This might be an unusual thread but i need some assistance from the mustang masses. I am writing a college paper about the impact previous generations of mustangs will likely have on the much anticipated 50th anniversary edition.
If any of you have insight, websites, or opinions i would be happy to hear it. The paper is opinion based so let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
Jake

 

At least for the last 2 anniversary mustangs (2004, 2009), they have been the last year before a body style change, just a special badge. I'd expect more from the 51 year model, but who knows.

 

The first offical year for the Mustang was 1965, not 1964 1/2

 

Both are true. 1965 was the first year, but has been dubbed 1964 1/2.

 

There are key differences between 1964.5 and 1965 models. Such as the availability of a 260 V8 in 64. With the exception of the Hi Po, the 260 was the V8 made available. The 289 replaced it in the following year. Also the use of a generator instead of an alternator in the 64.5 models.

Opinions, I think that the mustang design is more heavily influenced by market demands and competition. Decisions are made on what features to include based on price of manufacture vs estimated want/need from the market. For instance I do not think that the full Ford Sync is going to make it into the mustang like it does in the taurus simply because it is not marketed as a luxury vehicle, and features like that would take it out of the current market it has and place it competing with bmw 3 series coupes. Rumors of 4 cylinders and the Ecoboost technology (i am not a fan of that phrase, turbo is a turbo) could be something that happens, but look at the 80s turbo mustangs, they are something that was new and quite successful, not a bad thing. I don't believe that ford will abandon the v8 platform, partially because they just invested in the new powerplant and also because of the flop that happened with the mustang II. It came out for 1 year without a v8 and the next year it was back.

 

Thanks for the input all. I agree that market conditions dictate the manufacturing process.
So what is the general concensus about the vos platform. Is it he next generation of mustang? It does have great lines but i dont think a four door mustang would resonate well with the masses.
As for the ecotek, i wonder if that will be an option for the mustang? It seems that the 2013 focus will b getting that engine so i guess we will see how it performs in a small car but i agree that the v8 is likely to stick around for a while.

 

The only rwd configuration of an ecoboost engine at this moment is the v6 in the f150. It puts out numbers too similar to the GT for that to make it into the mustang, plus the gas mileage would not be much better than the gt. This means the redesign of one of the 4 cyl ecoboost engines. This would probably pop up at a concept showing or a car show prior to actual production. Personally they need to put something like that in the ranger before they put it in the mustang. As to the 4 door mustang, they already have SHO taurus. Also any move towards a sedan body style would kill the momentum that ford has built with the new body style and reintroduction of the 5.0.

 

I couldnt agree more...as for the ranger i heard they were stopping production because the price point was too similar to the f150 and they just werent selling

 

You may be on to something. From all the rumors that have been circulating, the new platform Mustang may arrive as a 2015 model.

 

Jake1.11

I think, as of late, Ford has been building the Mustangs with the best/favorite look and option of what each generation has had to offer. Things like the 3 section tail light from the 65, the fast backs from the 69s, and the sequential tail lights from the early California Specials, and now the Boss with all its appointments... I truly feel that the Mustang is America's premiere sports car that just about anyone can afford at some level or another. It has transended time and social classes, and has withstood the test of time.
Dale in San Antonio