In production
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-- Powerful new interior design features world-class craftsmanship, upgraded materials and new technology
-- Performance improvements – larger wheels, retuned suspension and increased horsepower – developed from engineering experience on the race track and from special editions including the Mustang Bullitt
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.
Combine those elements with the new Mustang’s improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation, and it’s easy to see how the muscle car known around the world delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era.
“More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world’s most beloved automotive and cultural icons,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to great lengths – gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughout the U.S. – working to create the best Mustang ever.”
For 2010, the team delivered. “The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement,” said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. “We’ve designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years.”
In true Mustang tradition, there is a “steed for every need.” At launch, customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.
“The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that,” said J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of Design. “The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you’d expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you’ve never seen in a muscle car.”
It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car’s introduction in 1964. Both the V-6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V-6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.
“We understand Mustang’s heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. “We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car.”
The exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010. At the front, the new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille are capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.
Mustang’s washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna has been moved to the rear, both of which create a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.
Front rear fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of “hip” rear fenders. “It helps give the car aggressive, forward direction, like it’s ready to jump,” said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer.
The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rear-view camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.
A notable new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the ’60s and comeback to the 2010 for the first time since then. Locating the reverse lamps vertically creates a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.
The best of new, heritage
Cleverly combining modern technology with Mustang heritage is a signature of the 2010 model, in terms of both design and engineering.
“All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT,” said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. “We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We’re learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car.”
The wheel-and-tire combinations are 1 inch bigger across the board, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, which helps improve handling and braking. The shocks have been retuned on all models as well.
“We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience,” adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. “The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance.”
The 2010 Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations from the popular Bullitt model. Power has increased to 315 horsepower.
“It runs on regular gasoline, but if you put in premium it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque,” Barnes said, adding that Easy Fuel™, Ford’s innovative capless fuel system, is standard on all models.
“It’s an upgrade to the most-robust, most-accessorized engine in the marketplace today,” Randle added. “No one has the reliability, no one has the upgraded options. This is a fantastic engine, proven on the race track, the drag strip and on the highway.”
AdvanceTrac™ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is now standard and complements Mustang’s all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
“It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do,” Barnes said. “The 2010 Mustang improves ride quality and maintains world-class steering and handling.”
In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, the 2010 Ford Mustang is engineered to maintain its top government safety ratings. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front driver and passenger air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and, Ford’s Personal Safety System.
Interior leads in design, materials, content and comfort
Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution.
The powerful new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels. Mustang’s chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned.
“That’s the difference between good enough and exceptional,” said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. “We wouldn’t accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship.”
The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. 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 centerstack is quite progressive. The electronic finish panel containing the audio and climate control buttons and knobs are integrated into the finish panel,” said Kim Zielinski, Mustang Instrument Panel engineer, 2010 Mustang. “I believe the customers will really like the new look.”
In addition to the improvements in technology and comfort, drivers will notice a quieter ride. “It’s much more vault-like,” Barnes said. “But we maintained the signature Mustang sound.”
The upgraded instrument panel along with new sound deadeners added to select areas helped improve interior quietness, especially at high speeds or on rough roads. All the better to hear that famous Mustang roar.
With a completely redone exterior that echoes the classic Mustang designs of the past, an interior featuring world-class materials, numerous technology upgrades and an improved driving experience, the 2010 Mustang is poised to become the latest classic in the proud line of Ford’s iconic American muscle car.
“The 2010 Mustang is drop-dead gorgeous,” Randle said. “This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it and start driving it.”
The 2010 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
MORE MUSCULAR, MODERN
-- New pony badge signals dramatic new exterior design
-- Modern, muscular, seamless design incorporates classic Mustang elements
-- Muscular surface language emphasizes powerful stance, efficient package
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – More muscle. More motion. More Mustang. All of that comes standard on Ford’s 2010 Mustang – which reflects a new design inside and out.
“Leaders lead, and that’s what we continue to do with this American icon,” said J Mays, group vice president of Design. “The 2010 is a Mustang true to its bloodline, with impeccable proportions, honest shapes and beautiful surface language. It executes the best of Mustang in a dramatic and modern way.”
