Ford Mustang (sixth generation)


The sixth generation Ford Mustang is the current iteration of the Mustang pony car manufactured by Ford. In departure from prior Mustang models, the sixth generation Mustang includes fully independent rear suspension on all models, as well as an optional 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged and direct injected four cylinder engine. The new Mustang was introduced as a 2015 model year vehicle, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Ford Mustang, which was revealed as a 1965 model year vehicle on April 17, 1964.
The sixth generation is also the first Ford Mustang to be marketed and sold globally, and represented the first time that factory right hand drive Mustangs were produced in addition to the left hand drive models. This is part of the "One Ford" business plan, which also applies to the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion/Mondeo, Escape/Kuga, Edge, Ford Transit Connect, and Ford Transit, as well as other models.

Background

The sixth generation of the Ford Mustang debuted on December 5, 2013 with same-day media events in Dearborn, Michigan, Los Angeles, California, New York City, New York, Barcelona, Spain, Shanghai, China, and Sydney, Australia. The 2015 Mustang marks the 50th anniversary of continuous Mustang production, which began in March 1964 in advance of the debut of the original Mustang at the 1964 New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964 in Flushing, Queens.
Development of the 2015 Mustang, codenamed "S550", began in 2009 under chief engineer Dave Pericak and exterior design director Joel Piaskowski, shortly after the updated 2010 model year Mustang went on sale. In December 2010, an exterior design theme proposal by Kemal Curic from Ford's Cologne, Germany design studios was selected by design management. Curic relocated to Ford's design studios in Dearborn in January 2011. During mid-stage development, Curic's original exterior design proposal was eventually rejected by Ford executives, resulting in rapid design changes. After reviewing 3 different exterior theme proposals in design clinics in September 2012, the final exterior design was approved by Ford management, with the final design freeze occurring in December 2012, 20 months ahead of originally scheduled August 2014 production. The interior design program began in the spring of 2010, under Doyle Letson. By late 2011, a final interior proposal was settled on and was a combination of Themes A & B. In June 2012, the final interior design was frozen. The decision to utilize an independent rear suspension for this generation was made very early on, and its inclusion resulted in several changes to the platform, not least of which being the redesign of the front suspension ; the end result, according to Chief Engineer Dave Pericak, was a brand new platform that had very little in common with its predecessor, from a structural perspective, other than the wheelbase, which carried over. The first test mules in 2010 model year bodies were spotted earlier in June 2012, and the first S550 prototypes were built five months later in May 2013.

