Why did Ford retain the 15-17 front/rear on 18-19 GT350s?

[Mountain376]

As others said, the GT350/R bodywork paneling from the A-pillar forward is different from the Mustang. The parts aren't interchangeable, so redesigning it would mean having to do a separate redesign just for the GT350.

Right. Like the 2017-18 vs 2019 Camaro ZL1 front not changing, a lot of work went into making the front end as efficient and to the functional performance goals that a re-work just wouldn't make sense. In addition, particular to Ford, I believe that there was no intention to have the GT350 continue as long as it has been (i.e. waiting for the GT500).

Now, the rear end, I do not see why they would not change the rear tail lights. I thought they were a straight swap between 15-17 and 18-19?

Obviously, Ford is changing things on the car that have an impact, but are also reasonable in a business case to alter: spoilers and grilles.

Sponsored

 

[Kurac]

I can’t help but think that the original plan was to run the 350 for model years 16-17 (and the limited 15’s of course) and then the 500 would be introduced with the refresh. The 500 got delayed....and delayed....and delayed so Ford decided to just keep the old bodywork going for the 350 till the 500 was ready. Just my $.02.

 

[Darkane]

Right. Expect updated bodywork when the GT500 is released.

Actually no. It’ll be pre refresh also.

 

[nastang87xx]

Tooling, cost, and believe it or not, yes because of looks. The primary reason why the '18 got a new front was because of new Euro safety standards and since the base and GT Mustangs are global products, they needed to accommodate those regulations.

 

[geepaw]

I’m sure it was ROI. Tooling up new genders and plastic molds for a 2 year run was a negative $ proposition. I’m happy our gen of 350’s will be pretty much the same throughout its run .

 

[hiccup]

I'd say with hundreds of 16-17 gt350s sitting in showrooms an '18 refresh on the gt350 model would have meant big decreases in profit for those cars.

 

[superman07]

GT350 front fascia and design in my opinion is still the best looking mustang. I'm glad they both saved the capital that would have been spent trying to change it as well as not ruining the car.

 

[Eritas]

GT350s are the best looking modern mustang. I'm glad it's the same.

 

[sumfoo1]

Didn’t they say they didn’t want to re do the tooling for the wider front fenders ?

 

[dman]

other than the fog lites treatment on the 15-17 front end, I also prefer the 15-17 design compared to 2018. the 2017 Shelby Super Snake has a better looking design with regard to the fogs/open duct (cleaner) and it is available as a part but as with most Shelby logos, a high premium price point. dman

 

[KGTG350]

Anybody think 2018+ gt tail lights could be swapped out with 2015-18 gt350 tail lights?

 

[nordique14]

Anybody think 2018+ gt tail lights could be swapped out with 2015-18 gt350 tail lights?

Already been done. Saw some pics of the swap on another thread.

 

[Shadowblackbeast]

Anybody think 2018+ gt tail lights could be swapped out with 2015-18 gt350 tail lights?

Like this?

 

[sumfoo1]

that looks good

Sponsored