2010 Mustang
officially priced to start under $21,000
For 2010 Ford has given its Mustang a sleek new appearance and upgraded
engine range
The 2010 Ford Mustang was revealed in full detail at the 2008 Los
Angeles Auto Show, but today Ford released official pricing on the new
pony car. Featuring a completely new exterior, thoroughly updated cabin,
and a refined engine lineup, the face lifted car is primed to take on
the still-new Dodge Challenger and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro.
Earlier pricing reports had different (higher) figures from the official
announcement, though whether that indicates bad intel or last-minute
changes by Ford is unkown.
It will be well-positioned on price, shaving $1,000 to $2,600 off its
primary competitors with the starting price of $20,995 for the
entry-level V6 model. Stepping up to GT trim and a V8 engine will cost
another $7,000, however, with the entry GT priced at $27,995. In between
those two lies a convertible V6 at $25,995 - a $5,000 premium for the
cloth top - with a similar premium for the convertible GT, which starts
at $32,995. The GT500 coupe starts at $46,325 and the convertible will
run $51,225.
A variety of options packages are also available, including a glass
roof, which can be installed on any of the coupe models, for $1,995. For
more on the benefits and drawbacks of the glass roof, check out our
review of a 2009 model year car here.
The biggest change to the iconic muscle car for the new model year is
its new interior, which sports a more athletic look and hunkered down
stance. The front end on all models is lower and appears wider with
strong wheel arches pushing up and out of the muscular fenders. Dynamic
character lines emerging from above the grille sweep rearward into a
more powerful, sculptured hood.
The aggressive look is enhanced by larger grille openings flanked by
slimmer headlamps, which now incorporate integrated turn indicators.
Designers have also integrated some modern touches include LED tail
lamps and HID head lamps.
The team further enhanced the agile design by stripping away unnecessary
clutter. That included minimizing overhangs, eliminating the rear
key-hole cylinder, chamfering the rear corner and simplifying the
pedestal spoilers to a more compact design. The antenna, previously on
the front fender, is now much shorter and relocated to the rear of the
2010 Mustang. The result is a clean, sporty design that looks smart and
efficient.
As for the power train lineup, the 2010 Mustang will be available with a
4.0L V6 engine, which is rated at 210hp and 240lb-ft of torque, and a
4.6L V8 engine, which is rated at 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque. Each is
mated to five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
Horsepower gains on the V8 are achieved by a new cold-air induction
system pioneered through Ford Racing Technology. The intake is tucked
behind the driver-side headlamp, mounted in an air box specific to the
Mustang. The redline for the V8 is also increased 250rpm to 6,500.
Both the V6 and V8 engines also have larger exhaust tips, growing to 3
and 3.5in, respectively, up 0.5in from the previous model. The V8
exhaust features polished tips.
Other parts of the mechanical package include a three-link rear
suspension with a pan hard bar as standard on all models. New for 2010,
also, is Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control and anti-lock brakes.
AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side
skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle
position and steering wheel angle. When it senses wheel slippage, it
reduces engine torque and applies the brakes as needed.
Ford engineers also adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to
better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models.
Tires are increased by an inch across the Mustang line, with 17in tires
standard on the V6 and 18in tires standard on the V8. A 19in Pirelli
Summer tire is late available as an option for those seeking higher
performance.
Inside, the manual model features a genuine polished-aluminum
transmission knob and a leather-wrapped shifter, which support a
short-throw performance original designed for the Bullitt model.
The instrument panel and console now flow as one shape, and 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 2010 Mustang is built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in
Flat Rock, Michigan. |