Engines

At launch, three engines were available: a standard aluminum 3.7 L "Cyclone" V6, an optional 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injected I4, or a 5.0 L "Coyote" V8.
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine is new to the Mustang, having debuted in the 2015 model year Lincoln MKC crossover. This four-cylinder includes improvements over earlier versions. The 2.3 Ecoboost engine also marks the return of a 4-cylinder engine in the Mustang, which were standard in cars produced from 1974 to 1993, as well as in the "SVO" turbocharged models from 1984 to 1986.
The Cyclone V6 was discontinued after the 2017 model year, leaving only the 2.3 I4 as base engine, similar to 1987-1993 models.
In 2018, the 5.0 L Coyote V8 engine was updated with a revised intake runners, larger valves and dual injection, which utilizes both direct injection and port injection, enabling it to run 87 octane gasoline with 12:1 high cr ratio. The cylinders are now lined with a thinner coating achieved by plasma coating, instead of the thicker and heavier traditional cylinder sleeves, which results in a slight displacement increase from 4,951cc to 5,038cc.
The Shelby GT350 version uses a modified version of the Coyote engine, code-named the Voodoo, that features a displacement of 5.2 liters with flat-plane crankshaft instead of the traditional crossplane, with a naturally aspirated induction.
The Shelby GT500 version is another variant of the Coyote, code-named the Predator, this time keeping the cross-plane crankshaft and adding a supercharger. Both versions are the two most powerful engines of this iteration and the only ones to incorporate forged aluminum pistons.
export-spec models are available in EcoBoost, GT and Bullitt specifications, in slightly different engine tunes. Per Ford's UK claims, combined fuel consumption of the Fastback under the Euro 6 emissions standard are for EcoBoost and for GT and Bullitt.
ModelYearEngine ccPowerTorqueCompression Ratio
Mustang V62015-2017 V6 @ 6,500 rpm @ 4,000 rpm10.5:1
Mustang EcoBoost2015-2017 I-4 @ 5,500 rpm @ 3,000 rpm9.5:1
Mustang EcoBoost2018- I-4 @ 5,500 rpm @ 3,000 rpm9.5:1
Mustang EcoBoost Export2015-2017 I-4 @ 5,700 rpm @ 3,000 rpm9.5:1
Mustang EcoBoost Export2018- I-4 @ 5,600 rpm @ 3,000 rpm9.5:1
Mustang GT2015-2017 V8 @ 6,500 rpm @ 4,250 rpm11:1
Mustang GT2018- V8 @ 7,500 rpm @ 4,600 rpm12:1
Mustang GT Export2015-2017 V8 @ 6,500 rpm @ 4,250 rpm11:1
Mustang GT Export2018- V8 @ 7,000 rpm @ 4,600 rpm12:1
Mustang Bullitt2019- V8 @ 7,000 rpm @ 4,600 rpm12:1
Mustang Bullitt Export2019- V8 @ 7,250 rpm @ 4,600 rpm12:1
Shelby GT3502015- V8 @ 7,500 rpm @ 4,750 rpm12:1
Shelby GT5002020- V8 @ 7,300 rpm @ 5,000 rpm9.5:1

Transmission

The following table shows the transmission gear ratios for six-speed manual transmission on the 3.7-liter V6, 2.3-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8
Gear ratios3.7-liter V62.3-liter EcoBoost5.0-liter V8
First4.2364.2363.657
Second2.5382.5382.430
Third1.6651.6651.686
Fourth1.2381.2381.315
Fifth1.001.001.00
Sixth0.7040.7040.651
Final Drive3.15:1, 3.55:1 3.31:1, 3.55:1 3.31:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1 Torsen

The following table shows the transmission gear ratios for a six-speed automatic transmission on the 3.7-liter V6, 2.3-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8
Gear ratios3.7-liter V62.3-liter EcoBoost5.0-liter V8
First4.174.174.17
Second2.342.342.34
Third1.521.521.52
Fourth1.141.141.14
Fifth0.870.870.87
Sixth0.690.690.69
Final Drive3.15:1, 3.55:1 3.15:1, 3.31:1, 3.55:1 3.15:1, 3.55:1

UK and Australia-bound right-hand drive models are available in both automatic and manual transmissions, but as of June 2016, Asia-bound right-hand drive models are only offered with the six-speed automatic which, along with the EcoBoost or GT Performance packages, comes bundled with the 3.55:1 limited-slip final drive ratio. Nevertheless, a limited number of such manual transmission models, particularly on the GT, may be offered towards the end of the year.

Body

Bodywork

This generation of Mustang has been influenced on the front end by Ford’s Evos concept which was featured in the Frankfurt auto show in 2011. The rear famous “vertical bar” style taillight will continue, however will be lit by LED, and will illuminate sequentially when being used for turn signals.

Interior

The new Mustang’s interior body style resembles that of an airplane cockpit boasting an increased body width, and a larger cabin similar to the Ford GT. This gives more room in the back of the vehicle for rear passengers. “The changeable ambient lighting continues, but it will spread beyond the dials, cup holders, and speakers to other points within the cabin, something also found in European luxury cars like the new S-class.”
A metal tag on the dashboard bears the Ford Mustang "Running Horse" insignia.