The Mustang design team, led by Chief Designer Doug Gaffka and Design Manager George Saridakis, referenced classic Mustang design cues and developed a thoroughly modern interpretation, giving more “muscle” to the iconic car. The result is a more athletic-looking Mustang with continuous, flowing lines emanating from highly sculpted surfaces.
This Pony is One Sinewy Steed
Look no further than Mustang’s signature pony badge for the essence of the 2010 design. The badge, which is larger and more chiseled, sits proudly in the upper grille.
“Everything we tried to do with this car’s new exterior design is represented in the new pony,” said Gaffka. “It tells the whole story. It’s athletic, aggressive and modern.”
From the V-6 to the Shelby GT500, the goal was to make each model appear even more sculpted than its predecessor. The result is a lineup of iconic cars that maintain their identity in a contemporary way. Each classic design element – the grille shape, the “hockey stick,’ the hop up into the rear haunch, the quarter-glass window, the three-bar tail lamp, the center-mounted gas cap – is modernized in a way that lends the new car even more presence and character.
The aggressive look is enhanced by larger grille openings flanked by slimmer headlamps, which now incorporate integrated turn indicators.
“Modern styling utilizes all of our technical know-how combined with state-of-the-art componentry,” Saridakis said. “Throughout this Mustang, we’ve introduced modern twists like integrated technology, LED tail lamps and HID head lamps, efficient packaging and better proportions.”
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.
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, sculptural hood, further expressing Mustang’s potency.
The addition of lower front splitters adds to the sporting appearance but are also functional aerodynamic elements improving Mustang’s fuel economy, downforce and overall performance. An athletic, sinewy design is emphasized by distinctive character lines that grow out of the main body, “as if the sheetmetal has been shrink-wrapped like a skin suit around the muscles and skeleton of the car’s understructure,” Saridakis said.
Echoing Mustangs of the past, the main side-character lines – the wind splitter and iconic hockey stick – return with contemporary execution.
The 2010 Mustang’s surface forms and linework, particularly the dropping fender line running into the belt-line kick-up and rear haunch, give the impression that the car squats down slightly in an aggressive stance that gives it the appearance of even more muscularity.
The team worked to develop a more optimized wrap-around rear-end look as well. The accelerated taper to the side surfaces, truncated into chamfered corners at the rear, enhance Mustang’s compact appearance while the new two-piece rear fascia amplifies the car’s width and stance by visually reducing the car’s height.
Another inherited and distinctly identifiable Mustang cue comes in the form of the tri-bar tail lamps. The three individual red chambers, each lit sequentially by a single Luxion LED, are separated by two clear vertical back-up elements, ensuring the tri-bar look is recognized in lit or unlit conditions. The sequential illumination of each chamber is a unique and important characteristic of the 2010 Mustang’s identity.
“Front to back, the 2010 Mustang is thoroughly modern in its interpretations of the classic Mustang look,” Gaffka said. “The proportions are timeless and magnificent. It is the tightest, most premium race horse we’ve ever done. And it begs to be driven – hard.”
QUIETER WHERE IT COUNTS
-- Addition of sound absorptive and damping materials improves sound level in cabin
-- Tuning of induction system and exhaust enhances heritage Mustang sound
-- Integrated teamwork by designers, engineers key to solving wind, road noise issues
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – The sound of a Mustang is one of the most evocative in the history of the automobile.
You know it when you hear it: that muscular burble at idle that transforms into an aggressive roar under hard acceleration. For 2010, Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) engineers for the Mustang focused on eliminating the unwanted sounds while maintaining the classic note of America’s favorite muscle car.
“We wanted to improve the driving environment for the customer. While you’re travelling down the road, it’s now much easier to have a conversation with your passengers, but when you stand on the gas, you still hear the roar of the engine and the sweet sound of the exhaust,” said Greg Wayne, NVH supervisor for the Mustang. “We maintained that Mustang characteristic sound, but made the whole driving experience much more enjoyable.”
The Mustang NVH team knows how important the sound of the Mustang is to its longstanding fans. They also are aware of how unwanted, unrefined noise detracts from the customer’s experience. So the team used a variety of methods and solutions to keep – and even enhance – Mustang’s heritage sound while eliminating unwanted noise.
