Pictures and details of the new Ford Mustang have emerged on the web ahead of the car's launch at tomorrow's Los Angeles motor show.
Essentially a heavily revised version of the current car, the new Ford Mustang doesn't break any new ground and it sticks to the same mechanical formula. That means a choice of V8 and V6 engines, auto or manual gearboxes and a live rear axle.
Ford claims it has improved the Mustang's refinement though, with better insulation, a stiffer body structure and retuned springs and dampers. That should also improve the car's handling.
Those styling changes help to make the Ford Mustang look more modern and the detailing is more finely executed than on the current car, with neater lights at the front and the rear.
But the biggest change is inside, where the car gets a heavily upgraded interior that is said to be a big improvement on the current cabin.
Ford claims all of the hard plastics have been replaced by soft-touch materials, and the metallic trim on the facia is now real metal, rather than plastic.
The V8 in the new Ford Mustang is the same 4.6-litre unit, with power increased to 311bhp and 325lb ft, up by 15bhp and 5lb ft. The German-built 4.0-litre V6 hasn't changed at all, and still has 207bhp and 240lb ft.
Ford is expected to introduce new, smaller capacity turbocharged engines in 2011 that will offer similar performance with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
There are no plans to offer the Mustang for sale in the UK.
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Re: New Ford Mustang revealed
No wonder the American motor manufacturing industry is in such a state of absolute turmoil and economic melt down when you look at this latest brain dead product of the blue oval. Is the entire motor manufacturing industry throughout the world related to a head in the sand ostrich ? The new Mustang is too large and woefully inept at converting efficiency into movement as are the vast majority of all cars produced today. Yes we all know that most if not all Americans are woefully overweight but why oh why continue building them such woefully overweight and inept vehicles to travel in. Arguably the most brilliant car designer in the entire World has the right kind of ideas, so why is it so few people in power within the motor industry are not queuing up at a certain Gordon Murray’s door ?
Re: New Ford Mustang revealed
Horseandcart...... the lol was to signify that the yanks think Obama is going to change things...to open eyes, so they themselves may want to start asking their dealers why they have this old tank of engine when they could have a nice clean and modern diesel....it is said in jest rather than an actual statement of intent regarding his acutal policies!!!
And I know about the emissions and perceptions of US buyers about diesels, it is a bit like people on here and in the UK generally thinking anything made in Italy that is not a Lambo or Ferrari will fall apart and rust to nothing within 25 minutes of leaving the showroom. *rolls eyes*
Re: New Ford Mustang revealed
I am not sure why everyone is getting hysterical about this engine. Yes there are normally aspirated units out there that develop more power/torque but they are all in cars that cost significantly more. I run a 2008 Ford Explorer as my SUV in Dubai and it has a variation of this engine and it's not bad. Yes, more power would be lovely but it gets the thing from 0-60 in 10 secs. Not bad for normal use. Torque is decent and sensibly delivered and off road performance is better than expected - Keeps up with the Jeeps, Hummers, Landcruisers et al over the sandy stuff and the rough stuff. Of course I am at an advantage here - to fill up the sizable tank costs 15 quid. Smug....moi?
I think the point here is price. This engine is basically from the stone age - SOC with three valves per cylinder and is one of the reasons that Ford can push these products so cheaply. Top of the range Explorer with all the toys costs about 20k and the Mustang is even cheaper.
Really, if people don't like the power plant then buy something else.