Technology

Standard features for all 2015+ Ford Mustangs include: proximity key entry with door-mounted touch sensors and keyless entry, push-button start system, an A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, color LCD display, the Ford SYNC System with Bluetooth hands-free phone and A2DP wireless stereo audio streaming, USB/iPod and 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jacks, a cluster-mounted central color LCD driver's information display screen, electronic traction control system, electronic stability control system, antilock braking system, front and side-mounted SRS airbags, automatic 9-1-1 call for airbag deployment, and a rear backup camera system.
Optional features include SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, the MyFord Touch or SYNC 3 touch-screen multimedia infotainment system with eight-inch color touch-screen LCD display, smartphone integration, app integration, support for Apple carPlay and Android Auto, SIRIUS-XM Travel Link, HD Radio, and a microSD card slot, plus enhanced voice control. GPS navigation is available, as is a nine-speaker premium sound system, or a twelve-speaker Shaker Pro surround-sound system. 2017 brought Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support to Premium models with SYNC3.

Options

For 2015, the Coupe style is renamed the Fastback to pay tribute to the previous-generation Mustang models. The Convertible remains the same. The 2015 Ford Mustang is offered in several models:
The old Shelby GT500 models are discontinued for 2015, along with the 5.8 L V8 supercharged engine. They have since been supplanted by the GT350/350R models featuring the new 5.2 L flat plane crank V8.
Export-spec variants currently consist of only the EcoBoost and GT grades, with the UK and Australia receiving both the Fastback and Convertible styles and various parts of Asia receiving the Fastback only. Meanwhile, Performance Packages are standard on all Asia-bound EcoBoost and GT trims. Markets like India receive only the GT trim.
An EcoBoost Performance Package was added for the 2020 model year, which raised the output of the turbocharged I4 engine to, using the engine from the Focus RS, and upgraded various parts. A handling package was also available, which added active dampers and wider tires.

Models and Special Editions

Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition (2015)

A total of 1964 units of a version of the 2015 Ford Mustang GT Coupé with the performance pack and either a manual or automatic transmission, were made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang vehicle lineup. Changes included a choice of two special edition body colors based on 1964 model year colors, louvered rear quarter- windows with layered sheets of glass, cashmere-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, cashmere-stitching in instrument panel, shifter boot, center armrest, door inserts and seats; exclusive two-tone cashmere and black leather upholstery, Mustang 50 Year logo on the seat backs, loop-carpet floor mats with cashmere stitching and suede binding, 19-inch alloy wheels with unique Y-spoke design, 255/40R front tires, 275/40R rear tires.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.
The vehicle went on sale in September 2014.
This model will be marketed as a 2014 1/2 model, paying tribute to the original 1964 1/2 model. Wimbledon White and Kona Blue will no longer be available exterior colors on the Mustang after the 50 Year Limited Edition's discontinuation when the model sells out.
A "one of one" convertible version of the 50 Year Limited Edition Mustang was raffled off for charity on the "Woodward Dream Cruise" on August 16, 2014 with the proceeds benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The 50 Years Appearance Package will continue to be available on the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium Fastback and Convertible models after the 50 Year Limited Edition sells out. It will add nineteen-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels, the "stable"-style front grille, the "Running Horse" front fender badges, a unique "Raven" interior color scheme, and more.
A 50-Year Limited Edition 2015 Ford Mustang served as the pace car for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races during Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, November 14–16, 2014.

