Evos concept. The best news it that it actually looks like a Mustang! 

It does have independent rear suspension. For the first time, there will be a factory right hand drive option. Ford intends to push Mustang in the international market for the first time. Tri-bar taillights continue. One odd thing -  They'll operate sequentially, but only in the United States.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131205/carnews/131129822#ixzz2mbwTvdGY

[Scott]

Us Europeans (and Ian) love the American muscle cars, old and new alike.  There are a handful of the new Camaro's here, a big handful of Corvette's and Vipers, so it's about time Ford figured out that Europe (and Ian's shire) are decent for exporting to, not just importing from. 

[Ian]

Looks pretty good Cos. 

I'll ignore Scott.

No I won't, Scott 

[F1fanaticBD]

Is it only me that its looks more sort of a Ford Fusion/Mondeo than a Mustang?

I have been a Mustang fan for decades, I thing it defines a certain golden era of American motor history. I think Ford should improve this as GM improved its Corvette, making a complete sort of sports car, rather than only just a dragster.

[vintly]

I'm with you BD. I too am a big fan - who isn't? Steve McQueen in Bullit has the best car in any film in my book.

I just took it into Photoshop and had a go at crude car modifying:

[Scott]

I like the nose mod, but not so much the rear wheel well.  But you're a champion for even trying.  Wish my Photoshop skills were that good.   

I think for the 50yr anniversary, they were right to stay classic in and out, though I agree, it is time for a bit more radical.  All these retro cars being reintroduced lately makes me think some of the car companies are a bit like going to see Motley Crue when they're in their 60's.

[Ian]

But I'd still take a Viper.

[J.Clark]

Sorry, but I grew up and started driving at the time the original was released, along with a couple of other cars by Ford dubbed '63 1/2 s, all in performance oriented form.

This car looks like just about any other of the recent year's Mustangs, virtually indistinguishable to the casual observer (not counting Mustang fans).

I am not terribly impressed by this release.  It, like the Challenger and Camero, has more of a "retro" look than an original appearance.

[cosworth151]

I think that's the point. I isn't an update of any particular 60's version, as the past several Mustangs have been. However, it is immediately recognizable to even non-gearheads as a Mustang.

Let's face it,that is one of the main points for many owners of this type of car. When he walks out of a night club with some sweet young thing he just met, he wants her to say, "You've got a Mustang." He doesn't want to here, "My Grandma has a Fusion just like that." That was one of the fatal flaws with Pontiac's attempt to revive the GTO a few years back. Even a hardcore gearhead like me had to look twice to make sure it wasn't a Grand Am.