UPDATE: 2015 FORD Mustang detailed PRICING out! (in US $)

 
Pricing on the 2015 Mustang by engine and package type: (US dollars)

Mustang V6 Fastback (050A package): $24,425
Mustang V6 Fastback (051A package): $25,420

Mustang EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo) Fastback (100A package): $25,995
Mustang EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo) Fastback (200A package): $29,995
Mustang EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo) Fastback (201A package): $31,790

Mustang GT Fastback (300A package): $32,925
Mustang GT Premium Fastback (400A package): $36,100
Mustang GT Premium Fastback (401A package): $38,720
Mustang GT 50 Year Limited Edition (500A package): $46,995

Here is the link for the detailed package contents (ex. 100A package). It includes all mechanical, exterior, interior, safety&security, and functional features: http://www.scribd.com/doc/225310425/2015-Ford-Mustang-Order-Guide-released-to-dealers-5-20-2014

As well GallopingPony posted pricing for some of the options available.

• Floor Mats: $85 retail
• GT Performance PKG: $2,495 retail
• Navigation: $795 retail
• Recaros Leather: $1595 retail
• Enhanced Security Package: $395
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission: $1195
• 3.55 Diff: $395
• Spare Wheel/Tire: $195
• Reverse Park Assist: $295
• Floor Mats: $95
• Recaros: $1595
• Wheel Stripe Package (EcoBoost): $895
• 18" Painted Aluminum Wheels (641): $155
• EcoBoost Performance Package (67E): $1995
• Adaptive Cruise Control (52S): $1195
• 20" Machined Aluminum Wheels: $1295
• Premium Trim Package: $295
• Navigation: $795
• 50^th Anniversary Package: $1595
• 19" Wheels $995: (GT)
• GT Performance Package: $2495
• Destination and delivery: $825

Original article found on Road&Track.com link: http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/news/2015-ford-mustang-ecoboost-and-gt-pricing-revealed-along-with-official-order-guide

No pricing as of yet on the 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible.

2014 J.D. POWER US Vehicle Dependability Rankings

The 2014 J.D. Power vehicle dependability study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles.
"The 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 41,000 original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2013."
Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles. (a lower score reflecting higher quality, less issues)
A little disturbing is that there was a 6 percent increase in problems from the 2013 J.D. Power dependability study based on the 2010 model year vehicles. This is the first time since the 1998 study (based on 1995 model year) that the average number of problems has increased (quality decreased).

In Summary:
Highest to Lowest Ranks:

Lexus at the top is of no surprise, but Mini a the bottom of all vehicle manufacturers is. What is BMW doing wrong with the Mini brand quality?
As well within the next three years J.D. Power dependability study should see a big drop in all GM brands quality rating (based on surge in 2013-2014 model year recalls by GM). Therefore the 2016 and 2017 J.D. Power dependability study should find most GM brands at the bottom of the group.

Love this quick chart, these are the best three brand and models choices in every vehicle category.




If you would like to read in detail how all the information is gathered and processed here is the link to the full article: http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/2014-Vehicle-Dependability-Study-Press-Release.htm

2015 FORD Mustang (with engine information now avaialble)

So it's finally confirmed on both the Ford.ca and Ford.com web-sites. There will be three engine choices for the North American markets, a four, six and eight cylinder.
First the 2.3L Turbocharged four (EcoBoost engine) is direct injected and uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and air-to-air inter-cooler to produce at least 305 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is expected to produce 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, if these numbers remain it will be a drop of 5 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque from the previous year.

The big boy, the 5.0 liter V8 is expected to make at least 420 horsepower and 396 lb-ft of torque.

Ford is declining to give exact numbers for any of the three engines, they may surprise the market by  announcing larger engine power numbers before the car goes on sale.
All three engines can be mated to either a six-speed Getrag manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Original article, photos and 360 degree spin, read more about the 2015 Mustang interior options, brakes and suspension components please follow this link to Car&Driver.com: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-ford-mustang-photos-and-info-news

The Ford website offers a 360 degree spin of the new 2015 Ford Mustang with color and mag choices as well as photos of the 2015 Mustang Convertible. You can also subscribe to e-mail updates by filling in a one page pop-up when you click on the "get updates" button in the upper right hand corner of that page.
Here are the links to Ford:
United States 2015 Ford Mustang website by follow this link: http://m.ford.com/experience/cars/mustang/2015/#appsimHome
Canadian 2015 Ford Mustang website by following this link: http://www.ford.ca/cars/mustang/2015/

Top 10 Bestt Hatchbacks -- UK review

EVO magazine from the UK has compiled a fairly lengthy and detailed top ten best hatchbacks article. 
Please note that some of these cars are only available in certain markets with the engine specified in the article. As well even though these cars may be WORLD cars they are offered in various markets with different engines, due primarily to gasoline octane levels available in those markets. (ex. highest octane in North America is 94, where in Europe highest is 99+)

1) VW Golf R mk7
 
What they say ... "The new VW Golf GTI is good – one of the best ever, in fact. So you wonder just how much better the 297bhp, 4WD Golf R can be. The answer is quite a lot. Not as an all-round car – the GTI already has that nailed – but it’s on another level in terms of acceleration, corner speed, stability and, crucially, excitement. In many respects it’s reminiscent of old Impreza STIs and Mitsubishi Evos. You throw it at corners, cambers and crests just to try and challenge it because it can soak up so much punishment. What’s just as impressive is how it remains true to the GTI’s time-honoured credo, possessing decent ride quality, great refinement and comfort levels, and true family car practicality. A flagship Golf to get really excited about, the new R offers immense pace and a truly engaging driving experience in a compromise-free package with class and quality aplenty"
Full EVO review on the VW Golf R mk7, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/291619/vw_golf_r_mk7_review_price_and_specs.html 

2) Renaultsport Megane 265 (RS)
 
 What they say ... "Combining a coupe side profile with the genre’s most focused chassis (as well as a properly punchy 261bhp 2-litre turbo engine), the Megane makes a case for being a true all-rounder if you can tolerate a firm ride. Experience its mechanical limited-slip differential in action and we’d wager your £27,000 won’t go anywhere else."
Full EVO review and video on the Renault Megane RS, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/280699/renault_megane_265_cup_review.html

3) Ford Fiesta ST
 
 What they say ... "This is just how a junior hot hatch should be, we said in our five-way hot hatch group test. The Fiesta ST mixes a punchy 179bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine with a properly chuckable front-drive chassis that also manages to serve up plenty of grip and precision. And with a £16,995 price tag, it’s also nearly £2000 cheaper than its key rivals.
Even better news is the supremely good value Mountune upgrade; an extra £599 buys you an extra 33bhp, enough to transform a great car into one of the best affordable performance cars of all time."
Full EVO review on the Ford Fiesta ST, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/288643/ford_fiesta_st_review_price_and_specs.html

4) Mini John Cooper Works GP

What they say ... "The mk2 Mini GP is hyped-up, aggressive and quite a lot to hang on to on Britain’s bumpy roads, but its uncompromising style of performance is the very core of its appeal. It’s an extreme hot hatch reminiscent of one of the class’s all-time greats, the Renaultsport Megane R26.R.
It only has two seats, while at £28,790 it costs nearly as much as the 100bhp-healthier BMW M135i. Yet the Mini GP also boasts rarity – just 200 made it to the UK – and a 150mph top speed. And at its best the GP is about the most exciting front-drive car you can imagine. ‘Angry and urgent like a wasp in a tin,’ Richard Meaden said"
Full EVO review and video on the Mini John Cooper Works GP, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/288166/mini_john_cooper_works_gp_review_best_of_2013.html

5) BMW M135i
 
 What they say ..."If you’re looking for the most sophisticated, best-quality hatch then the BMW wins hands down, we said when the M135i and Megane 265 clashed earlier in 2013. The Renault edged it for thrills, but there’s no denying the Beemer is a more luxurious item. Its engine has two more cylinders for a start, its 316bhp 3-litre straight-six turbo serving up the best noise and some of the most potent pace in the class. It drives the rear wheels, too, offering a finer balance than its more traditional, front-drive rivals. It’s a class act, whether you stick with a six-speed manual or choose the slick eight-speed automatic. And priced from a smidge over £30,000, it’s something of a bargain too."
Full EVO review on the BMW M135i, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/285697/bmw_m135i_review_price_and_specs.html
 
6) Suzuki Swift Sport
 
 What they say ... "Our favourite of the sub-150bhp, mini hot hatch pack, the Suzuki Swift Sport manages to be a heap more fun than its 134bhp peak and modest £13,749 price tag might suggest.
Its 1.6-litre engine has no turbo attached to it and loves to be revved, while the sharp steering and slick six-speed manual gearbox are both a joy to use. The Swift also boasts an uncanny amount of ride comfort."
Full EVO review on the Suzuki Swift Sport, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/274408/suzuki_swift_sport_review_price_and_specs.html

7) Ford Focus ST
 
 What they say ... "Ford doesn’t make a hardcore Focus RS at the moment, but the 247bhp, 154mph ST puts in a good appearance in its absence. It entered the market aiming for the Golf GTI’s all-rounder honours, and in our twin-test against the (now superseded) mk6 GTI last summer, it stole them. Ford has successfully trodden a very fine line with the Focus ST – dynamic enough to be genuinely interesting and sensible enough to justify itself as everyday transport. And like the Fiesta, it comprehensively outdoes its rivals on price, starting at £21,995."
Full EVO review and video on the Ford Focus ST, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/284302/ford_focus_st_review_price_and_specs.html

8) Peugeot 208 GTI
 
 What they say ... "Its 1.6-litre turbo engine produces 197bhp and 203lb ft, enough for a 6.8sec 0-62 time and a 143mph top speed. And unlike the Renault, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, rather than a paddle-shift box. It’s also arguably the prettiest car in its class. It’s great to have a Peugeot we can champion again."
Full EVO review on the Ford Focus ST, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/288817/peugeot_208_gti_review_price_and_specs.html

9) SEAT Leon Cupra 280
 
 What they say ... "For starters it has the same engine that sits in the nose of the Golf R, albeit detuned to 276bhp in order to leave some headroom for the rumoured Cupra R and channelled through the front wheels only. Three-stage dampers (controlled by the fiddly infotainment system, like in the Golf R) give you a choice of stiffness, while a Haldex limited-slip differential called VAQ can put 100 per cent of the turbocharged in-line four’s torque to one wheel if you lean on it hard enough. Fitted with an optional DSQ twin-clutch paddle-shift tranmssion, it completes 0-60 in just 5.7sec, making it the most accelerative SEAT ever. Priced from £26,940, it’s also around £3000 cheaper than a comparative Golf R and where it trumps the VW is with its trackday credentials: this is (as we write!) the fastest front-wheel-drive car to ever lap the Nurburgring’s fearsome Nordschleife, taking ten seconds off the record previously held by the Megane Cup with a 7:58.4 time. There are rumours the victorious car was missing a few items of standard equipment, but even so – this is a family car with a paddle-shift gearbox that is quicker than an Audi R8 V8 or E92 BMW M3 around the green hell."
Full EVO review on the Seat Leon Cupra 280, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/291766/seat_leon_cupra_280_review_price_and_specs.html

10) VW Golf GTI mk7

What they say ... "The all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI moves the game on considerably from its predecessor, mating the VW Group’s trick new MQB chassis architecture to a host of gadgets, including super-sharp new Progressive Steering. Balance, grip, poise, agility – it has it all. It might not be the most outright fun hot hatch, but it’s certainly one of the classiest and most polished. Its 2-litre turbo engine has 217bhp as standard, but an extra £980 buys the Performance Pack, which adds another 10bhp plus bigger brakes and a proper limited-slip diff."
Full EVO review on the VW Golf GTI mk7, link: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/290053/vw_golf_gti_mk7_2013_review.html

Thank you for this great article EVO magazine.
For us in North America we will have to continue to hold our breath a little longer FORD and VW will be offering their vehicles here by 2014-2015 as 2015 and 2016 models. (VW Golf R mk7,
Ford Fiesta ST, Ford Focus ST, and the VW Golf GTI mk7)