For those of you just joining in, I once sold cars at Dahl Ford. That did not work out, but the dealership has a great group of people, and its GM (ED: Now owner, and still my buddy! I was just in the showroom this afternoon, swiping some ’22 Bronco and F150 brochures. Did you know you can get a blue leather interior in an F150?), KV Dahl, is a genuine car guy. So I do have to drop in every once in a while.
And now, for a little plug for Dahl Ford. When I walked in, a salesman asked if he could help me. He was polite and not high-pressure at all, and was more than happy to show me the bright red GT sitting in the showroom. No plaid-sportcoated hucksters at this place! And the new Mustang is a beautiful automobile.
The interior was pleasant and the seats comfy. It’s nice to see some flair in a modern car, rather than the bland beigeness seen on way too many new cars. But then, this IS a Mustang.
So, I got my pictures and my brochure, and was about to pack up, when I saw my old boss, Gary Mendoza. As it was a Saturday and the dealership was rather humming along, I didn’t want to bother him, but he waved me into his office. I told him about [the stupid hippie website I used to write for] and that I intended to write up the ’15 model. He then said, “Well, then you need to drive one!” I responded, “Well, you could probably twist my arm.”
As you would perhaps expect with 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, the GT moved with authority through its SelectShift six-speed automatic. And despite its performance, the fuel economy is not bad, considering this is a performance car: 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined. No, not a fuel sipper, but pretty good for such a fun, sporty car! The days of 8-9 mpg are over–unless you drive a dump truck.
I really like the nose on these. The grille and its shape, with the chrome spears on either side of the “corral,” remind me of the 1967-68 model, while the LED running lights evoke the 1965-66. But the whole car still remains modern, yet unmistakably a Mustang.
And as previously mentioned, the interior is quite nice. While black would not be my first choice, other, more interesting interior colors are available, including dark brown, red and, yes folks, even white leather (“Ceramic” in Ford-speak).
It does have the TV screen touchscreen common to pretty much all new cars, but I was heartened to see actual volume and tuning knobs for the radio–just as it should be!
This GT had the 50 Years Appearance Package, which includes a special grille with chrome surround, 19″ alloys, aluminum dash trim and plaque above the glove box, and a 50th Anniversary logo on the rear deck, and special upholstery recalling the Comfortweave vinyl seats of the late ’60s Mustangs.
image: corporate.ford.com
In addition to the 50 Years Appearance Package, there is also a 50th Anniversary Model, available in Wimbledon White with black and white interior. Kona Blue is also available, but I would have to have Wimbledon White–an original 1965 Mustang color.
image: corporate.ford.com
Yes, white interiors are back. I want one.
While I didn’t try it out, rear seat space appeared a bit tight. But come on, it’s a Mustang! If you want space, get a Fusion. And at least there’s a decent-sized window to look out of. The Camaro looks to have a reasonably-sized quarter window, but the section that is not blacked out is about the size of a Chiclet. I should know, as I’ve sat in a couple! But on the Mustang, over the shoulder visibility is acceptable when merging onto the Interstate.
The 2015 Mustang is a big deal, the first all-new model since the “heritage” 2005 model debuted a decade ago. Not only is the car leaner and meaner, it has at long last gained an independent rear suspension across the line. It will also be available in Europe.
While I was driving the full-zoot 5.0 GT, the other Mustang members are not exactly slouches either. The standard Mustang comes with a 300-hp Ti-VCT V6 with 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. A Turbo (ahem, Eco-Boost, sorry) 2.3L four is also available, with 310 hp and 320 lb-ft.
There is something almost Italianate in the lines. Mustang Ghia, perhaps?
While the nose reminds me of a 1967-68, the back reminds me of a 1969 model, center-mounted back-up lamp notwithstanding.
No, that is not a fuel cap, but it is meant to recall the real deal seen on 1965-73 models. Note the backup camera above the badge.
I love those taillights!
While I didn’t really “get on it” (I treat cars I am entrusted with as if they were my own), I did step on it a couple of times and the car was loads of fun! I think Ford has a winner. Isn’t it great there are still cars like the Mustang?