What direction should the next generation mustang styling go in?

[DeluxeStang]

We've had these sorts of conversations before amid various threads, but I kinda wanted to consolidate everyone's opinion into one discussion. With how car development works, I have to believe Fords working on the next gen mustang in one form or another as we speak, either in the form of early planning, or the early design process.

I've just been thinking about the best direction forward for mustang styling. Do they keep the retro design, do they go for a more squared off look, or a more rounded look, etc?

I personally believe Ford should retain some of the 60s design, because I believe that's peak mustang styling when you look at the mustang's heritage. It might be tempting to want to make a new mustang that pulls from the 80s or 90s, but those mustang designs weren't particularly attractive imo, they're just liked more now because the 80s/90s are in at the moment. But they weren't timeless designs the way a 1967 gt 500 is. So making something that looked like a fox body or new edge might sound good on paper, but wouldn't be a very good strategy imo.

What I'd personally like to see is some proportional changes. Drop the roof by maybe 1.5 or 2 inches, bring the beltline down by an inch so there's less metal above the wheels. Push the wheels to the edges, a longer wheelbase, with shorter overhangs, especially in the front. Give it a longer hood, even more pronounced flared fenders.

I'd love something that looked like the love child of a 1967 gt 500 in terms of lines, with the exotic modern surfacing, and proportions of an Aston Martin. That would strike the perfect balance of retro, and modern imo, timeless and eye catching.

Maybe something like this, but a little more squared off and sharpened up to see the muscle car look. Just really finding that balanced of an exotic looking muscle car.

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[GrabThatBlue]

This shouldn't be a new generation, but as a sidequest next to the new generation.

 

[MaddNomad]

I’m an advocate of Hal Sperlich’s idea before he passed. Go back to somewhat of the size of the original, but my take is modernizing the design further while still adding the Mustang cues like you said.

 

[DeluxeStang]

This shouldn't be a new generation, but as a sidequest next to the new generation.

Maybe as a smaller more affordable coupe? I've proposed something similar using the image below which gives me modern '65 notchback vibes. If Ford wants to expand this idea of a mustang brand with multiple models, keeping the V8 around as a larger coupe that gradually goes in a more exotic design direction, and offering an additional smaller, affordable coupe that goes back to the mustang's humble roots isn't a bad idea.

 

[MaddNomad]

Maybe as a smaller more affordable coupe? I've proposed something similar using the image below which gives me modern '65 notchback vibes. If Ford wants to expand this idea of a mustang brand with multiple models, keeping the V8 around as a larger coupe that gradually goes in a more exotic design direction, and offering an additional smaller, affordable coupe that goes back to the mustang's humble roots isn't a bad idea.

That sounds like it would eat the larger coupe sales as well if it’s cheaper.

 

[MustangNoob]

I would like to see something like a European style , but maintaining the typical mustang characteristics.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I would like to see something like a European style , but maintaining the typical mustang characteristics.

It's already too much European. We need to keep it American, otherwise all cars will look the same.

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

It's already too much European. We need to keep it American, otherwise all cars will look the same.

Before I chip in, what distinguishes American style from European style and Asian style?

 

[GrabThatBlue]

Before I chip in, what distinguishes American style from European style and Asian style?

The looks of the car.

 

[LouG]

It has to remain distinctively American. Some of these examples look great, but not much different to many Euro and Japanese designs.
I think Ford nailed it with the S650 inside and out. I was not interested in the previous models for various reasons.
That's speaking as someone new to the Brand/Model with no history in Mustangs.

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

Let me put it another way if I can.

American Style: 1960s-1970s muscle car, sharp edges and corners, brutal design backed by raw/furious performance

European Style: timeless, somehow the epitome of sexiness inside and out while delivering dominant yet refined performance

Japanese Style: conservative but attractive in a sleeper sort of way, the balance of American/European style?

Does this sound correct? Or more to the point, should the next Mustang just be the 1965 Mustang but with sharper lines and edges so it isn't mistaken for the S197?

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Before I chip in, what distinguishes American style from European style and Asian style?

It's kinda like porn. You know it when you see it.

 

[Starship Enterprise]

Look at the Jaguar Type F….

Look at the rear of the Maserati… OK, it’s a bit of a stretch, but like you guys said…it’s a feel

(And I’m still a little thrown by the similar looks to the Camaro. Especially the rear haunches.)

That said, I think the current Mustang style is really beautiful! I stare at it as much as I did my 06 GT.

 

[MaddNomad]

Let me put it another way if I can.

American Style: 1960s-1970s muscle car, sharp edges and corners, brutal design backed by raw/furious performance

European Style: timeless, somehow the epitome of sexiness inside and out while delivering dominant yet refined performance

Japanese Style: conservative but attractive in a sleeper sort of way, the balance of American/European style?

Does this sound correct? Or more to the point, should the next Mustang just be the 1965 Mustang but with sharper lines and edges so it isn't mistaken for the S197?

American style is usually has aggressive rear haunches and front ends.

Europe is kinda diverse, German is simple for the most part, with elegant lines. Italian is curvy and tries to incorporate feminine details.

Asia likes sharpe lines and angles or really soft lines. Camaro for example was designed by Sangyup Lee, a Korean designer. So you see more sharpe lines and things that people say the S650 has now.

 

[broncoboy22]

I would like to see something like a European style , but maintaining the typical mustang characteristics.

I like these a lot

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