Customers grapple with road noise, wind noise, powertrain whines, buzzes and booms – among others. Even storage compartments and doors on the new 2010 Mustang were “tuned” to create a more pleasing sound.
Wayne said the NVH team worked closely with their colleagues in Design Engineering and Manufacturing and Assembly to integrate the solutions, which sometimes were neither obvious nor easy.
“Wind noise, for example, is not only about adding absorption and deadening materials,” he said. “It’s also paying attention to the design details: for instance, where the radio antenna is located, how the wiper blades are styled and positioned relative to the hood and glass and how the exterior mirrors are shaped and mounted. There are many aspects from a design and assembly perspective you have to be aware of because each contributes to the overall sound quality you experience inside the car.”
On 2010 Mustang, the radio antenna was moved to the rear, creating a cleaner look on the front end as well as reducing wind noise. The mirrors were redesigned, resulting in aerodynamic gains and reducing wind noise. Those types of win-win solutions were the product of the teams setting a high baseline of expectation and working together diligently to make sure the designs met their targets every step of the way.
“One of the guiding principles for Ford NVH is 'Feels Right, Sounds Tight,’ ” Wayne said. “Door opening and closing falls right into our efforts to create a solid, vault-like sound when you close the door and that positive ‘snick’ and feel when you open it. A lot of factors play into that in terms of the door hardware – latches, strikers, sheet metal.”
Another door-closing variable involves the pressure wave it creates inside the vehicle. “How well the vehicle is sealed affects your door-closing efforts,” he added. “Design Engineering and NVH spent a lot of time on those details to get it just right. ”
Two of the most important tools used to control sound and vibration are the absorptive and damping materials. Absorptive materials are something akin to stuffing ear plugs or cotton into someone’s ears, keeping out loud noises while damping materials help reduce vibration.
Wayne said both were used strategically throughout the 2010 Mustang in areas such as the passenger side dash, trunk, hood, headliner and interior trim.
Mustang also features an industry-first Induction Sound Tube (IST), which enhances the driving experience by piping the sound of the induction system directly into the passenger compartment.
The revised Cold Air Induction system yields increased power but cuts out a significant portion of the interior sound and the character that customers want to hear. The IST was developed and tuned to recover and enhance that character.
The trick part of the system is that the potential for the aftermarket to develop custom tuning is highly likely, which is good news for Mustang – one of the industry’s most-customized vehicles.
“You still get to experience that distinctive Mustang sound our customers love,” Wayne said. “We just eliminated many of the noises and vibrations you don’t want to hear and feel on the new 2010 Mustang.”
Ford press rn release
New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency
Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet
2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 1, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.
“The 2010 Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford’s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.”
“We’re proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we’ve now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.
“Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang’s leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”
“The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that.”
The 2010 Shelby GT500 builds off the performance gains pioneered on the special edition Shelby GT500KR. Horsepower and torque have been increased, while the ride is more responsive.
More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality
The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car’s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby’s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.
The Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine’s efficiency.
A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.
The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.
A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.
The Shelby’s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.
“You still hear the supercharger but not so that it’s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “It’s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you’re driving something special, but you don’t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.
“We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It’s a nice balance; one isn’t overpowering the other.”
Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT’s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.
Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.
The team also stiffened the steering shaft.
“All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”
The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear’s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.
The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System.
Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.
“We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible,” Baldori said. “We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths.
“The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we’ve increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500.”
Directing the air so it’s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car’s “flush” hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler. SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500’s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.
A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets
The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup. “The design we chose was a ‘flush’ hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” Hameedi said. “That’s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang.”
“This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. “It’s all about power and expressing power.”
Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.
Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi notes. “That’s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition.”
Rounding out the Shelby’s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications. “We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce,” Saridakis said.
The all-new interior of the 2010 Shelby GT500 features genuine leather in all seats, genuine aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats. The racing stripe theme is carried through on the seats.
What’s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500
The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.
Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. “You’ll definitely know you’re in a Shelby,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500.
The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the “GT500” logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.
