For our coverage of the LA Press Event, click here

For an in depth look at the new Mustang engine lineup, click here.

It is without a doubt the most anticipated moment in automotive the auto industry this year and it’s finally here. The 2015 Mustang has officially debuted to the world. Up until now everything has been speculation, but we finally have the lowdown on what the next Mustang will not only look like, but how it will perform, and what it features.

We’ll be updating this story all day as Ford briefs us on the technical details and we work to get our own photographs of the car in person. For our up close and personal photos and info from the LA Press Event, follow this link.

Power

The official engine lineup will include three engines, “We have a steed for every need is what we like to say and each one of our vehicles has its own character, whether it’s the V-6 or the V-8, so believe that we are giving enough options to all of our customers that they will find a Mustang that fits them and will suit their lifestyle,”said Dave Pericak Ford Mustang chief engineer.

Coyote 5.0

Utilizing lessons learned in the development of the recent BOSS 302 platform, Ford engineers have improved the Coyote 5.0. They’ve not released the official power numbers yet, except to say expect overt 420 hp and over 390 ft-lbs of torque.

The top end of the Coyote is all new starting with a brand new cylinder head casting that features revised ports for straighter paths to the valves, and less flow restriction. The heads also feature larger intake, and exhaust valves, and revised intake and exhaust camshafts will also contribute to the Coyote making more power, and breathing better all the way to redline. Stiffer valve springs will help the Coyote howl at higher RPMs as well.

The variable cam system has been updated as well. New mid-lock phasers enable better control of the camshaft timing through a greater range of engine RPM. This should improve fuel economy, emissions, and hopefully power as well.

A new, intake manifold is also in use for better low end response and improved emissions compliance. The intake includes charge motion control valves that close off at lower RPMs and improve intake turbulence.

2015 Coyote Key Features:

Larger intake valves

Larger exhaust valves

Revised intake camshafts

Revised exhaust camshafts

Stiffer valve springs – ensures that the valves close completely at high rpm

New cylinder-head casting – revised ports that provide a straighter path to the valves for less-restrictive intake and exhaust flow; combustion chamber modifications accommodate larger valves

Sinter forged connecting rods – lighter and more durable for high-rpm operation

Redesigned piston tops – deeper cutouts clear the new larger valves

Rebalanced forged crankshaft – supports higher-rpm operation

2.3 EcoBoost

A variant of the engine that debuted in the upcoming Lincoln MKC. This engine is an evolution of the 2.0 EcoBoost found in the Focus ST and other vehicles. We expect great things from this little engine as it allows for a lighter car, and hopefully some great performance numbers. “This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Pericak.

Ford has said to expect at least 305 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque from the little four-cylinder engine.

Other features of the 2.3 include:

Forged-steel crankshaft

Piston-cooling jets

Steel piston ring carriers

Premium bearing materials

Upgraded valve seat materials

Forged-steel connecting rods

High-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps

Deep-sump, die-cast aluminum oil pan

3.7 V6

The 3.7 will still be available, Ford hasn’t released many details yet except to say expect at least 300 hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque from the fleet favorite engine.

Transmissions

Ford is promising the best driving experience yet in manual transmission equipped Mustangs. The Getrag MT-82 six-speed manual is being carried over in a revised from from the 2011-2014 models. Ford has revised the shift linkage for shorter throws and a crisper feel. They’ve also moved the shifter closer to the drive for easier access, locating it away from the cupholders.

In the automatic department a six-speed auto is once again available. The auto has been significantly revised. A new case with reinforcing ribs for added strength and reduced weight is part of the package. The clutches have been revised, and the transmission operates at higher temperatures for improved friction characteristics. The output shaft has a new ball bearing support, allowing for 155 mph top speed according to Ford.

What enthusiasts who choose the automatic will really like though is the steering wheel mounted paddle shfiters that will be standard on all automatic equipped Mustangs. We talked about this a while back in a spy photo story that we ran. In addition to being a bonus for auto owners, those looking to tackle twisty back roads, or even the autocross with the auto equipped Mustang will benefit from the rev-matching downshift feature.

