2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Ford Mustang

• Competes with: Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camaro
• Looks like: A mix of last year’s Mustang and the 1970s Mach 1 Mustang
• Drivetrain: 315-hp, 4.6-liter V-8
• Hits dealerships: 2009

Ford has done it again. Like the latest reimagining of the Ford Focus, the company has kept almost everything mechanical about the 2009 Mustang intact and created a new, stylized exterior and an improved interior. It’s a smart business move, and the looks are still striking. However, we don’t expect the 2010 version to drive a whole lot differently than the 2009.

That’s because Ford says it has taken the improvements it made to last year’s Bullit special edition — with its tweaked exhaust, suspension and other bits — and made it the basis for the 2010 Mustang. Ford says it has also added more sound-deadening for a quieter ride and moved the radio antenna to the rear so it creates less wind noise. We’re happier to see the addition of standard stability control and seat-mounted side airbags.

Inside, the Mustang’s interior gets improved materials and a new center stack of controls. The style, however, remains thoroughly retro, like the previous model. Still, Ford made a major leap with the Focus’ interior, and that should translate here as well.

Overall, the exterior is different enough to stand out, but it sure doesn’t overwhelm us, like the new designs Chevy and Dodge gave us with the new Camaro and Challenger, respectively. Many more photos below.

Comments

It looks so good! I always wondered how they could revise the nostalgic look of the old vehicle but they really came through.

I have liked the mustang since the current model came out. I test drove one recently and loved the way it drove- it rode smooth, handled well and felt like a tank compared to the Altima coupe that I drove right before it that day. The only thing was the interior wasn't great for me. The new one changes All of that!! It even comes in my favorite color leather now, saddle!! I was looking at preowned 330's to replace my Five Hundred- I think I'd rather have a new mustang now :).

Broq

u 4got 2 mention the "sequential" taillights, very retro!! If ya'll don't know what that is, each light lights up from center to end, one at a time!

It certainly looks better, but it's not a whole lot different from it's predecesor. In fact I think the change isn't significant enough to consider this the successor of the previous model. So, I'm guessing a facelift perhaps? By all means I could be wrong. On the other hand... this is going to sound out of place, but I'd rather have a Ferrari than this. Yes, I know they are not in the same ctegory, but point being I'm not into the whole retro thing.

^^^
I'm not either. I like that the Mustang (and new camaro) don't look old. Besides, what's wrong with paying homage to predeccesors that were great- noone ever seems to mind when european makers do it.

The Challenger looks old to me- it reminds me of my dads cutlass supreme that he had until I was 10.

Broq

The styling is great, but Ford is falling way behind Nissan and GM in their engine technology. Are they really going to give up around 100hp against the Camaro in both the V6 and V8 models. I'm sure the Mustang will be cheaper, but those engines are heavy, comparatively underpowered, and not very fuel efficient.

I realize a lot of people buy these for looks, but I just can't get over the difference in power. How long before the DI turbos get here?

Would be interesting to see a "Mustang Map". Where people, who buys Mustang, live? I think, Texas, Alabama. Ford still sells few thousand of them a month but here, in NE I don't see many.
I thought that Mustangians died out already, like Oldsmobilians did. I guess-not.

^^^
Isn't the Mustang the top selling coupe? I'm sure all of those sales are not going to us "hick states" that way you insinuate.

Broq

I am pretty sure that 'sequential turn signals' are not legal under FMVSS 108.

Why can't Ford just use the correct color? (not red!)

good point lil'tom. why the heck hasn't ford pulled the explorer's 4.0L truck motor out of the mustang and dropped in either the updated 3.0L or the new 3.5L v-6?

btw, i know the answer to my question has something to do with the fact that the 4.0L v6 found in the explorer is already engineered for longitudinal installation (making it easy to plug into the mustang) and the other v6's are currently only set up for front wheel drive use...so it would cost money to make them work in the mustang. i just don't care.

they should spend the money if they are serious about making the mustang competitive. chevy did it and so did chrysler. their v6's are used in both front wheel drive and rear wheel drive application.

I have seen the sequential turn signals on the 99-04 mustang. The owner put them on aftermarket. They were very cool looking. It will be neat if the new mustang has them from the factory, if not, they are probably not to hard to install.

I'm not sure I like it as much as the current version. I like the boxier look better I think. Some of the lines in the body almost remind me of a Honda Accord. It's lost some of that retro luster that I love about the 05-09 body.

the sequential taillights r standard on all models. I see that mycolor is back!

purists will note that the sequential lights made their debut on the 60's thunderbird of old. of course, there is nothing purist about this car. it does look good though, nice improvement over last year.

Who wants retro? Baby boomers?