F-35 Lightning II (2015)

On July 31, 2014 a special 2015 Mustang was auctioned off at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with proceeds going to benefit the EAA’s Young Eagles program.
The F-35 Lightning II Mustang was named after the then new F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Based on a 2015 Mustang GT fastback, this one-off model was one of the first sixth generation Mustangs to be sold. The exterior features glossy and matte dark-silver paint along with yellow hood stripes, mirror caps, and brake calipers. Blue and yellow rear-end graphics mimic the tail livery of early-production examples of the F35 fighter jet, as does the gold tint on its windows. The car sits on lowered Eibach springs and custom black and yellow Forgiato 21-inch wheels, while the exhaust system is modified with larger, ceramic-coated cans. The F-35 Lightning II Mustang also features a custom aero kit with carbon-fiber components including a front splitter, sill extensions, a rear diffuser, and a stand-up rear spoiler. The final exterior touches come in the form of an F-35 badge on the rear panel, and the flags of nine U.S. allies on the lower doors. The interior of the car features mix of black and yellow parts, with additions including Recaro racing seats, a modified instrument cluster, custom audio system, and sill plates, as well as F-35 Lightning II embroidery on the floor mats, door panels, and seatbacks. The car comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Galpin Fisker Rocket (2015)

Unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the self-dubbed “Ultimate American Muscle Car” was shown to the world as a special coach-built 2015 Mustang from Galpin Auto Sports and designer Henrik Fisker.
Named simply “Rocket” — this supercharged 725-horsepower V8 Mustang uses carbon fiber extensively for the body, from the carbon fiber grille, front splitter, side skirts, rear decklid and rear diffuser. In addition, the Rocket also features 21″ ADV.1 wheels and 15" Brembo brakes along with a special leather interior.
The car starts at over $100,000 and is limited in production.
A convertible version of this car has been conceptualized, but never put into production.

Hennessey HPE700 & HPE750 Editions (2015–2016)

The "HPE700 Supercharged Upgrade" is an upgrade package from Hennessey Performance Engineering that boosts the Mustang's power output to and of torque at 4,400 rpm, courtesy of a Roots-style supercharger running 7.25psi of boost. This represents an increase of 300 bhp over the Mustang’s standard output. It has a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and a 1/4 mile time of 11.2 at 131 mph. The car reportedly has a top speed of 200 mph.
Production is limited to 500 units, with prices starting at $59,500 for the HPE700.
The "HPE750 Supercharged Upgrade" offers and of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 0-60 mph time is 3.4 seconds with a 1/4 mile time of 10.9 seconds at. The HPE750 tested by Hennessey has reportedly hit a top speed 207.9 mph.

Roush RS Models (2015-2017)

The Roush RS models are upgrade packages from Roush Performance for the Mustang. For 2015, the standard components of each RS model include new front and rear fascias, new grill, driving lamps, side-sill extensions, a rear spoiler, embroidered floor mats. Stage 1 vehicles also have a performance exhaust system, while Stage 2 cars get all of the above plus a set of five-spoke 20-inch “Quicksilver” wheels and Cooper RS3 performance tires. Optional on all are a hood scoop, window scoops, billet pedals, a ball shifter, Roush gauges and door sill plates. Stage 1 and Stage 2 models can also be upgraded with a reverse-sensing system and active exhaust. RS upgrades start at $4,495, while the RS1 modifications add $5,895 to the bottom line, and RS2 models will set you back $8,495, plus the cost of the new Mustang.
For 2016, the basic RS model carries over unchanged but at a price raise of $5,995. The Stage 1 setup now supports the 4 cylinder EcoBoost, and the price is raised to about $8000. Stage 2 also carries over with a raised price of about $11,955.
Completely new for 2016, starting at $22590 after the price of the car is the Roush Stage 3. The 2016 Roush Stage 3 Mustang is the most powerful production Mustang offered by the Roush Performance garage at or an optional. The 670 hp version still keeps the Ford and Roush 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty, but the 730 hp version does not. Standard features include a Roush Quad-Tip exhaust, and the “R7” aerobody, complete with graphics and badging. The RS3 comes equipped with a standard single adjustable coilover suspension system, with an optional competition-tuned 3-way adjustable system available..

