Automakers regularly utilize market research firms to get the opinions of real people on their future products. People are often asked to evaluate everything from seats and sound systems to whole cars. Usually, there is some kind of confidentiality agreement signed…but not always, which can sometimes lead to important details being leaked about future vehicles.

That appears to be the case with a recent post over at the AllFordMustangs.com forums. A user by the name of “GT Style” claims he was invited to take part in a market evaluation of the 2015 Ford Mustang, and he revealed some pretty juicy details about the next-gen Mustang, including confirmation of a 310 horsepower, 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine.

GT Style was asked to evaluate the 2015 Mustang next to competitors including the Camaro, Challenger, and an unnamed Honda. He was then asked to answer questions on a computer regarding the cars, and he claims that the computer says that the 2015 Mustang boasts a 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine making 310 horsepower and returning 34 mpg (which we assume is the highway figure). That is pretty much fulfilling all our Mustang dreams right there.

Other details revealed include a lack of a V6 engine, despite rumors to the contrary. GT Style also says that a V8 engine option will come with the next-gen Mustang, and while horsepower numbers weren’t revealed, “EcoBoost” was mentioned. Is a EcoBoost V8 on the way? Will it make more than 500 horsepower? Could be. This EcoBoost V8 will reportedly return up to 30 mpg on the highway though, another big and important number these days.

Everything seems to align with previous rumors we’ve heard that include a smaller EcoBoost engine for the Mustang and an edgier style not unlike the Ford EVOs concept. GT Style didn’t elaborate too much on the interior, though he did gripe that the cup holder is still in front of the shifter. The center stack was reportedly more spread out, and the buttons were larger.

Body Design

According to GT Style, the styling of the next-gen Mustang is unlike anything anybody has come up with. He thinks the front end is longer than the current model, though the overall body style is similar to the current Mustang. He mentions a shorter trunk and slit-style headlights (that he was not a fan of) as other design features. Another feature is the honeycomb-style front grille. He particularly liked the louvered taillights though, and mentions that the third tail light is located below the license plate. That’s an interesting move to be sure.

GT Style was asked which photoshopped Mustangs looked the closest to what he saw, and the according to him the rendering at the top of this post is very, very similar to the car he was shown. While we think it’s important to take any rumors with a grain of salt, GT Style did produce the check he was given for his participation, and it is from a third party marketing company (7th Sense Limited Partnership), so make of this what you will…but we’re pretty convinced.

What do you think? Is the 2015 Mustang shaping up to your hopes and expectations? Are you looking forward to it more now than before? Or is it still missing something? Read GT Style’s whole post and let us know if you think it’s the real deal, or a false flag.