Ford Mustang

Ford is looking for another 2005′ish bump in image and sales with the unveiling (slowly) of the new 2010 Ford Mustang. While details have been scarce, there have been hints dropped here and there and even a few (likely purposely) sightings of camoflauged new bodystyle Mustangs lurking around Detroit.

The 2010 Mustang is intended to be "a distinct presence on the road" with an "even more aggressive" look that "flows from the shark-nose front," said Ford’s Chief Designer Douglas Gaffka.

Some of the highlights include a possible new twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine under the hood. This should help Ford meet the new CAFE standards of 35mpg by 2020. Old timers need now worry, however, as it’s doubtful Ford will be dropping the V8 powerplant anytime soon - in fact it’ll likely remain unchanged for the 2010 debut.

Fabrizio Giugiaro led the 2-D design process on the Mustang by Giugiaro concept, allowing him to deliver a complete exterior model from the family’s Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.

Visually, Ford’s Giugiaro Mustang appears more compact than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro “trick” of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.

The interior features a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.

The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept’s roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.
Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.

Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows. The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept’s carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the ‘50s. The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.

This Mustang, a turn-key race car sold to privateers, provided the inspiration for the Mustang by Giugiaro concept’s performance and handling attributes.

Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger for the new concept. Additional improvements include fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake is increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe.

The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger. A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to accompany the extra 200 horsepower provided under hood.

Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.

While the Ford Mustang is one of the best selling, and longest running model lines in the history of the automobile, when the Ford Motor Co. introduced its 2005 Ford Mustang at the North American International Auto Show, it got as much, if not more, media attention than did the original.

The 2005 Mustang (S197) was fully redesigned over the previous models (New Edge) from the suspension, to the interior, to the new 3-valve engine in the GT models. Even though there was no “Cobra”, or high performance model, pony car enthusiasts new and old were quick to snatch up these redesigned, retro-looking Mustangs. While boasting better performance numbers than the early era Mustang GTs, the 2005 Mustang bore a strong resemblance to a 1965 mustang with some rounding here and there for improved aerodynamics.

Sales numbers rolled in, and Ford had done exactly what it had hoped to do, and that was to introduce the retro look to the performance car enthusiast market, and the car was a tremendous success. But when the retro look proved to be so popular, it was only a matter of time before the other members of the “Big Three” got in on the action.

I came across a pretty cool Mustang site the other day. Modded Mustangs has a pretty large amount of Mustang articles and it’s got both a blog front end and a pretty active Mustang forum. At any rate, just figured I’d throw a plug in for them as it’s a pretty neat place.