The original 2005 S197 Mustang was truly revolutionary, improving the pedigree by a quantum leap over the old "Fox 4" (SN95) model. The second iteration of the S197 Mustang is an evolution with numerous detailed improvements in all areas, especially fit, finish and quality of interior trim and general refinement. 2011 will see a promised - and radical - change to the drive trains offered on Mustang (see the advance preview on page 5, "P5").

The GT benefits from the use of the 2009 Bullitt specification as a starting point for suspension and engine tuning. For the first time, Mustang offers stability control (Ford calls it "Advance-Trac®") and it's standard on both the GT and V6. Also new to Mustang for 2010 are optional upgrades such as the latest Ford/Microsoft Sync telematics and a performance oriented "TrackPack" with standard 19" wheels. Standard wheel sizes are also up an inch - to 17" on V6s and 18" on GTs.

See the Highlights...
Roll your mouse over the hot spots highlighted on the Mustang image above, for more details about the new model.

Sequential tail lamps - a distinctive feature during the 1960's - now adorn Mustang as a standard feature. These unique tail lamps fire sequentially, inside to out, to register turn indication within three individual red signal chambers. Using modern technology, each signal uses one light-emitting diode (LED) lamp to provide sharp style as well as bright performance.

Whilst this feature will not be legal for on-highway use in the UK, Teslayn Engineering has already devised a fail safe sytem to enable this feature for off-road and show display. It will be offered as an added option as part of Teslayn's "Gen 8" solid-state controller used in their current, much acclaimed Mustang Light System Modification, a Classic AMCAR™ exclusive.

With the New Mustang Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, fill-ups are quick and easy while eliminating the potential to drive with a missing or improperly installed gas cap. The industry-exclusive feature also helps to reduce smog-forming evaporative emissions. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

'Subtle structural improvements, the recalibrated suspension, and the better integrated interior achieve a marked improvement in the car's perceived solidity. The 2010 Mustang feels granite-like and is completely unfazed by hard driving or sharp bumps.'
(Car and Driver magazine, February 2009)

The aural improvements extend to the exhaust, where the traditional dual system "H" pipe gives way to an "X" pipe, improving gas flow and changing the tonal quality to be more in keeping with a modern high winding cammer V8.

For 2010, Ford is offering a TrackPack, which includes 255/40ZR-19 P Zero summer tires, stiffer
dampers, higher-performance brake pads, a 3.73 axle ratio, rear trailing links with stiffer bushings, a strut
tower brace, and larger anti-roll bars. With these changes, Ford says maximum grip increases to 0.93 g, while body roll is reduced a further ten percent.

Get a panoramic feel of a convertible while maintaining the legendary aggressive style of Mustang Coupe. The available glass roof is constructed of laminated safety glass that includes a thin layer of vinyl sandwiched between two pieces of glass to maintain excellent interior acoustics and quietness, and it comes with a tint to protect the interior fabric and a manual roller blind shade for privacy or to block the sun if desired.

Ford's very own Earl Steele MacPherson is credited with the design of this universally adopted front suspension system. First used on the 1949 Ford Vedette, the MacPherson Strut has become a staple of many Ford products, serving duty under the front of Mustang since 1979. Its clever simplicity belies the highly sophisticated suspension geometry control afforded by this application in the Mustang.

In concert with the reverse "L" lower control arm, stabiliser bar and quick ratio power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, each strut is able to absorb road shocks without compromising steering feedback, accuracy and ride compliance. Finally, big ventilated discs and multi-piston calipers assure excellent braking feel and modulation.

A Drag racer's dream, solid "live" axles still rule the quarter-mile. With the latest refinements this set-up is hard to beat in a performance-for-the-dollar contest. Except for all out road racing, its hard to tell the difference between Mustang's solid axle drive and the more complex (and expensive) independent set-ups

Three longitudinal links, 2 lower and 1 upper, combine with a panhard rod to put the power to the tarmac instead of wasting it in uncontrolled axle hop. Outboard mounted hydraulic gas-pressurized dampers work in harmony with constant rate coil springs to smooth out the ride, while keeping the tail under control over demanding surfaces.

New 2010 Mustang prominently features a redesigned Mustang pony badge. The redesign features a larger, more chiseled Mustang that holds its head higher and looks forward. As an icon for the vehicle overall, the horse's sinewy, angular design cues are carried throughout the vehicle's new design. The new Pony badge comes in Bright Chrome on Mustang V6 and Black Chrome on Mustang GT.

"Depending on how you drive it, the new model is both quieter and louder than its predecessor. At low revs and light throttle, engine noise is subdued, and reductions in wind and road noise result in a peaceful cabin. Rev the engine, however, and you get the V-8 rap in high fidelity, thanks to something called a "sound induction tube," (outlined in yellow in the picture to the right) which connects the engine's intake tract to the passenger cabin. There's a tuned membrane in the tube to transmit selected sound frequencies without actually permitting any airflow."
(Car and Driver magazine, February 2009)