Even though the 2010 Mustang was supposed to be revealed on Tuesday, November 18, Ford itself seems to have semi-broken the embargo by letting out the first official photos on its dedicated micro-site. Half an hour later, 50 or so high-resolution images as well as the press release found their way into the net. Apparently FoMoCo has some sort of "democratic" system where it selectively chooses media outlets, magazines and blogs to hand out official info and photos well before it publishes them on its media site...
But anyway, time to see what the new Mustang is all about. First of all, the American automaker has revamped the Mustang's exterior design in an evolutionary style. FoMoCo claims that the exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010 model. Overall, the new 'Stang looks more aggressive (in an Aston Martin Vantage sort of way) and more contemporary than its predecessor. And yes, we do like what we see in the pictures.
"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, Ford's North American executive director of Design. "We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car."
Like the exterior, the interior has been redesigned from the ground up with Ford promising that the 2010 Mustang features "world-class materials and execution". In other words, Ford admits claims that it has replaced the cheap and hard plastics of the current generation model with upgraded, soft touch materials.
"That's the difference between good enough and exceptional," said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. "We wouldn't accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship."
Judging from the photographs, Ford seems to have done a nice job overall in modernizing the dashboard though the center console does appear somewhat empty and out of place design-wise. However, tech-fans will be pleased to know that the center stack adds the latest version of Ford's SYNC while they can also customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the "My Color system", which features no less than 125 color options.
Underneath the skin, Ford's engineers have retuned the 2009 Mustang's suspension and reworked the GT's 4.6-liter V8 engine which benefits from the changes first seen on the Bullitt delivering 315HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. For the 2010 model, the entry-level 4.0-liter V6 engine remains unchanged producing a pathetic -for a 21st century car- 210HP and 240 lb-ft of torque.
"All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT," said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. "We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We're learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car."
"We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. "The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance."
The new 'Stang is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2009 where it will be available in three body styles, coupe, convertible and with a glass roof option.
10 Comments:
mmmmmm....
YUMMMM
... and SOLD!
Nissan can put a 6 speed in a $12000 Versa but Ford can't seem to manage in a $25000+ Mustang?I also hope they plan to axe that V6 for a new one soon,the current engine has several mentions in the Bible...
What bucket load of pooopoo. In the year 2009, a sports car gets a 4.0 liter V6 with a pitiful 210 horsepower and a 5 speed. Die Ford, u Earn it!
There better be a very good price on the GT, because the 2010 BASE V6 camaro puts out 300 hp, while the v8 mustang gt only puts out 15 more horse.
Well 1st of all its only 15 more HP and that aint good bc in 98-02 ss camaros had more then this back then a few years ago.
Another thang is the tail lights look bad and theres way 2 much plastic at the bottom the front end dont look 2 bad but i think i will stick 2 the 05-09 body bc its gorgeous and even though it dont have that extra 15HP the body looks wat better.
1st: The 2010 V6 Camaro may put 300 hp but weighs lots more that the V8 Stang. 4,200lbs vs 3,800lbs. Power to Weight my friend. That V6 won’t outrun any V8 Stang from 99 to present. Yeah, even the 2V 99-04 GT’s that came with 260hp but the average weight is 3,300lbs. Using your thinking one can say that that Camaro V6 will give a 03-04 Mach1 a run for they money because they came with 305hp?? Or that they will compete with a 03-08 350Z because they have 306hp? Yeah right!
2nd: 315hp is only an upgrade for the 2010 Stang. From 2011, the GT will receive a Modular NA 5.0L with 400hp.
The upcoming 5.0L V8 is, according to Ford, so different that it is considered a new engine. How different that actually means it will be is up for debate. Ultimately the claims are that this engine addresses all of the Mod motors shortcomings and supposedly makes somewhere between 400 and 425hp and more than 360lb-ft of torque....numbers which are not out of line with what the latest gen DOHC DI V8's from other automakers have been generating. On less solid footing, some have vaguely insinuated that the 400hp rating was obtained on regular 87 octane juice possibly indicating that the engine is designed to be run on either regular or premium fuel with the 425hp ratings being produced with premium in the tank. Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing, much broader and flatter torque curves, more effective anti-detonation management and better all around efficiency than a typical NA engine would otherwise be capable of. It also has been said to have aluminum hypereutectic and more beefier cast crank shaft.
Lame
Quite old-fashioned,she's a value for money,wild and die-hard sport coupe with strong personality.
Using such conservative(Jurassic in some views) recipe,her development level is respectable I think. According to the Motor Trend,the Mustang GT leads the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Dodge Challenger in total score,so intrinsic potential of Jurassic mechanism and layout proves to be terrific,that's magnificent story.
As a total,albeit there're considerable defects;from the lack of 6-speed manual for V6 to the immense amount of CO2 mated with poor fuel consumption(i.e:combustion technology rather behind European and Japanese manufacturers),she possesses a unique position in sport coupe market,I think.
Above all,the 315bhp Romeo V8(4.6-litres) sucks regular fuel(87pump-octane),that's respectable idea. Its fuel efficiency is fair for displacement,although refinement is plebeian,so the new 5.0-litres V8(400bhp on tap) is worth waiting! I expect new V8 will have cylinder-cut program as Chrysler 300C's 5.7-litres.
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