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J Mays on the 2015 Ford Mustang

J Mays, head of design at Ford, may be retiring from the company after 16 years, but not before showing the world his swan song: the 2015 Mustang. Ford officially revealed its new coupe and convertible to the public at events around the world on Thursday, including a live unveiling on ABC's Good Morning America, and Mays was in attendance at the automaker's home event in Dearborn, MI, which is where we caught up with him for a few words about his new baby.
"It's a joy" to design the Mustang, Mays told Autoblog, adding that this sixth-generation coupe is his "favorite design so far." Of course, the 2015 model takes cues from all of the generations that came before it, but Mays said it was important to edit down the specific elements from previous models, leaving just enough off to let the customer "participate and fill in the blanks."
"If it doesn't sell itself, you probably aren't a Mustang fan."

Pony-car sales war: Mustang vs. Camaro vs. Challenger [UPDATE]

Update: An earlier version of this story misstated the 2015 Mustang's weight when compared with previous models. Additionally, we have added comments from Chevrolet in the text. The Ford Mustang has blown past the Chevy Camaro as America's best-selling pony car, and in June, it wasn't even close. The 'Stang outsold the Camaro 11,719 to 8,611 cars. The Camaro remained ahead of the Dodge Challenger, which sold 6,845 units. Even though the Camaro did post an 11.5-percent sales improvement in June, the competition is arguably stronger than at anytime since the 1970s muscle-car era. The Mustang's sales leapt a whopping 53.6 percent, while the Challenger saw a gain of 56 percent. Several factors are weighing down Camaro sales, including its lame duck status. Chevy is launching a new generation of the Camaro this year that's more than 200 pounds lighter, offers a new turbo four-cylinder engine option, and has a nicer interior than the outgoing model. Put simply: wait a few months and you can get a better car. It's also unlikely Chevy will jack up the price much, as it's historically kept the Camaro within reach of everyday enthusiasts. While Chevy fans wait in anticipation for their new sports car, Ford and Dodge have downshifted. The new Mustang, which went on sale last year, is faster and more sophisticated than its predecessor. It also offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which Ford has credited for the Mustang's recent uptick and makes up 36 percent of the car's sales, Ford analyst Erich Merkle said. View 17 Photos June's performance allowed the Mustang to widen its sales gap with the Camaro this year. Through the first five months, Ford sold 68,290 Mustangs, a 54.4-percent increased compared with 2014. Chevy sold 42,593 Camaros, an 8.7-percent decrease. The Challenger – long the No. 3 pony car in sales volume – has seen its sales surge 41 percent this year to 37,011 units. Spokesman Monte Doran said Chevy expected that 2015 would be a "relatively soft year" for the Camaro. "Mustang is taking advantage of years' worth of pent-up demand for an independent rear suspension," he said. "When Camaro introduced an IRS, in 2009, it helped make us the best-selling performance car in America.

Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator recalled

The Basics: Ford will recall 201,900 examples of the 2011-2012 F-150, 2012 Expedition, 2012 Mustang, and 2012 Lincoln Navigator. The affected vehicles have the 6R80 transmission. Of the total, there are 84,000 of them in the United States and 17,900 in Canada. The Problem: The output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame can force the gearbox to downshift into first gear. If this happens at high speed, it could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. Injuries/Deaths: There are no reported injuries, but Ford know of three accidents related to this problem. The Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to eliminate the problem, and they'll also replace the transmission lead frame. If You Own One: Ford will begin notifying affected customers by mail on May 23. Related Video: FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES THREE SAFETY RECALLS AND TWO SAFETY COMPLIANCE RECALLS IN NORTH AMERICA DEARBORN, Mich., April 27, 2016 – Ford Motor Company is issuing three safety recalls and two safety compliance recalls in North America. Details are as follows: Ford issues safety recall and customer satisfaction program for certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles in North America to update powertrain control module software and inspect for certain diagnostic trouble codes Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 202,000 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles for a potential issue with the output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame. Under certain conditions, the transmission controls could force a temporary downshift into first gear. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt speed reduction that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. This condition could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is aware of three reports of accidents and no injuries related to this condition. Affected vehicles are equipped with a 6R80 transmission and include certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through March 9, 2012; 2012 Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through Dec. 19, 2011; Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through Feb.