Ford Mustang: The Pony Car Evolves

Motoring Channel Staff - 19/November/2008

Los Angeles, America — Ford has released its new 2010 model Ford Mustang at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Based on the same underpinnings as the 2005 model which ushered in the contemporary 'retro' muscle car genre in North America, the new model can be considered a major face lift rather than an all-new model.

With an increasing number of rivals such as the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro, Ford needed a refresh of the Mustang, whose 45 years of service has been a bastion of performance in the U.S.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that," says J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design. 

"The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you'd expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you've never seen in a muscle car," added Mr Mays.

With a new look (the only carryover body panels are found in the fast-back roof), the Blue Oval is calling the Mustang a "cleaner, meaner-looking" vehicle.

Ford says there's a "steed for every need" too.

Customers can choose from a V6 or V8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof body styles.

One of the more interesting visual aspects of the new 2010 Ford Mustang is the new rear end, and in particular the new brake lights.

Paying homage to the classic 1960s design, the LED brake lights fire sequentially from the inside for turn indication, adding a level of visual sophistication not seen in the muscle car segment.

According to Ford the biggest changes have occurred at the front of the Mustang, with new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and radiator grille all capped off by a new powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine. 

The new look grille has been adorned with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964, which is a big deal for the car maker, and the V6 and V8 models get subtly different front-end designs. 

"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design in the Americas. "We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car."

The interior of the Ford muscle car carries this 'spirit' with a combination modern/retro design theme that sees classically styled seats and instrument dials, plenty of chrome and leather plus an old-school steering wheel.

There is also an extensive customisation palette, allowing various colour schemes and motifs to be used on the interior.

As well as the the improvements in technology and comfort, Ford's vehicle engineering manager Tom Barnes says drivers will notice a quieter ride: "It’s much more vault-like. But we maintained the signature Mustang [engine] sound."

Power is provided by two engine types, including an upgraded version of the V8 engine. The powerplants are as follows:

Engine: 4.0-litre V6
Power: 156kW (210hp)
Torque: 325Nm (240 lb.ft)

Engine: 4.6-litre V8
Power: 235kW (315hp)
Torque: 440Nm (325 lb.ft)

While the compact V8 engine is one of the most modified blocks in America and has a proven record when it comes to tuning and modification, the V6 has been widely ridiculed by the North American motoring press.

Ford Australia's own 4.0-litre 6-cylinder engine outputs more power and more torque and the budgets between Ford America and Ford Australia are staggering.

Thankfully Ford's next generation 3.5-litre V6 will be fitted to the 2011 Falcon and not this dated 4.0-litre V6.

With rumours that Chevrolet is planning a compact, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder version of the Camaro, it wouldn't be inconceivable for Ford to drop a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine into the 'Stang.

Such an engine could develop a lot more power than the ageing V6 it currently uses, while reducing emissions and fuel consumption and increasing it's appeal in California where strict emissions regulations apply.

The 2010 Mustang's chassis has been further developed, starting with large wheel-tyre combinations ranging from 17 to 19 inches, and together with retuned shock absorbers this improves grip and handling.

"We adjusted the springs, stabiliser bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," says Barnes.

"The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance," is how Tom Barnes, the vehicle engineering manager, sums it up.

As one of the stars of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in California, the new 2010 Mustang has a lot more competition since the new generation arrived in 2005, with the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro both vying for attention in the American muscle car class.

"The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement," said Paul Randle, the 2010 Mustang's chief engineer. 

"We've designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years."

The new Mustang is not a quantum leap in terms of design or engineering, but the slowly-slowly approach is probably a wise move from Ford who needs to keep its faithful customer base happy. Anything too radical would have alienated many traditional buyers.

"More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world's most beloved automotive and cultural icons," says Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas.

"Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to great lengths – gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughout the U.S. – working to create the best Mustang ever."

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