What’s YOUR favorite Ford Mustang memory? The iconic coupe celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 17 with a fully revamped platform, design, and technological features. Its 1963 design was originally conceived for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Very few cars can claim continuous production for half a century.
I turned a half century last May and feel as though I’ve literally grown up with the ‘Stang!
[1967 Ford Mustang; photo courtesy of Coastal Ford]
There’s over 300 Mustang enthusiast clubs in the world, 16 of them in Canada. It’s awe-inspiring to learn from Dean Geddes (Ford’s Brand & EV Product Marketing Manager) that the Mustang’s been included in 3,000 feature films and television shows since its inception. Even today, Mustang’s Facebook page is swamped with fans to the tune of 6,201,475 likes and counting.
A spiffy fire engine red 2015 model was unveiled this morning at the 94th Annual Vancouver International Auto Show, on now through Sunday at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
According to Dean, several key design features are part of the 2015 edition, including:
– A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, wider rear fenders and track
– The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
– 3D tri-bar tail lamps with sequential turn signals
– Contemporary redesign of the signature shark-nosed grill
Ford feels the need to go further, always keeping the Mustang (as well as the rest of its models) in check with contemporary design, functionality, and technology.
The models are now available with three engine choices: 5.0-liter V8, 3.7- liter V6, and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine. The car remains true to its driving dynamics and Geddes anticipates another 50 years of Mustang.
“With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.”
For those too young to remember the classic 60’s design, this year’s model will start creating memories for decades to come.
Seen as an inspiring car symbolic of the wide open road, Mustang is in our collective conscience, and for the first time, Europe and Asia will become part of its magnificent culture.
The Vancouver International Auto Show is Canada’s third largest auto show, one of Western North America’s premier automotive exhibition events. For more information, visit the event’s website.
