I went to #NAIAS and fell in love…with my beloved Ford Mustang! #FordNAIAS

Ever since I was in high school, my dream vehicle has always been the Ford Mustang GT Convertible.  I vowed that one day I would find myself in the lap of my beloved Mustang.  The wind blowing through my hair, the open highway and a tank full of gas, some good tunes blasting — that was all I needed.

Then I got married to a farmer and had a baby.  I’ll likely only ever get a new-to-me Mustang once Little One is off to college.  In the meantime, a girl can always dream. Right? That or lust after my friend’s Mustang.  It’s in silver – just like my dream Mustang!

This past week, I was given the opportunity to see the new Ford Mustang at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  As a #FordNAIAS blogger, I was privy to some behind-the-scenes Ford info, including sessions like Ford’s 3-D Printing facilities (see John Biehler’s post here) and Ford’s CAVE technology (check out Marc Smith‘s segment on @CTVMorningLive here).  Though fascinated by all the Ford sessions, I was most interested in getting inside the Ford Design Studio!

Inside the Ford Design Studio

The focus was on the journey to create the 2015 Ford Mustang. I had no idea that the design process for the 2015 Ford Mustang began four years ago!  I knew that designing a vehicle would be very involved, but had no idea of exactly how much so! The journey required ongoing iteration and collaboration from a team of designers, clay sculptors and engineers.

We learned that all projects begin with a sketch.  Many, many  concepts and sketches are drawn up and then turned into high tech computer renderings. Those high tech computer renderings are then turned into clay sculptures so one can see exactly what the vehicle will look like. In essence, the clay sculptors breathe life into the computer renderings.

By creating the clay sculptures, the team is able to pay close attention to all the details like textures, positioning, as well as comfort and functionality.

It doesn’t stop there! I was impressed by the clay Mustang, but the next part is equally impressive. The more complete clay model is painted right down to the last detail. I didn’t notice right away that on one side, the Mustang was cut into sections to display the interior.

Finally, a fiberglass model of the Ford Mustang is built. At first glance, one would not even imagine that this was a fiberglass model!  It looks like the real deal!

After experiencing the Ford Design Studio, I am even more impressed. If I was in love with the Ford Mustang before, I’m even more so now.  Just seeing the amount of collaboration, time, research, and technology that goes into creating the Mustang, I am blown away.  The end result was nothing short of fabulous.

The 2015 Ford Mustang: All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang
Its look is entirely new, but its soul is entirely Mustang.

Despite the new look and upgrades, this vehicle is unmistakably Mustang.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

• A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
• The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps with sequential turn signals
• Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

There’s a 3.7-litre V6 and the Mustang GT’s 5.0-litre V8 will benefit from increased horsepower and torque compared to the previous generation model. The real news is how Ford has paired Mustang performance with the EcoBoost® engine.

The Ford Mustang is celebrating its 5oth year this year.

Just like Barbie and Ken, the Ford Mustang is iconic.  If you’re driving behind or ahead of a Mustang, you can easily recognize that it’s a Mustang. Its features are classic and undeniably Mustang.  I remember when my youngest brother was in public school and used to help out at car shows.  He’d wipe down and shine the cars and move pylons and ropes. He was just happy to be able to be in such close proximity to all his dream cars.  To be able to ride in his favourite Mustang was dreamy! I think he was 11 years old or so.

As for me, I’ve always loved the sexy, strong characteristics that make the Mustang more than just eye candy.  Yes, it’s a beautiful vehicle, but Hubby always tells me that  it’s what’s under the hood that counts.

I was in love with the 2007 Mustang GT convertible, but I am quite smitten with the new 2015 Ford Mustang. Changes include widened body by 1.5 inches, 1.4 inches lower body, trapezoidal grille, and a 2.75-inch lower decklid, as well as new colors. The passenger volume is increased to 84.5 cubic feet, and there are three engines: 2.3 L 300+ hp EcoBoost four-cylinder, 3.7 L 305 hp V6, or 5.0 L 440+ hp Coyote V8, with either a Getrag six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Shhhh! I admit that some of that is a bit over my head, but Hubby was telling me how awesome that is. He loves what’s under the hood of a vehicle and knows a lot about transmission and the inner workings of basically anything that drives (*ahem* from trucks to tractors, to yes…even Mustangs).

There you have it. I went to #FordNAIAS and fell even deeper in love with my beloved Ford Mustang!

Everyone’s got a Mustang story. What’s yours?

#MustangInspires

Gingermommy wrote a great “Ford Mustang Then and Now” post here. Check it out!

Disclosure –  Transportation, accommodations and food for #FordNAIAS was paid for by Ford Motor Company. I was not asked to write blog posts or promote NAIAS or the experience on social media.  As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.