Saleen S302 Models (2015–2016)

has introduced 3 different models for the sixth-generation Mustang.
The "White Label S302" starts at $43,429 and includes a naturally aspirated 450 hp 302ci 5.0 L V8 engine. A manual transmission is standard but an automatic is optional. This model contains the Saleen S302 styling package for advanced aerodynamics. The White Label is available in 23 different colors, with 2 different wheel size options: standard 20" 5 spoke, or an optional 19" 7 spoke. Both wheels are available in standard Silver/Chrome, Carbonite, or Brushed Aluminum finish. To make this model Saleen specific, there is a Saleen logo deck lid insert and model specific badging. Other upgrades include a spoiler known as the "Saleen high downforce wing" and a Saleen exhaust system. The White Label can be configured in either a coupe or convertible version. Each vehicle is given its own VIN and is catalogued throughout the manufacturing process, giving it authentic collectability and higher resale values.
For the "Yellow Label S302" model, all of the amenities listed above are included, but with an eight generation Saleen Supercharger good for 715 hp under the hood. This model starts at $54,495.
The "Black Label S302" comes standard with a 450 hp 302ci 5.0 L V8 engine, but can be optioned with a supercharger and Powerflash calibration to make. Wheel and color options are the same as the White and Yellow labels. The Saleen exhaust system also carries over from the White and Yellow labels. Other performance modifications include a standard S4 suspension package or an optional fully adjustable suspension setup and 13.9" vented 4-piston brakes which come standard, or 15" slotted 6-piston brakes, which are optional. The Black Label also features a body kit, including a completely redesigned front fascia, axial grill, hood, side skirts, wing, and rear diffuser. The Black Label had a starting price of $75,689.

Shelby American GT (2015–2016)

There is an optional hood extension, mirror cap, tail light panel, and convertible light bar available. When ordering the car, you have the option of all the factory paint colors, plus the option of racing stripes in 5 different colors. Other visual hues include special Shelby badging and 20" WELD Racing Wheels available in 3 different colors and upper and lower grilles with Shelby GT badging in 2 different colors. The interior of the car gets a Shelby GT dash plaque as well as embroidered headrests and floor mats. A Katzkin interior is also available as an option as well as Shelby valve covers, and an engine cap kit.
Performance wise, the Shelby GT is outfitted with a cold air intake that comes standard with the car good for a small increase in horsepower. Also standard is the Ford Performance handling pack, short throw shifter, and exhaust with Shelby tips. Performance options include a Ford Performance Supercharger good for, half shafts, differential and transmission cooling, Wilwood brakes, brake duct kit, camber/caster plates, adjustable rear control arms, 3:73 rear gears, a carbon fiber dash mounted 3-gauge pod to track boost, fuel, and oil pressure, race seats, roll cage, and a harness.
The car can be customized in coupe or convertible forms, as well as in GT or Ecoboost versions. Standard customization starts at $23,995 after the price of the car.

Warrior Edition (2015–2016)

In 2015, Roush Motorsport teamed up with Military Auto Sales to build vehicles specifically for military members stationed overseas, or currently deployed. The result was a numbered and limited run of 15 stage 3, GT-based supercharged fastbacks, and 30 Ecoboost-based fastbacks. They were only available in Race red or Midnight Black, with the opposite color on their one-of-a-kind side stripes and decals. The Stage 3 model sold out in a record 12 minutes. Most came with a 6-speed manual transmission.
For 2016, MAS teamed up with Roush for a second run of these limited edition vehicles. They introduced no 4-cylinder or automatic options for the second run. All would be a, 6-speed manual, with only 45 in total offered for sale. 15 Shadow Black, 15 Race Red, and 15 Deep Impact Blue.

