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Press Release
Leaner, meaner 2010 Ford Mustang modernized, with more refinement, new
look inside and 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 deck lid 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 tail lamp.
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.
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"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 cap-less
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 knobs 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. |
