Last time we saw the new Ford Mustang, it was so heavily disguised it was a wonder the test driver could peer out of its windscreen. This time, Ford’s opened up the frontal camouflage as the shakedown process kicks up a gear. One of CAR’s spy photographers was lurking nearby to shoot these candid images of the new pony car’s front end styling, as it sped round a private Ford-owned test track at an undisclosed US location.
Hang on, the new Ford Mustang’s face looks oddly familiar…
It’s a dead ringer for CAR’s artistic impression of the new Mustang, first published in 2012. The slimmer headlights, prominent trapezoidal grille and heavily contoured bonnet are all present, while the new Mustang also appears to have front grille spars inspired by the Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept.
The new Mustang’s nose is essentially a production car version of the Ford Evos concept’s styling, first seen in 2011 and already used to influence the new Mondeo’s Aston Martin-style fascia. Do you like the look of the new Ford Mustang? Add your thoughts in the comments below.
Is all of the new Mustang testing being conducted Stateside?
No – this is a global ‘One Ford’ product, and the Blue Oval tests all its ‘One Ford’ vehicles on the home soil of every major market they’ll be sold in. In Europe, for example, Ford owns three private test tracks, all of which will see Mustang testing.
One of the facilities at Ford’s disposal is the 286-acre Dunton Technical Centre site in Essex, UK. The Dunton site is currently home to Ford’s RS division, responsible for setting up some of the greatest fast Fords in recent history, like the five-cylinder Focus RS. You can be sure the British end of Mustang development is being entrusted to safe hands, then…
While Nurburgring endurance testing is also likely, Mustang mules are already venturing out onto public roads in the US. Keep your eyes peeled for European test mules in 2014: the all-new Mustang will be appearing on a road near you next year ahead of its expected 2015 reveal and sales debut. And thanks to the right-hand drive conversion, fellow right-hooker ‘Stang enthusiasts in Australia and Japan can expect test cars on their shores soon.
What technological highlights can we expect in the new Ford Mustang?
The new rear-driver will be lighter, sport independent rear suspension for the first time, and a range of downsized, turbocharged ‘Ecoboost’ engines in Europe.
The range is expected to follow the same twin-bodystyle recipe as the current car: a 2+2 seater coupe and a convertible, in regular ‘GT’ or high-performance Shelby flavour.
>> For even more 2015 Ford Mustang insight, check out CAR’s previous scoop story here