2015 Ford Mustang GT Premium: Worthy of Being the Brand’s First Global Sports Car

Highlights: This model represents the 50^th anniversary for the Mustang. This is the first time the brand’s signature Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine has been placed under the hood of the Mustang. Ironically, this fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine is capable of pushing out 310 ponies.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $45,885 (Base Price $24,625)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features:  airbags; a rear view camera; automatic headlamps with wiper activation; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a keyless entry system; electronic stability control; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a perimeter alarm

Standard Equipment On Base Model: 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; a manual a/c; cloth bucket seats; manual operated front seats; a 3.15 limited-slipped rear axle; an enhanced security system; a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel; illuminated visor mirrors; and USB ports

Standard Equipment On GT Model: 18-inch wheels; 5.0-liter 8-cylinder; engine oil cooler; larger brake rotors; selectable driving modes; launch control for manual transmission only; an 8-inch touchscreen; heated mirrors with an integrated turn signal; hood vents; a decklid spoiler; projection pony lights at night; a rear diffuser; a dual zone automatic climate control system; aluminum foot pedals; illuminated door sill; premium interior trim panels; power front seats; cloth seats; leather heated/ventilated seats; 3.31 limited slip rear axle; active noise cancellation; a universal garage door opener system; a 9-speaker audio system with amplifier; and satellite radio

Options On Review Model: a 12-speaker Shaker audio system; an enhanced security package; a radar-activated cruise control system; GT performance package; Recaro leather seats; a navigation system; a reverse parking assist system; premiere trim with clear accent group; and deletion of the rear spoiler

Trim Levels:

EcoBoost (4-cylinder)
V6
GT 50 Years Limited Edition

Suspension System:  double ball joint MacPherson (front) an independent rear suspension system (rear)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 mile warranty

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 mile warranty

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder/306-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/31-hwy

What’s New: Everything! We mean literally everything, both inside and out, including the addition of a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine that is capable of kicking out 310 ponies!

Pros: Yes, Ford’s design team has finally gotten the Mustang right both inside and out, with its new hatchback design. Until now, we’ve never been a fan of the previous generation dated interiors. The 2015 Mustang is truly a vehicle that is ready for the global market. As far as the exterior design, the edges have been relaxed, giving the vehicle more of a European flair, with its wider stance and lower height, while maintaining its American heritage . The 2015 Mustang is available in a variety of trim levels. Consumers can opt for a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder or an 8-cylinder engine in either a two-door hardtop or a two-door convertible. Mustang owners can also opt between an automatic or a manual, with tires sizes that ranges from 17-inch to 20-inch.

The smooth and sleek European exterior design is now complimented by an interior that could almost be fitting for a Porsche, one of the Gold standards in the industry. The hard plastic that has surrounded the door panels and the instrument for years has been replaced by a number of soft touch points and premium materials. Wow, this is a leap forward for Ford, who has often lagged in the interior design department.

The 2015 Mustang has such features as a radar activated cruise control system with a manual transmission, a rear back up system with cross traffic alert, an electronic blind spot system, a forward collision braking system, an electronic rear view mirror, a keyless entry (door and trunk) system and a push-button ignition starter system.

Added to that, this technologically enhanced Mustang now allows the driver  to adjust the steering to three driving modes: normal, sport and comfort. We were also able to adjust the suspension system too, via the use of a race car-like toggle switch, which allowed us to alternate between sport, comfort, trac and rain/snow.

Yes, all of these settings, which were unavailable on the previous generations Mustangs, aided us in keeping this muscle car connected to the road. With every driving aid available, the GT gracefully soaked up Georgia’s winding back roads when we put the GT to test without missing a beat. And being that the Mustang is now available with three new braking systems, we weren’t afraid to let the pony run wild.

Up until now, the Mustang was just an American hot rod, but since its major transformation it can now lay claim to being a global hot rod, without having to make any apologies.

Cons: While this is undoubtedly the best Mustang Ford has ever produced or designed, we did have a few minor gripes. For instance, in the GT we reviewed, a sunroof was optional. Our deep blue Mustang GT with the blackout wheel packed show up without a sunroof. And what happened to a CD player? Some of us still like to listen to CDs. The leather seats on the GT, with the optional Recaro seats in our review vehicle should have included heated seats. And yes, it’s still a tight squeeze for occupants to slide in the rear, but that is the case with its competitor, the Camaro, too.

Verdict: This is arguably the best Mustang Ford has ever built. While the vehicle has American roots, the sleek European design gives the vehicle an exotic sports car flair due to its wider stance and lower height. In our eyes, the Mustang is no longer considered just an American hot rod; it’s a global hot rod with American roots. Furthermore, it is just amazing to see that the reworked exterior is now complimented by a much needed interior make over.

In fact, the 50^th anniversary Mustang can now be outfitted with such standard (and or optional features) as a back up camera, an automatic rearview camera, an electronic blind spot system, a push-button keyless starter system and a keyless entry system for both the doors and the trunk. The design engineers were able to incorporate the latest technological features without losing the basic core that has made this sports coupe an American icon. And Ford has managed to do all this and more at a price point that won’t break the bank. The 2015 Mustang has set a new standard in the mass market sports coupe segment.

Competition: Chevrolet Camaro SS