What Ford Motor Company (F)’s 2015 Mustang Could Look Like

Fortunately for those who just lost their keyboards, they’ll be happy to know the standard 3.7 liter V-6 and 5.0 liter V-8 will of course still be available for us power-hungry consumers. For the Mustang to gain global popularity and rebound from years of declining sales, as well it should, the EcoBoost will be absolutely key to selling in Europe and China.

Bottom line
You saw the sales decline the Mustang has suffered through, and this redesign will be make-or-break for the iconic muscle car’s future. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)‘s  Chevy Camaro has outsold the Mustang the past three years and is on pace to continue that trend in 2013. Last year the Mustang sold just under 83,000 models, which was only the eighth best model in Ford’s lineup. Its sales haven’t broken 100,000 vehicles since 2007, and the trend isn’t going to reverse unless the new design retains die-hard fans and attracts younger consumers.

Its next-generation Mustang is an even bigger deal for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and its investors, because it represents more to the company than just 83,000 in sales. It’s a halo vehicle, an iconic car for Ford’s brand image and advertisement in the media. When consumers think of getting the most muscle for their buck, the Mustang comes to mind immediately.

The Mustang driver in me cringes at the idea of what the redesigned muscle car would look like to sell overseas, as Ford is planning. As an investor, I cringe at the idea that Ford could flop with its design and alienate its die-hard fans in the U.S., as well as swinging and missing with global ambitions. The risk and reward are huge, and if Ford can make this new style a hit here in the U.S. as well as in Europe and China, we could be witnessing the rebirth of the Mustang into one of Ford’s most popular and profitable vehicles.

One thing is for sure: The Mustang’s 50th birthday is going to be one heck of a show. I expect the new design to be unveiled then, and I can’t wait to officially see it. Ford designers, consumers, and investors are all hoping it’s a smash hit — and with Ford’s track record recently, I bet it will be.

The article What Ford’s 2015 Mustang Could Look Like originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Daniel Miller.

Fool contributor Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM). The Motley Fool recommends Ford and General Motors and owns shares of Ford.

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