LA show: Ford's sleek new 2010 Mustang

FORD took centre stage at the first press day for the Los Angeles auto show today with the unveiling a new-look version of the iconic Mustang that will be launched some time next year.

With embattled General Motors and Chrysler executives staying away from the show, Ford’s president for The Americas, the charismatic Mark Fields, noted that the Blue Oval would consequently get all the limelight.

The 2010 model year Mustang – which will be released to the public in the middle of next year – is a heavily reworked version of the current fifth-generation model, which was introduced in the United States in 2004, using the same platform, but with considerably revised bodywork and interior.

In fact, Ford said that the only parts of the body that carry over from the current car are the roof and pillars.

Engine power rises to 315 horsepower (235kW) for the 4.6-litre V8 – an increase of 15bhp (11kW) – while the base models still make do with a 4.0-litre V6 developing 210bhp (157kW).

Mr Fields said the revised engine produces a throatier exhaust sound that, combined with the new sheetmetal and interior, “delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era”.



“More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world’s most beloved automotive and cultural icons,” said Mr Fields.

“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 US – working to create the best Mustang ever.

“The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement. We’ve designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years.”

The Mustang is available as a coupe, a convertible or with a glass roof and sits on one-inch bigger wheels (now 17 to 19 inches in diameter).

One of the most notable design elements of the 2010 model is the introduction of a new and larger Mustang emblem to the grille – the first change since the car burst onto the scene in 1964.

Alongside the more aggressive grille, the headlamps and turn indicators are now integrated into one unit (inspired by the brilliant 1970 Mustang), the fog lamps are smaller (mounted low on the V6 models but still in the grille for the V8) and the bonnet features a ‘powerdome’ that feeds extra cooling air to the engine.

As well as having more subtle wheelarch flares, the new body fenders are slightly tapered at the front and rear, making the new Mustang look slightly smaller than before, but its dimensions have not changed.

Detail changes to create a cleaner appearance and reduce wind noise include washer-fluid nozzles that have been tucked into the cowl.

In another ‘back to the future’ move, the new tail-light design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. Sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the 1960s and return the first time since then.

Locating the reversing lights vertically also recreates the classic three-lens Mustang tail-light while a more modern feature is a rear-view camera built into the spoiler on some models.

Ford design chief J Mays said that the aim for the 2010 was to make it thoroughly modern in its interpretations of the classic Mustang look, from the front to the back, with tight and timeless proportions.

“Leaders lead, and that’s what we continue to do with this American icon,” said Mr Mays.

“The 2010 is a Mustang true to its bloodline, with impeccable proportions, honest shapes and beautiful surface language. It executes the best of Mustang in a dramatic and modern way.

“The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that. It is close to the magnetic centre of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you would expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you’ve never seen in a muscle car.”

As well as the bigger wheels, the new Mustang’s suspension has been retuned for improved handling and ESC is now standard.

“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,” said Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes.

“The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance. It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do.”

The new interior features a one-piece instrument panel design made from a seamless soft-touch thermoplastic skin that surrounds aluminum-finish panels and chromed-ringed gauges and air vents.

Occupant comfort is improved through softer materials for the seats and armrests while interior noise levels are said to have been improved, especially at high speeds or on rough roads.

NVH supervisor for the Mustang, Greg Wayne, said he wanted to improve the driving environment while maintaining a characteristic Mustang sound.

“While you’re travelling down the road, it’s now much easier to have a conversation with your passengers,” said Mr Wayne, “but when you stand on the gas, you still hear the roar of the engine and the sweet sound of the exhaust.”