It has been long rumored that the 2015 Ford Mustang could be smaller and lighter, in part to appeal to European buyers and improve fuel economy figures, but the extent to which the next generation Mustang will go on a diet is still unknown. Web site Edmunds.com thinks they have the answer, though, and says that an inside source indicated the 2015 Mustang could lose around 400 pounds. The next-gen Mustang will be significantly smaller as well according to the source, around 15 inches shorter and 6.5 inches narrower. “That car will be around for 8 to 10 years so it has to meet anticipated regulatory requirements for that long period of time,” said the source.
The reduction in weight will be in large part due to the use of stronger and lighter materials. “They are going to use more aluminum, better structural engineering in terms of spot welds and so on and so forth, basically using less material and making it stronger,” the source told Edmunds. The reduction in length will come from less overhang on the front, rear and sides.
Unfortunately the reduction in weight could also mean a price increase for the 2015 Mustang. Edmunds’ source says that while low end models will cost relatively the same to the current Mustang, the higher end models could seen an increase of about 10 percent. Whether this means the standard GT model or if it refers to the upcoming Shelby GT350 is unclear.
[Source: Edmunds.com]