2015 Mustang packs more punch

Ford seems to be finally giving critics what they want in a Mustang: for 2015, the marque will do away with the solid rear axle that has vexed so many and bring to market a Pony car with fully independent front and rear suspension.

The sixth-generation Mustang will give buyers an EcoBoost option, as well as a performance pack for GT fastback customers.

Adding "content where it mattered", Ford is putting into the 2015 model bigger brakes and twice the number of airbags as well as the long-anticipated independent rear suspension. The curb weight of the new EcoBoost fastback is just six pounds more than the 2014 V6, at 3,524 lb. (1,600 kg).

Built on an all-new platform, the 2015 'Stang is designed to meet new, more stringent safety standards, with several components now made of aluminum, including rear suspension knuckles, rear axle housing on cars equipped with the automatic transmission, rear control arms and rear brake calipers. 

The EcoBoost fastback has the best-ever weight distribution for the model, with 52 percent of its weight over the front axle and 48 percent over the rear, and segment-leading power-to-weight ratios. 

GT Fastback buyers can choose from new performance packs that feature retuned springs, bushings and rear dampers, centre gauge pack, and unique tuning for the ABS, ESC and electric power-assisted steering, among other tidbits, with EcoBoost and GT-specific packages set to add unique brakes.

The company says that in track testing, the GT with performance package consistently beat the lap times of the 2012-2013 Mustang Boss 302.