Exterior

The look of the car is of course what everyone has been wondering about. Pericak says that the S550 initially started out as a refresh of the current S197 design, but that as things evolved and changed it became an entirely new car. Not one piece of sheet metal on this car is carried over from the 2014 model it replaces.

The new car brings back the Fastback style from the 60’s and early 70’s. The windshield angle is steeper, as is the rear windscreen. From the rear we’re reminded of 67-69 Mustangs with the bulging rear fenders providing a shelf between the top of them and the cockpit of the car. The rear wheels have been pulled out 20mm to create this look. Ford is also using what it calls a unified DLO (daylight opening) that eliminates the exterior pillar between the front and rear side windows. This is reminiscent of the SN95 Mustangs of 20 years ago, and also contributes to the Fastback appearance.

Notice as well the double bulges in the roof, giving a sportier appearance to the car. We also spy scoops in the hood on the GT model indicating some type of hood vent. We’ll be curious to see what, if any kind of venting the 2.3L EcoBoost receives in the hood, and if this design element carries over into the V6 model.

Three-bar tail lights are a hallmark of the car. Ford returned to three bar tail lights on the Mustang in 1994 with the SN95 after they’d been on hiatus for nearly 20 years since the late 1970’s with the Mustang II. It would seem they’re here to stay.

A new corporate style grill with the trapazoid should be familiar to most of us. This is Ford’s new direction but this one does have a Mustang twist. It is still slightly canted forward for the “sharkbite” look. There’s also a set of three-bar shark grills in the front headlamps.

Horse of Many Colors

Ford has expanded the Mustang color offerings in 2015 to no fewer than 10. Familiar flavors include Oxford White, Ingot Silver, Black, Deep Impact Blue, Race Red, and Ruby Red. New Are Guard, Magnetic, Competition Orange, and Triple Yellow.

Chassis

The 2015 Mustang will also use a revised chassis. In fact the suspension systems on the car are all new. We will have the full details in the tech briefing, but for now here’s what we can tell you based on the information we have already gathered.

The front uses an all new perimeter subframe design to stiffen the structure while reducing weight. This design should help improve steering, braking, and ride quality. The subframe design allows for an all-new double ball-joint MacPherson strut fornt suspension. Gone are the lower front A-arms, replaced by a single lateral link and torsion arm on each side. The revised front suspension also allows for a wider array of braking options. Ford is promising no fewer than three brake system options, we may finally get a Mustang that actually wants to stop when you press the brake pedal.

In the rear the car features a brand new independent rear suspension system with aluminum knuckles for reduced weight and better response. The IRS is an integral link design and features Mustang specific spring rates and dampers. A large aluminum lower control arm on each side is connected to a toe link, camber link, integral link, and the aluminum spindle. No information is available yet as to the type of differential or axles used.

Inside

Inside the car features a plethora of technology and a revised design that is familiar yet different. There is of course the traditional double-cockpit design. The center stack features a new larger touchscreen interface for the Sync system, and a three vent design.

Ford’s intelligent access and push button start will be standard on all Mustang models. We suspect that intelligent access will unlock the car as you approach and lock it as you move away without the need to remove the fob from your pocket.

Track Apps will once gain be an option, as well as a MyColor gauges, and a Shaker Pro audio system. All of this will be controlled from the buttons on the steering wheel.

Selectable drive modes will allow for changes to the steering effort, engine performance and stability control. These are accessed from the aluminum toggle switches located on the center console. Those switches look very much like the ones used on the Ford GT a decade ago. Interestingly Launch Control will be standard on all models as well.

Other new available tech includes Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and adaptive cruise control. The Sync system will use AppLink to control various smart phone apps.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, each 2015 will receive a galloping pony badge on the dash with the words “Mustang -Since 1964”.