2010 Ford Mustang

Combine those elements with the new Mustang's improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features, and its reputation for performance, and it's easy to see how the new Mustang delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era.

Mustang's unrivaled, 45-year heritage provided a strong foundation on which to build the next chapter in the Mustang story.

Building on core DNA elements, such as the 'double-brow' instrument panel, flow through console and conical lens gauges, the 2010 Mustang has evolved into a modern and relevant sports car.

The combination of circular and rectangular register shapes is familiar to Mustang's family tree, but the forms are modern and inspired by the exhaust outlets drilled into the aluminium. Each gauge is fully encircled with chrome rings precisely inset to achieve a well crafted appearance.The center console, another strong Mustang design cue, was designed with a dramatic arc to provide a clean appearance and an uninterrupted area for shifting. The shifter - the main focus of the console - is accented with a chrome trim ring echoing the precise design of the air register rings. The armrests are padded and flush with the rest of the console, which can be accessed for stowage. The new Mustang marks new levels of power and refinement,

with customers able to choose from a V6 or V8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalise their Mustangs.

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964. Both the V6 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 V6, 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.

Powerplants

Available for the 2010 Mustang are a 4.0-litre V6 engine, which is rated at 210 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque, and a 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is rated at 315 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque. Each is mated to five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Improvements were gained through programs such as the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge and special editions to improve the 2010 Mustang.

Improvements inspired by the Bullitt program, for instance, are seen on the genuine polished aluminium manual transmission knob and leather wrapped shift knob, which support a short-throw, performance based shifter originally launched on the Bullitt feature car. Horsepower gains on the V8 are achieved by the cold-air induction system pioneered through Ford Racing Technology. The intake is tucked behind the driver side headlamp, mounted in an air box specific to the Mustang. Extensive sealing modifications ensure cold air from the front of the Mustang feed the engine. A true ram-air system offered on a base GT vehicle is a first for Mustang.

The redline for the V8 is increased 250 rpm to 6,500, and revised calibration ensures the driver fully feels these changes.

Both the V6 and V8 engines have larger exhaust tips, growing by 3 inches, over the previous model. The V8 exhaust features polished tips.

Steering and suspension

All 2010 Mustangs benefit from performance enhancements born from the 2008 Mustang Bullitt and Ford Racing Mustangs. There are a wide range of performance options also available.

Standard on all models is a three-link rear suspension with a panhard bar.

AdvanceTrac - new for 2010, traction control and anti-lock brakes also are standard. AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac senses wheel slippage, it reduces engine torque and applies the brakes as needed. AdvanceTrac can be run on or off with the V6. In the GT, AdvanceTrac can be run in on, off or Sport mode, which allows drivers to push it more while still retaining a good ride balance.

Tyres & chassis

17-inch tyres are standard on the V6 and 18-inch on the V8. A 19-inch Pirelli tyre is available as an option for those seeking higher performance.

The proven chassis from the Bullitt series serves as the base for the GT. A tower to tower brace pioneered on the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis to improve cornering for those selecting the 19-inch tyre.

Interior

Ford's design team moved away from linear expressions of past Mustangs. The foundation of this interior is a new, one piece soft instrument panel, fully encompassing textured or genuine aluminium finish panels. The steering wheel emblem, now a genuine stamped aluminium disc, showcases the new 2010 Mustang pony emblem. The premium trim steering wheel spokes are also genuine aluminium with integrated audio controls. The 2010 Mustang features an in-car communications and entertainment platform, developed jointly by Ford and Microsoft. It allows users to control most MP3 players and Bluethooth enabled mobile phones hands-free voice commands. SIRIUS satellite radio and next generation navigation are available along with dual-zone temperature controls. A host of accessories are available including 125 colour combinations.