Shelby GT350 (2015–present)

For 2015, the GT350 has been confirmed, featuring a 5.2 L Flat Plane Crank V8 engine with and of torque. The GT350 is more track focused than the GT500, and was benchmarked against the Camaro Z28, Porsche GT3, and BMW M4. Notable features are track-focused chassis tuning, significant aero-dynamic changes to include lowering the hood around the engine, 2-piece, cross-drilled brake rotors paired with Brembo calipers, MagneRide damping option, lightweight Tremec TR-3160 six speed manual transmission, Recaro seats, and various lightweight components.
Additional options, such as larger alloy wheels, navigation system, rear backup sensors, a rear backup camera, blind spot monitoring, security system, SHAKER PRO Surround Sound Premium Sound System, premium leather seating surfaces, and HID front headlamps are available. Interior color schemes, such as Coral Red and Saddle, are available in addition to the standard Black interior color scheme.

Shelby GT350R (2015-present)

A further enhanced and even more limited edition of the GT350 with an "R" package was announced by Ford at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, to be available to customers later in the year with only 37 units being made. The first GT350R with #001 sold for $1 million at a Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Significant engineering innovations result in weight savings, aero improvements to benefit on-track performance; Ford is the first major automaker to introduce carbon fiber wheels as standard equipment on Shelby GT350R Mustang. Items removed include air conditioning, the stereo system, rear seats, trunk floorboard and carpet, backup camera and emergency tire sealer and inflator. Exhaust resonators also have been removed for weight savings with the benefit of creating a sharper exhaust tone.
The Shelby GT350R is more than 130 lbs lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model, which has proven its durability in multiple 24-hour racetrack tests. The GT350R also comes with carbon fiber wheels which weigh only 18 lbs each compared to similarly specified aluminum wheels which typically weigh 33 lbs each.
Aside from carbon fiber wheels, larger front splitter and rear wing, Shelby GT350R features distinct design details. Exterior touches include red painted brake calipers, red pin striping at the edges of the optional over-the-top racing stripes and Shelby GT350R badging. Inside is high-contrast red stitching, Shelby GT350R badging and the D-shaped steering wheel fitted with a red center mark at the top.
One optional feature for the GT350R is the GT350R Technology Package, which adds the Ford SYNC 3 multimedia infotainment system, seven speakers, a rear backup camera system, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, and air conditioning. The package is ideal for GT350R buyers who plan to use their car for more than track purposes or for show. Parts of this package, namely the infotainment system and backup camera, were made standard during April 2018 production, due to U.S. legislation requiring all new vehicles sold in the U.S. to have backup cameras.

Bullitt Mustang (2019)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film Bullitt, Ford unveiled the latest incarnation of the Bullitt edition Mustang GT at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The unveiling was presented by Molly McQueen, granddaughter of Steve McQueen. Like the original 1968 car, this Mustang will be offered in Dark Highland Green, but also in Black. In addition, the car will have custom instrument panel graphics, dashboard stitching, seat pattern, and optional Recaro seats. The 5.0 L V8 receives a larger 87mm throttle body, modified GT350 manifold and cold air intake with re calibration, resulting in a power increase to. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available on this model.
Steeda created a "Steve McQueen Limited Edition" of the Bullitt in partnership with Chad McQueen and McQueen Racing, which was a globally limited edition to 300 units worldwide.

Shelby GT500 (2020)

In addition to the Bullitt edition Mustang GT, Ford announced at NAIAS that the Shelby GT500 moniker will return in 2019 as a 2020 model, after a six-year hiatus. The new GT500 is slated to have a supercharged motor based on the GT350's 5.2 L V8 block, but with a cross-plane crankshaft as opposed to a flat-plane crankshaft, which will generate.

Mach 1 (2021)

Ford announced the return of the Mach 1 in June 2020 as a 2021 model, marking the first time the nameplate has been used since 2004.
The Mach 1 will use the GT's 5.0 L "Coyote" V8 producing at 7,000 rpm and at 4,600 rpm, borrowing several parts from the Shelby models. The intake manifold, oil-filter adapter, engine oil cooler, and front and rear subframe are shared with the Shelby GT350, while the rear axle cooling system, rear toe link, and rear diffuser are shared with the Shelby GT500.

