2016 Ford Mustang GT Release Date, Price, and Specs; Rolling Third Quarter of 2015

Jul 28, 2015 11:23 AM EDT

Staying true to its almost 50 years of Mustang tradition, Ford announced it would unveil the Exclusive California Special Package for Mustang GT Premium available this fall and Pony Package available for Mustang EcoBoost Premium by year's end.

As we previously reported, the 2016 Mustang GT will push you back at least $54,995.

Because of the strong clamor from Mustang fans, Ford said it re-introducing the iconic California Special Package and Pony Package, or the Mustang trim levels or the hood vent-integrated turn signals that were popular in the 1960s. The feature first appeared in Mustangs in the 1967 model, the secondary indicators in the hood vents provide Mustang owners to make their pony car as individual as they are.

 "Mustang enthusiasts are not shy about telling us what they want," said Melanie Banker, Mustang marketing manager, "and we're constantly exploring ideas together with our engineering team to develop new features we know our customers will love. These new hood vent indicators for the GT model are a perfect example of us communicating customer feedback to Mustang engineers and the team responding with an exclusive new feature for owners of the 2016 Mustang GT."

Ford's generation communications and entertainment system, Sync 3, is available in the 2016 Mustang GT Premium Package. The new system will replace the MyFord Touch which received negative feedbacks from Mustang owners because of its bad interface and other issues.

Ford claims that the Sync 3 links the driver with his or her Mustang more closely, because it is faster, more intuitive, easier than ever to use interface, improved voice command and AppLink functionality. SYNC 3 now features the ability to update system software via any unlocked Wi-Fi network.

Returning to the sixth-generation Mustang are over-the-top racing stripes direct from the factory. Offered in black or silver, the stripes are available on most color and trim packages. Last seen on the Boss 302, a painted black roof option is now available for the EcoBoost-equipped Mustang and Mustang GT.

Exclusive to Mustang EcoBoost Premium is a fresh take on the Pony Package. With unique 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround, the fastback Mustang with Pony Package is sure to stand out from the crowd when it arrives in late 2015.

For customers after a stealthier look, Mustang GT will offer a Black Accent Package this fall. Fastback and convertible Mustang GT models with this package will showcase special 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and 5.0 and pony logos in black.

As far as the engine goes, the article from three years ago matches information we have today.  The GT 500 will have a supercharged 5.8 liter V-8 engine which the company has code-named "Trinity".  It is good for 662 hp and 631 lb-ft. of torque, which also has a 6500 rpm, 250 rpm greater than the 2014 Ford Mustang.  In addition to this, there is a brand-new tachometer at the overlay region featuring 7000 rpm like in other designs.

The transmission for the GT 500 should be a 6-speed manual, and it might be available in automatic as well.  This new Mustang will make use of a new rear-drive platform that is known as "S550", which features an independent rear suspension.

When it comes to the interior, spy shots show that the GT 500 2016 will have a similar small vintage steering wheel that is similar to the 2014 predecessor.  It will also have a cue-ball shift knob for the manual transmission and a retro tachometer.  Then there will be the Recaro leather seats with fixed head restraints and a "rather plain" audio system.