Mustangs

Recently spy shots of the 2015 Ford Mustang, known as S550, have surfaced online. While you can't really see much, given the layer of padded camouflage covering the car (see it here), some aspects of the Mustang are apparent. For instance the car's headlamps are small and slanted in design, similar to those found on the Ford Evos Concept. The car, which appears to be smaller than the current model Mustang, also sports a long hood. While it's hard to judge at this point, what I can see is definitely "interesting." I'll leave it at that.

According to reports, the car will come equipped with either a 3.7-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. What about the Shelby GT500? Well, talk around town is it may be replaced by a natural aspirated SVT model. No "Shelby" Mustang? What a bummer that would be.

Related

2015 Ford Mustang prototype spotted on the street

Next generation Ford Mustang GT500 may drop the supercharger and the Shelby name

Sources: Autoblog and Torque News

The Ford Mustang will soon appear on the big screen yet again. This time the car will co-star alongside Aaron Paul, of "Breaking Bad" fame, in the upcoming DreamWorks Studios film "Need for Speed." The movie will be based on the popular video game series with the same name.

"We're thrilled to have Ford play such an important part in a film adapted from one of the most popular video games of all time," said Keith Koeppen, Ford marketing communications manager. "Mustang has an incredible history appearing in movies and 'Need for Speed' will be a great way to continue its hero car legacy."

According to reports, the Mustang used in the movie is based off of Shelby's GT500 Mustang. In true muscle car fashion, it's packing some serious power under its hood; 900 horses to be exact, thanks to its all-aluminum supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine modified by Ford Racing. Other features include a lowered suspension and custom 22-inch wheels and tires, in addition to numerous other goodies.

The movie is scheduled to be released next March. Let's see, a supercharged Ford Mustang, matched up with one of my favorite television actors. You can bet I'll be checking this one out next Spring.

You can see the Mustang in action in this behind-the-scenes preview of the movie.

Related

Ford Mustang in the Movies

Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Today Ford Motor Company released their May sales figures. Unfortunately, it looks like Mustang sales were down once again. In May Ford reported sales of 8,797 Mustangs. In May of 2012, the company sold 10,427. That's a year-over-year decline of 15.6 percent.

In all, Ford has sold a total of 33,868 Mustangs for the year. Last year at this time, the company had sold 38,361. What gives? Well, maybe folks are holding out for the upcoming 2015 Mustang, rumored to debut next Spring. The completely redesigned car is expected to shed its retro look for a modern exterior. It's also expected to get various performance improvements, including an independent rear suspension.

As for the competition, Chevrolet Camaro sales were down in May as well. Last month, GM sold 7,929 Camaros. Yes folks, that means the Mustang was the pony car sales leader this May. A bit of good news, no doubt. In May of 2012 Chevrolet sold 9,023 Camaros. That's a 12.1 percent drop off. In all, the company has sold 35,076 Camaros this year.

And the Dodge Challenger, well Chrysler sold 5,537 of the cars last month. That's 15 percent more than the 4,816 they sold in May of 2012. In all, the company has sold 24,881 Challengers this year. Yet again a 28 percent increase over last year.

Sources: Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Chrysler Group LLC

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

Were you impacted by last week's storms? Ford Motor Credit Company has announced they will allow customers, affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, to delay their car and truck payments by up to two months.  Ford says, "The disaster relief program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve."

According to Ford, customers who are eligible for the disaster relief program will be sent postcards with contact instructions. Ford Credit customers looking for more information can call 1-800-723-4016.

Source: Ford Motor Company

This week's reader ride truly is a classic beauty. In addition to being the subject of much attention, this 1966 Mustang Sprint 200 has won numerous trophies and awards.

Its owner offers up some advice. "If you're going to buy any vintage Mustang, buy one that's already restored and ready to drive rather then working on it for years and years." No doubt, there is something to be said about instant gratification! Thanks for sharing this with us Ken. What a beauty!

Do you have a Mustang you'd like to have featured here? Tell us about it.

Photo Courtesy of kenwappler

Someone recently asked me, "When did the Ford Mustang get side markers, and why?" They went on to add, "Those things really messed up the look of the car." Well, the Ford Mustang got side markers in the 1968 model year, and while some might think they "messed up the look" of our beloved Mustang, what they really did was make the Mustang safer for everyone out on the open road. Read more.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

This week, I received a Ford Certificate of Authenticity for my 2008 Bullitt Mustang. No doubt, very suitable for framing!

I ordered the certificate from Ford Show Parts. I was pretty eager to see what info Ford would offer up, and I wasn't disappointed. For instance, I discovered that my 2008 Highland Green Bullitt Mustang is one of only 511 featuring a built-in Navigation system. Even better, it's one of only 476 sold in the United States.

While I was at it, I ordered my original window sticker, as well as a pretty sharp looking Bullitt Mustang poster. Ford offers certificates of authenticity for a number of their more popular limited-edition Mustangs. This includes the Mustang GT/CS Certificate, GT500 Certificate, Cobra R Certificate, Mach 1 Certificate, Mustang SVO Certificate, and SVT Certificate, in addition to a few others.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

Hard to believe, but we're fast approaching the launch of Ford's 2015 Mustang. Although no date has been set for an "official" reveal, there's been plenty of talk about what will, and will not, be.

It's been widely speculated that the new Mustang will have an Independent Rear Suspension. Two thumbs up to that.  It's also been said that the retro look will be a thing of the past. Not so sure about that one. I really like the retro styling on the latest Mustangs, and of course, other auto makers have taken note as well, with retro looking late-model Camaro and Challengers out on the roads today. That said, I can understand Ford's need to move into the future. You can only hold on to the past for so long. No doubt, whatever happens, I'm excited to see what Ford has in store for us.

The following are a few 2015 Mustang rumors making headlines.

Car and Driver: 2015 Ford Mustang Getting Sprayed Down with a Can of Retro-Be-Gone

NBC News: Spy photos reveal details of 2015 Mustang

AutoEvolution: 2015  Saleen Mustang Rendering

Auto Evolution: 2015 Ford Mustang to Blend Updates and Tradition

Photo of Ford Evos Concept Courtesy of  Ford Motor Company

This week's reader ride is a custom 1968 Mustang Coupe. The car features an all-new tubular front suspension, some new chrome, and plenty of accessories! This owner's advice? "Lots of time, money, and dedication makes for a nice ride."

No doubt about it, you get what you put into it. Hard work and dedication does pay off in the end. This Mustang is a great example. Thanks for sharing it with us! Read more.

Photo Courtesy of t.m.fryhover

A few years ago, I wrote about the 1974 Mustang II, and how Edmunds Inside Line named it one of the top 100 worst cars of all time. When I read the piece, I found it a bit harsh, considering the 1990 Pontiac Le Mans didn't even make the list. It was surely deserving of being labeled one of the 100 worst cars ever! I should know. I had to drive one for a while. Mustang II or 1990 Le Mans? For the love of God, give me the Mustang! And here we are in 2013, and you know what? I still find it a bit harsh. I mean really, given the tough automotive landscape of 1974, the Mustang II was a survivor. Had it not been for those extreme model year measures, we might not have a Mustang today.

Needless to say, many of you out there agreed with me. For instance, reader John T. said, "[Ford] got a bad rap for not having a V8 the first year [and] they never lived it down." Gerald O. brought up a good point. "It filled a spot while the industry figured out what the feds were going to stick us with next." What do you think about the Mustang II? Do you think it was one of the top 100 worst cars of all time?

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas