Putting the Pedal to the Metal: The 5 Fastest Ford Mustangs Ever

As the Ford Mustang celebrates its 50th birthday, this car remains at the top of many automobile lovers' lists. Still a fan of this much-loved model? Read on to find out why Mustangs are still so popular after 50 years. Decades of History The Ford Mustang debuted during one of the most tumultuous decades in modern history. The 1960s were a time of change, and the Mustang's unique look set it apart from the flashier cars that Americans were used to driving. From 1964 on, the Mustang's understated, streamlined look appealed to both men and women who couldn't get enough of this sleek, powerful car. In fact, the Mustang was the first in its own class of automobiles, known as the pony car. Though it's in the same class as sports car coupes like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, Mustang lovers know the car is in a league of its own. Continual Reinvention The Mustang was a hit the very first year it was on the market, but that doesn't mean Ford kept the model the same from year to year. Instead, Ford drives demand by continually reinventing the Mustang. The first 1964 1/2 model was a convertible, while the 1965 model year introduced the first fastback, a design with longer lines and more interior space. The 1967 model year introduced the first Mustang Hardtop, while the 1974 model year welcomed the car's second generation and the Mustang II. Now in its sixth generation, the 50th-anniversary model boasts the Mustang's most advanced features yet, including improved rear suspension, a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged engine, and a six-speed transmission. Great Aftermarket Potential Though many Mustang fans love the car exactly as it is, other drivers seek out customization options so they can add their own personal touch. The Mustang boasts great aftermarket potential, as there are over 1,000 parts available for customizing the car's interior and exterior. Drivers looking for improved handling can consider performance tires, while those seeking better acceleration can replace the factory air filter. Drivers who want a smoother ride can swap in custom suspension, while those who just want to increase the car's flashiness can install new taillights or vintage inspired seats. Hundreds of Movie Appearances The same year it debuted in the automotive market, the Mustang made its first movie appearance as an assassin's getaway vehicle in 1964's "Goldfinger." Just four years later, the Mustang appeared again in 1968's "Bullitt." The car's role in this action-packed movie highlights its maneuvering ability, speed, and all-around appeal, especially during star Steve McQueen's legendary nine-minute chase scene. Since 1964, the Mustang has appeared in over 500 movies. Some of the most memorable roles include James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever," Clint Eastwood's "True Crime," and the Will Smith action flick "I Am Legend." From the original 1964 1/2 model to the 2015 model, the Mustang has inspired generations of car lovers. With continual innovation, top-notch design and technology, and plenty of room for modification, the Mustang has the potential to inspire 50 more years of car enthusiasts.

Lance Cunningham Ford gets some of the first of these beauties to roll off the assembly line in Michigan and has them available in our Knoxville showroom so you to see and drive one for yourself. Fast off the line, plenty of power, sleek yet tough as nails. These are the kinds of things you expect from a Ford Mustang and the new 2015 Ford Mustang delivers in spades. What’s more, Ford has made some significant improvements that have the new ‘Stang handling better than ever before. The Classic Ford Mustang Look Let’s face it. If you’re a Mustang guy – and what real guy isn’t – nothing else will do it for you. The 2015 models will be love at first sight for Mustang lovers. The 2015 Mustang seamlessly blends a contemporary look and feel with the classic features that define the original pony car (and the only pony car that matters). The sixth gen-Mustang styling has the short rear deck and long, low sculpted hood to give it a classic feel, combined with sleek lines that are all about the here and now. Classic car lovers will appreciate this homage to the original icon and so will our newest Ford Mustang fans. 2015 Ford Mustang Has It Where It Counts Make no mistake, the new Mustangs look great, but they’re not all about looking pretty. From the base model to the 2015 Saleen 302, these ponies are driver’s cars from the word go. Available engines include: 2.3 L 4-cylander EcoBoost, pushing out an astonishing 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque while sipping gas to the tune of 32 mpg on the highway 3.7 L V-6, the standard engine cranks out 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque 5.0 L V-8 in the Mustang GT, cranking out a massive 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque If even 435 hp isn’t enough for you, the upcoming 302 Saleen Mustang, inspired by the ’69 302, is expected to bring even more power and get off the line even faster than the GT. The 2015 Mustang Handles Like No Mustang Before The Mustang has always been quick and agile, but the 2015 model takes it to a whole new level, with new, redesigned independent front and rear suspension that make this year’s Mustangs handle like a dream. Drivers will experience less roll, improved pitch control and the overall best, smoothest ride ever experienced in a Mustang. What’s more, your new Mustang comes with new Selectable Drive Modes, allowing you to customize the dynamics for your preferences and differing driving conditions. Settings include: Normal Snow/wet Sport Track Choose your setting and the 2015 Mustang automatically adjusts, allowing you to drive just as safely on a sunny day on the open highways around Oak Ridge or in the hills around Maryville and Sevierville. Whether you live right in Knoxville or are coming in from Seymour or the surrounding areas, you owe it to yourself to come to Lance Cunningham Ford to take the latest Mustang out for a test drive when they come in. From the moment you turn on the ignition and hear the throaty growl until you eventually have to park it at least long enough to see just how low the price is -- and you’ll be surprised at what a solid deal the new Mustang is when compared to the closest thing the competition has to the genuine pony car -- you’ll see what we’ve already experienced: a car that truly lives up to its iconic nameplate, the next incarnation of a legend, the 2015 Ford Mustang.

Lance Cunningham Ford is proud to announce that the 2015 Mustang has earned the highly coveted five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA). Our Knoxville dealership promotes the advanced safety features of every Ford model, but the 2015 Mustang raises the standard for protecting you and your family during commutes to the University of Tennessee and rugged journeys through the Great Smoky Mountains. Overview of the 2015 Mustangs’ Safety Features NHTSA's New Car assessment Program meticulously inspects the minutia of every safety feature, which makes the five-star overall rating even more impressive. The 2015 Ford Mustang includes twice as many airbags and twice as many peripheral crash sensors than what our customers enjoyed with the 2014 version of the sleek sports car. Enhanced pretensioning safety belt technology keeps everyone secure, without causing bruising and internal bleeding. The 2015 Ford Mustang combines class leading safety features with four, six, and eight cylinder engines that produce over 300 horsepower. No other car in any classification offers three different types of engines that create that much power. Thorough Safety Testing by the NHTSA The New Car Assessment Program tests for performance against safety threats. Now on sale at Lance Cunningham Ford, the all-new Mustang received five stars in the frontal crash test, side crash test, and rollover crash test. No other vehicle comes close to matching the 2015 Mustang NHTSA safety test results. Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer said the safety team was ecstatic at the NHTSA five-star safety rating news. “The new Mustang was built from the ground up,” Widmann said. “It is more refined, more powerful and it has everything people have come to love about Mustang for the past 50 years.” 2015 Ford Mustang Safety Feature Highlights The test results achieved by the 2015 Ford Mustang go well beyond the efficacy of the comprehensive airbag system. Ford engineers include several proprietary safety features that place the 2015 Mustang in a safety class of its own. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) The installment of BLIS recognizes Lance Cunningham Ford customers demand a safety feature that takes the guesswork out of backing away from obscured parking spaces and down driveways surrounded by tall vegetation. A sensitive radar detects vehicle and pedestrian movement in all of your blind spots and the system then sends audio and visual alerts to help you avert accidents. The system detects movement up to 15 yards away, which is more than enough time to avoid most collisions. Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive Cruise Control operates similar to traditional cruise control, with one twist that helps you forestall accidents. Whenever sensors located around the front of the 2015 Mustang detect traffic slowing down ahead of you, Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adjusts the speed of the 2015 Ford Mustang to maintain the proper amount of spacing between you and other drivers. After traffic clears up to reach normal speeds, your Ford Mustang automatically increases its speed to account for the free flowing vehicle movement. Forward Collision Warning As a safety feature of last resort, Forward Collision Warning alerts you whenever the system detects an imminent collision. A heads-up display simulates brake lights on the windshield. You also receive an audible warning to take immediate preventive action. Drivers of the 2015 Ford Mustang that don't act quickly enough benefit from brakes that automatically charge to apply enough force to stop you from crashing into the vehicles operating directly in front of you.