Ford Saddles Up a Completely New 2010 Mustang New retro-aero styling and an interior makeover help the Mustang cowboy up.
The 2010 Ford Mustang introduces a new herd of ponies – fresh legs in a stampede of interest in muscle cars. The all-important styling cues are in place for traditionalists who love the original. The Mustang look is wrapped around advanced engineering and technology so the contemporary owner won’t feel antiquated.
A new generation Mustang must please many interests. The all-new 2010 edition meets and exceeds the expectations of Mustang enthusiasts and muscle car fans alike. At a glance, you know the brand. This time around, the look is even more evocative than ever, yet the design is aerodynamic and contemporary. From its new “power dome hood” and hockey stick flanks to its downright voluptuous hips and essential three-bar taillamps, the 2010 Mustang is beautiful and “bad” at the same time.
In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." You can choose a V6 or V8, in a coupe, convertible or “hardtop” with an innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.
Ford says the restyling was driven as much by aerodynamic principles as it was aesthetics. Channeling airflow has achieved drag reductions of seven percent on the V8-powered GT model and four percent on the base V6. Better management of the airflow around the front of the car also reduces lift by 23 percent.
Inside, the designers seem to have achieved equal success. Simply put, the cockpit looks appealing and “right” with a “feel” derived from high quality materials, soft-touch plastics and attention to detail and comfort. The handsome new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) skin. Genuine aluminum-finish panels further the upscale look. Mustang “signature” chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents look “correct” and in the right positions.
Nothing seems out-of-place or added-on. In fact, the integration is remarkable. For example, the entire surface of the center stack and console now mirrors the armrests on the door panels with everything at the same height with matching contours. The console rises to a new height to allow your elbows to rest at the same height, left and right. The seats are designed for comfort and action, striking a happy medium. We think they got it right!
The new center-stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC™ with new features such as 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Owners can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the available My Color™ system, which features 125 color options.
As for the mechanicals, the Mustang development team decided the current Mustang Bullitt edition had the right stuff in terms of balanced handling and power, so they used it as a baseline for the new Mustang GT. The 2010 GT retains its 4.6-liter three-valve V8, which has now been bumped up to 315 hp and 325 lb/ft of torque. The frame and body have also been stiffened and new sound insulation has been added for a quieter driving experience. GT models with the new 19-inch wheel-and-tire package also get an aluminum strut tower brace to stiffen the car's structure further. Still, sound is an important part of the Mustang experience so, reportedly, there’s a small tube running from a duct in the engine bay to the cabin to convey the aural candy of that big V8.
The V8 is happy with Regular grade gasoline, but if you put in Premium, it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque, a nice bit of engineering for economy and performance. When you gas-up your Mustang, you’ll appreciate Ford’s Easy Fuel™ capless fuel system, which is standard on all models.While the suspension system is largely unchanged, Ford retuned the springs and added new dampers that should improve wheel control and ride. New wheel-and-tire packages are now available across the board with a one-inch increase in standard diameter. The V6 Mustangs now have 17-inch wheels standard with optional 18-inchers while the GT has 18-inch or 19-inch packages.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is new and standard on all models. The ESC always defaults to on when you start the car. On V6 Mustangs, the driver will have the option to turn the system off. On the GT, the system can be turned off or switched to a performance mode that allows more slip before intervening.One important thing that hasn't changed much is weight. The 2010 V6 Mustang only picks up 15 pounds compared to the 2009 model while the GT climbs just 35 pounds. That means Mustangs still have an advantage of about 400 to 500 pounds over the new Camaro and even more compared to the larger Challenger.
We are all looking forward to thoroughly checking out the 2010 Ford Mustang. Give us a call and we’ll set you up with a personal look-see and test drive
