In the midst of the opening days of the Frankfurt Auto Show last week, a few details began to surface regarding the next generation Ford Mustang. We've already known for some time that the beloved Mustang will be given a complete redesign for the 2014 model year, but now we have more design specifics coming directly from Ford design chief, J Mays. According to Mays himself in a conversation with Automotive News, the styling for the new car is currently "being locked down."
However, the new design will not be retro and not an evolution of the current car, as many may have suspected. Instead, the next-generation Mustang will follow a different path. And it's vital they get this right because 2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. Mays said that "The challenge or the opportunity for 2014 with a 50th anniversary car is not to not just look back over your shoulder, but to try to win all of the Mustang faithful yet bring the brand forward as well." But more importantly, Mays stated the phrase we need to hear: that the new car "has to look like a Mustang."
Although it may seem a little far off, 2014 is both symbolic and vital for the Mustang's future. Nothing has been indicated yet in terms of engines and pricing. And in related Mustang news, Ford has just announced a new customization program specifically for the future 'stang customers. Ford's new program allows for buyers to "create their very own Mustang, selecting colors, accessories, and decals." Whether your ideal Mustang has a V6 or V8, or if it's a GT, Boss 302, or a Shelby GT500, online users will be able to see their car with three different backgrounds and from five different angles.
In addition, users can connect to this new site via Facebook and utilize a tool that lets them share the Mustang they've created. Some of the accessories include body kits, wheels, decals, grilles, and decklids, as well as parts from Ford Racing Performance Parts and Ford Vehicle Personalization. Once you've created your perfect Mustang, there's a "battle mode" feature through Facebook that allows users to go head-to-head to see who has the best-looking car. Overall, it's a cool program and it shows once again the quality investment Ford is putting into the current Mustang even though there's an all-new generation coming just a few short years.