2018 refresh

On January 17, 2017, Ford officially introduced the refreshed 2018 Mustang. For 2018, Ford has dropped the previously base V6 model and its 3.7L Cyclone V6 engine, leaving the EcoBoost, the GT, the Shelby GT350 and the Shelby GT350R. The new Mustang sports a mildly restyled front clip and dashboard design, and new standard and optional wheels. Inside, a new optional twelve-inch, fully digital LCD instrument cluster adorns the dash, and can be heavily customized by the driver. However, none of these updates were applied to the Shelby GT350/GT350R, which retained their unique front end and speedometer/tachometer/instrument cluster.
A new ten-speed automatic transmission replaces the existing six-speed unit, and joins the six-speed manual transmission as an option. The new ten-speed automatic transmission is a joint development between General Motors and the Ford Motor Company, where it is already used in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and 2017 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The MagneRide adjustable suspension system, previously only available in the Shelby GT350 and the Shelby GT350R, is now available on standard Mustang models. An Active Valve Performance switchable exhaust system allows the driver to customize the Mustang's exhaust note. Also newly available is a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is now offered in addition to the available heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front bucket seats. The instrument panel has also been redesigned with new trim panels, available in four standard finishes, as well as carbon fiber, depending upon the model of Mustang that is chosen. A new Performance Package 2 incorporates a larger radiator, wider Pilot Cup 2 tires and Brembo brake calipers, enhanced springs, K-Brace, a Strut-Tower Brace, larger Sway Bar, and unique chassis tuning, and brings the Mustang GT much closer to the GT350 in handling and performance.
Features that remain available from the 2017 Ford Mustang include: the SYNC 3 infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, the SHAKER PRO premium audio system, the GT Performance Package, the Premium Plus Package, and the Wheel and Stripe Package. New exterior color options include: Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat and Royal Crimson Metallic Tinted Clear Coat, while new interior color options include Showstopper Red and Midnight Blue. The 2018 Ford Mustang was on sale in North America for Autumn of 2017 in EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R models.

Safety

In February 2015, the Mustang earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front, side, and rollover crash protection.
Euro NCAP tested a LHD, European version of the 2-door coupe variant on a 2017 registration and earned 2 stars out of 5. The Mustang was reassessed in July 2017 after Ford made some changes to the car which included, but not limited to, the addition of collision avoidance features. The score was upgraded to 3 stars out of 5.

Marketing

As part of the Mustang's 50th anniversary celebration, Ford engineers cut a Mustang convertible into small sections and reassembled it on the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York City.
Ford has also implemented the In a Mustang tagline, which also features short films featuring the 2015 Ford Mustang. Such films are uploaded to YouTube on the Ford Mustang Channel.
Ford worked with Lego to create a special Lego Speed Champion version of the Mustang GT. It was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show as a promotion of the Ford Mustang. Lego and Ford gave away the models for free to children who came to show. A few months later, the model could be purchased at toy stores.
Hot Wheels have released multiple iterations of the Ford Mustang over the years, appealing to diecast collectors worldwide.

Motorsport

The Shelby Mustang GT350R-C, the race version of the GT350R, was campaigned by Multimatic Motorsports in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, winning the 2016 drivers' and constructors' championships. For 2017, Ford announced a GT4 version of the Mustang would be built and sold by Multimatic.
The Mustang is competing in the Australian Supercars Championship in 2020 with DJR Team Penske, Kelly Racing and Tickford Racing.
On April 17, 2018, Ford announced that the Mustang would replace the Fusion in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. The Mustang is currently run in the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series.

Production

The 2015 Ford Mustang began production at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant on Monday, July 14, 2014. Flat Rock Mustang production had initially been scheduled for August 11, 2014, being moved forward by 4 weeks for undisclosed reasons. U.S. market launch of the 2015 Mustang range was scheduled on September 15, 2014 for the coupe and October 27, 2014 for the convertible.

Awards