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2010 Mustang unveiled...

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Old 11-18-2008, 09:59 AM
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2010 Mustang unveiled...

Maybe an improvement - but still don't really like the details. I was hoping less retro. I think their idea was to make it look smaller, more trim. It's hard to tell if they achieved this just from pics - would have to see in the flesh. It does look slightly more athletic though. Would also like to see it in different colors. Can they not come up with decent wheels for the Mustang anymore? The 2 different wheels in the first 2 pics are nasty. The rear side windows look awkward. Just not my style of car I guess. Maybe in black w/ a decent set of wheels. What do you think?











http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/l...ally-unveiled/

PRESS RELEASE

LEANER, MEANER 2010 FORD MUSTANG MODERNIZED,
WITH MORE REFINEMENT, NEW LOOK INSIDE, OUT

* New muscular, sculptured exterior design is a modern evolution of Mustang heritage
* Powerful new interior design features world-class craftsmanship, upgraded materials and new technology
* Performance improvements – larger wheels, retuned suspension and increased horsepower – developed from engineering experience on the race track and from special editions including the Mustang Bullitt

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America's favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

Combine those elements with the new Mustang's improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation, and it's easy to see how the muscle car known around the world 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 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."

For 2010, the team delivered. "The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. "We've designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years."

In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." At launch, customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that," said 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."

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964. Both the V-6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V-6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.

"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, 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 exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010. At the front, the new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille are capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.
Mustang's washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna has been moved to the rear, both of which create a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.

Front rear fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of "hip" rear fenders. "It helps give the car aggressive, forward direction, like it's ready to jump," said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer.

The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rear-view camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.

A notable new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the '60s and comeback to the 2010 for the first time since then. Locating the reverse lamps vertically creates a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.

The best of new, heritage
Cleverly combining modern technology with Mustang heritage is a signature of the 2010 model, in terms of both design and engineering.

"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."

The wheel-and-tire combinations are 1 inch bigger across the board, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, which helps improve handling and braking. The shocks have been retuned on all models as well.

"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 2010 Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations from the popular Bullitt model. Power has increased to 315 horsepower.

"It runs on regular gasoline, but if you put in premium it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque," Barnes said, adding that Easy Fuel™, Ford's innovative capless fuel system, is standard on all models.

"It's an upgrade to the most-robust, most-accessorized engine in the marketplace today," Randle added. "No one has the reliability, no one has the upgraded options. This is a fantastic engine, proven on the race track, the drag strip and on the highway."

AdvanceTrac™ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is now standard and complements Mustang's all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

"It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do," Barnes said. "The 2010 Mustang improves ride quality and maintains world-class steering and handling."

In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, the 2010 Ford Mustang is engineered to maintain its top government safety ratings. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front driver and passenger air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and, Ford's Personal Safety System.

Interior leads in design, materials, content and comfort
Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution.
The powerful new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels. Mustang's chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned.

"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."

The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. The seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.

The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC™, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color™ system, which features 125 color options.

"The centerstack is quite progressive. The electronic finish panel containing the audio and climate control buttons and ***** are integrated into the finish panel," said Kim Zielinski, Mustang Instrument Panel engineer, 2010 Mustang. "I believe the customers will really like the new look."

In addition to the improvements in technology and comfort, drivers will notice a quieter ride. "It's much more vault-like," Barnes said. "But we maintained the signature Mustang sound."

The upgraded instrument panel along with new sound deadeners added to select areas helped improve interior quietness, especially at high speeds or on rough roads. All the better to hear that famous Mustang roar.

With a completely redone exterior that echoes the classic Mustang designs of the past, an interior featuring world-class materials, numerous technology upgrades and an improved driving experience, the 2010 Mustang is poised to become the latest classic in the proud line of Ford's iconic American muscle car.

"The 2010 Mustang is drop-dead gorgeous," Randle said. "This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business, and we can't wait for everyone to see it and start driving it."

The 2010 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

Last edited by JRichter; 11-18-2008 at 10:20 AM.
Old 11-18-2008, 10:05 AM
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The dash display is horrible. Hopefully it gets changed before they mass produce it.

I'm not a fan of the newer mustangs style at all, outside or inside. The best picture IMHO is the engine bay picture.
Old 11-18-2008, 10:05 AM
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One ulgy car. thanks jrich for the find. i was very curious waht ford would do with the mustang vs. challenger and camaro.
Old 11-18-2008, 10:09 AM
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So far I'm still: Camaro > Challenger > Mustang in the looks department.








Last edited by JRichter; 11-18-2008 at 10:31 AM.
Old 11-18-2008, 10:12 AM
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120 on the dash? are you fcken serious?
Old 11-18-2008, 10:15 AM
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^ that must be the V6

Originally Posted by HeavyMetal699
The dash display is horrible. Hopefully it gets changed before they mass produce it.
Yeah, and I thought they would get rid of the cheap looking rainbow color dash thing but looks like it's staying. At least you can switch it to white (or pink lol)...


Old 11-18-2008, 10:20 AM
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I think it looks fantastic, they should have had that for the 2005 model. The subtle changes to the hood, angled headlight housings, dip up in the rear fender, give it more of a retro look that the 2005 model ever did.

