After months of performing a painfully slow striptease, the 2010 Ford Mustang has finally been officially unveiled. Widely regarded as a mid-cycle update purely intended to maintain the Mustang’s competitive edge over the re-released 2010 Camaro, the changes the 2010
Mustang has undergone are of a significantly subtler variety. Exterior-wise, the most notable change is the pony badge, which went under the knife in honor of its 45th birthday and emerged a stronger, more aggressive steed. According to Ford
Mustang Chief Designer Doug Gaffka, the pony badge is the epicenter of the 2010 Mustang’s new style. “Everything we tried to do with this car’s new exterior design is represented in the new pony,” said Gaffka. “It tells the whole story. It’s athletic, aggressive and modern.
We now have just four weeks until the 2010 Ford Mustang is completely unveiled at the LA Auto Show, and to make everyone that much more impatient, Ford has continued its agonizing tease with this newest photo that shows a portion of the hood. The image confirms the cowl design shown by the spied 2010 Mustang hood we reported on earlier in the year. There’s still no official word on whether the new hood design is functional or just for looks, but we did notice that Ford tagged the image file as “powerdome”. Perhaps just a name, but we’re hoping it’s a sign that Ford has given its pony car a boost in power that won’t leave Mustang owners too jealous of the Camaro’s 400 horsepower. Continued
Whether you like it or not, Ford is revealing the 2010 Mustang nice and slow. So far we’ve got fairly clear shots of the wheel, seats, rear deck lid badge, front end, and steering wheel. The latest photo to be released shows a clear, full front view of the dash, and we have to say that we like what we see. Like the new Pony badge, Ford has given the interior an edgier look with rectangular center air vents and more futuristic looking gauges. There are still six images yet to be unveiled, and we’re hoping for a decent shot underneath the hood or of the rear fender soon. Of course, the car will be officially introduced at the LA Auto Show in November, and we’ll be there to bring you all the photos and details.
And the show goes on; after releasing a video and a set of photos of a heavily camouflaged prototype of its forthcoming 2010 Mustang, Ford decided that it’s time for the teaser shots. The new cryptic photos reveal a few details on the next generation ‘Stang including the GT logo, the alloy wheels and the side of the convertible version. Anything to create a bit of hype right? Anyway, the official debut of the new Mustang is scheduled for this November’s Los Angeles Show. Check out the pics right after the jump. See photos after the jumpContinued
Ninety-five days and counting until the 2010 Ford Mustang is revealed, and 95 days to visit the newly revealed mini-site in anticipation of the last of the new generation of muscle cars to arrive. Following on the heels of the Challenger and Camaro, the Mustang is leaving its debut somewhat late in the game, but Ford is working to build up the hype with the new site.
Not much in the way of content is available yet, though a few fast-cut videos and smoky burnouts do whet the appetite for more. Interested parties can sign up for updates to be kept abreast of the latest developments, while those that feel compelled to tell their story could win themselves one of the 2010 models when they are finally released for sale in early 2009.
The next iteration of the Mustang might take some inspiration from the gorgeous Mustang Giugiaro concept (pictured) from 2006, though it will certainly see a great deal of rationalization as the production process irons out the more expensive creases and lines. Nevertheless, starting with such a beautiful design would almost certainly result in an attractive final product, though spy shots captured to date indicate the company is well along the road to whatever design it has chosen.
While the Challenger, Camaro and Mustang camps have long been divided on Mopar, GM and Ford lines, newer buyers may not share the brand loyalty that those who grew up with the cars feel so fiercely, and the long time lag of the Mustang behind its competition could cost sales if people jump on the first car that’s available. Building the car’s image in advance may be a measure that Ford helps will lock potential buyers into the Mustang brand, and help them wait out the long months until the car is finally on dealer lots.
Ford has released images and details on the 2009 Mustang that’s pretty much a carry over the 2008 model, which is quite logical as the American carmaker gears up for the new 2010 Mustang that will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November. The most important additions for 2009 is the availability of the factory-installed glass roof option on both the V-6 and GT models for $1,995 and the return of the “Warriors in Pink” package designed to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As Ford is celebrating the Mustang’s 45th Anniversary this year, all V6 and GT versions will feature special fender badging. The only new package for the 2009 model is the GT Security Package that includes an active anti-theft system and wheel locking kit while another small change is the addition of a new Brilliant Silver clearcoat metallic colour.
Saleen’s Aftermarket Division, SpeedLab, has brought back the classic appeal of shaker hood styling. However, this is not just cosmetic. The SuperShaker is a true “cold air” intake that sits above the hood and is sealed off from the hot air in the engine compartment. This is especially beneficial in static situations such as at stop lights or take off during drag racing. Once up to speed, the shaker hood scoop rams fresh cold air into the air box where it is pressurized, allowing greater boost at higher speeds. According to SpeedLab, the SuperShaker kit combined with the Saleen series VI intercooled supercharger will increase total power from 500 - 700HP.
Available for 2005 or newer Ford Mustang GT’s, the complete Supershaker kit which includes the supercharger and all necessary hardware is $6949.99, however, Saleen will install the kit for you for an extra $1450.