Though it’s had a couple sneak peaks already this year, the 2015 50th Anniversary Ford Mustang had its biggest coming out party today in Detroit at NAIAS 2014. It’s been on the books for years, and this was the biggest reveal for Ford in 2014, looking to 2015.
This Mustang is intended to redefine the look of the brand, while embracing the history of America’s iconic, affordable sports car. I’ve had a few close up looks at the car now, and I feel it comes up short of that goal. It’s obviously a very attractive car, but I find myself wanting more of the old Mustang look. As is, its more subdued, extended and smooth lines remind more of a Japanese or Korean model.
With its narrowed headlights, and with the removal of its iconic door grooves (with or without scoops), the car becomes more generic. Perhaps I was looking more for a return to the past for the anniversary Mustang than a rush toward the future. As is, it’s just not “Mustang” enough.
The only angle from which I got that strong Mustang vibe was looking forward from the car’s rear panels and out over the hood. There’s something about that grounded cockpit overlooking the flattened good that rings a pony’s bell.
Regardless of its exterior, there’s still plenty of traditional Mustang muscle under the hood with the 5.0 liter, V8 engine. Yes, you can also get a less thirsty V6, but why would you? You want that angry exhaust note and that sense of flipping off gravity when you put your toe down.
There’s also now a turbo-assisted EcoBoost engine available, but don’t get me started on that. I know it’s more fuel efficient and greener, but the words EcoBoost and Mustang shouldn’t be allowed in the same room.
Then again, I’m a dinosaur.
The exception to my aesthetic disappoint is the Mustang’s new interior — providing an exciting airplane cockpit feel. Designer Anthony Prozzi and his team put countless hours in polishing up what the driver will see from behind the wheel, and their work proved worth the effort.
Of course, I haven’t actually driven the Anniversary Mustang yet. That experience might bring me around to Ford’s way of thinking. We’ll see.
Ford will throw a series of Ford Mustang celebratory events through 2014 to celebrate Mustangs of the past, present and future. Stay tuned to these pages for more news on those birthday parties.