I say good job ford designers.
Old 11-18-2008, 10:48 AM
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the back reminds of the current accord




Old 11-18-2008, 10:53 AM
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HA! 140 are your serious?
Old 11-18-2008, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by dillsrotary
I think it looks fantastic, they should have had that for the 2005 model. The subtle changes to the hood, angled headlight housings, dip up in the rear fender, give it more of a retro look that the 2005 model ever did.

I say good job ford designers.
agree. i think she looks good too. but i like the 2010 camaro better.
Old 11-18-2008, 11:10 AM
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i dont like the forward incline of the rear. other than that they did a good job
Old 11-18-2008, 11:27 AM
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By now, You guys should know why Ford is in its current "****" financial state.

Another fugly piece of crap from Ford. Actually this is even worst, is like a Rustang mate with a Challenger but in smaller version.
Old 11-18-2008, 12:10 PM
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Ford gave the Mustang a sleeker body, but they made the car look ugly. Its looks nothing like the 1967 Mustangs with the clean lines and details.

What is up with that cheap A$$ dash and center stack. The center stack looks cheap,Ford still using that Ficher Price plastic for there dash, its sad they been using that garbage since 1994, the dash looks like the bottom of my shoe which isn't pretty.

This car will sell no matter what unfortunately, but Camaro has the upperhand in the looks and power department.

Chevy Camaro for the win!

Last edited by DailyDriver2k5; 11-18-2008 at 12:58 PM.
Old 11-18-2008, 12:23 PM
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It's average. I still think the Camaro will be the best new muscle car in the market. They do have a special on this car on the Speed channel at 12 tonight.
Old 11-18-2008, 12:25 PM
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Camaro please, thank you
Old 11-18-2008, 12:36 PM
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Mmmmmm this car is running on Microsoft software, which means I don't trust this car, regardless of what it is. Microsoft has earned their disrepute with me personally, and I will never allow them the opportunity to reclaim my loyalty or heart. They Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail.

Nothing like a 8 Cylinder blue screen.

I think I'll pass on the next Microsoft conquest.

Last edited by Gyro_Bot; 11-18-2008 at 12:56 PM.
Old 11-18-2008, 12:42 PM
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Looks like the Charger to me...
Old 11-18-2008, 01:18 PM
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Camaro FTW
Challenger FTW
Charger SRT8 FTL
Mustang FTMFL
Old 11-18-2008, 01:26 PM
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Keep it.........................
Old 11-18-2008, 02:00 PM
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I like it.

Always was fond of the '68 Mustang Fastback's styling. This is so far the closest to that and a big improvement over the previous one.

68 fastback
Old 11-18-2008, 02:25 PM
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Another lame Ford. The whole retro thing has gotten out of control. Its no wonder they are falling flat on their asses.
Old 11-18-2008, 02:42 PM
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I love it! Come on guys, take off your blinders. Rub one out and get rid of your crankyness. If it had a Mazda badge on it and a turbo'd 3 rotor in it, you would all be raving about it. That car looks clean and mean. Although I would like to see them design one around the foxbody styling.

Last edited by nmarz77; 11-18-2008 at 02:44 PM.
Old 11-18-2008, 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by dynamho
68 fastback
Now that's a good looking car. I like the originals of all these retromobiles just not a fan of rehashing those exact same lines on bigger, thicker, modern cars. Doesn't seem to come off as good. I saw a '08 (09?) orange Challenger SRT8 this weekend, he was pulling in the movie theater and looking for a place to park. In the flesh I was disappointed with it and could not comprehend how big that car was/looked. The top of the trunk was above my eye line and the 8 would completely fit in the shell of that thing. It looked like a normal car that was scaled up 20-30%. I could not believe he squeezed in between the cars he did - it seemed like there was about 12 inches left on either side of him - I don't know how they got out as I pulled to the back of the lot to park in a non door ding area. I wish there was a spot left next to him as I would have parked there and got a comparison pic. I've seen/driven a original Challenger and that is a good looking car with much sleeker lines.

As far as the 2010 Mustang, with some styling tweaks and better wheels it could look really good. I know the rear side windows are for safety but the first thing I would do is put a cover/air scoop like on the one pictured above - this would help alot. Second and third thing is add some modern, yet classic race-mesh type wheels and lower it a good 2 inches. Paint it all black and this would be a start.

Last edited by JRichter; 11-18-2008 at 02:56 PM.
Old 11-18-2008, 02:57 PM
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reminds me a lot of the current model with the exception of the rear being slanted.
speedo is ugly
I still don't like the center dash of most American cars. Just looks plain and cheap.

I like the looks of the Camaro better.
Old 11-18-2008, 03:22 PM
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I have to say that I think they did a good job with the refresh, and I like it. The interior looks to be a big step up. I think the metallic grey/saddle brown interior would be a nice combo.

Sure, the V8 doesn't have the amazing per-liter specific output of a Rotary or import piston engines, but it is a solid, proven engine and it sounds pretty nice.

This thing isn't going to outhandle an RX-8 or keep up with the new 370Z, but I think it makes a better GT car than either.

I would actually have a bit of a hard time choosing between the '09 RX-8 and the '10 Mustang, even though (and maybe because) they are so different. Now, if the 2010 RX-8 R3 comes in white here in the US, well, that would make the choice a little easier.

My concern about the '10 Mustang is about price. A GT Premium is going be about $30K. Toss in HIDs (which require the outrageously priced "Security" package), 19" 5-spokes, and the 3.55 LSD, and you're looking at about $33.5K. That isn't really a bargain, and about $1000 north of where it realistically should be.


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