This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word “SHELBY” engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.
All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.
“When customers drive this car, they’re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they’re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they’ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said.
Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.
Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500
The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:
SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.
Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.
Available options:
Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.
This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
The 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang provides a third roof option forrncustomers and responds to their growing desire for more natural light.rnProduction of large sunroofs has increased nearly 200 percent in NorthrnAmerica since 2003, according to Just-auto. The growth is driven, inrnpart, by consumers' daily commute time. The number of consumers withrncommutes lasting more than 60 minutes grew by almost 50 percent betweenrn1990 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The new glass roof will be available as an option on both the V-6 Mustang and Mustang GT beginning next summer.
Atrn$1,995, the new roof provides customers a less expensive option than arnconvertible, without compromising the coupe's versatility, headroom orrnclimate-controlled environment.
"Mustang is an icon in ourrnproduct lineup, and we are committed to keeping Mustang news freshrnevery year," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, GlobalrnProduct Development. "As the automotive landscape becomes increasinglyrncompetitive, features such as a panoramic glass roof will helprndifferentiate our products from the competition."
Nearly one outrnof every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and it remainsrnthe best-selling convertible. The new glass roof addresses the factrnthat 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment are interested in arnsunroof or moonroof on their next vehicle, according to J.D. Power andrnAssociates research.
Mustang's Glass Roof is made of tintedrnprivacy glass, which reduces both infrared rays and vehicle cool-downrntime by 50 percent. A manual roller blind is built in, allowing ownersrnto further control exposure on sunny days.
The speciallyrnformulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solarrnradiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar lightrntransmittance. To help improve acoustics and Mustang's interiorrnquietness, the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise,rnvibration and harshness.
The glass roof Mustang is built like arncoupe and has been developed to maintain the structural integrity ofrnMustang. The glass itself is safety glass, meaning that it shattersrnwithout sharp or jagged edges, like other automotive glass.
GlassrnRoof Mustangs will be assembled at the Automotive AlliancernInternational plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The unique glass is installedrnat Ford's adjacent vehicle personalization facility.
Like itsrncoupe and convertible counterparts, the Glass Roof Mustang has enduredrna battery of tests measuring quality and craftsmanship.
Duringrnthe development phase, production-level prototypes ran through arnrigorous prove-out, including various water, air leakage, durability,rnsqueak and rattle and vehicle dynamics tests. Top quality drives therndevelopment team - as evidenced by Mustang's first-in-its segmentrnranking in the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates IQS, VDS and APEALrnstudies.
"Quality is a continuous process. The whole team isrnpassionate about it, which results in our paying attention to thernsmallest details," says Paul Randle, chief nameplate engineer. "Ourrnowners have high expectations, and we always want to meet them - withrnstrong features like this new roof option, quality and performance."
Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million inrncash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and researchrnfor 14 years, announces today that it is doubling its contribution tornSusan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a 'Warriors in Pink'rnpackage for the 2009 Ford Mustang.
"Thanks to the tremendousrnresponse from our dealers and customers to the 2008 'Warriors in Pink'rnMustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we'rernhappy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the samerntime," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.
Producedrnin a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Mustang with Warriors in Pinkrnpackage was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. KomenrnFoundation for the Cure. New upgrades for the 2009 package are featuredrnon the Ford display at the New York International Auto Show.
Availablernon the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible models, the Warriorsrnin Pink package includes a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon andrnpony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leatherrnseats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pinkrnstitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrastrnstitching.
Coupes also can be ordered with the all-new glass roofrnoption. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silverrnand Performance White.
Ford Warriors in Pink
Launchedrnin 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength andrncourage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fightingrnbreast cancer.
Ford's goal in 2008 is to donate more than $1rnmillion for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs,rnWarriors in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.
ThernWarriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature importantrnsymbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in therncommitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is availablernon www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated tornKomen for the Cure.
The limited-edition 2009 Ford Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.
Mustangrnis one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time.rnNearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang,rnand the Mustang is also America's best-selling convertible.
2007 Mustang GT "California Special"
Everrnsince Ford announced it was going to build a production version of thernShelby GT500 Concept, enthusiasts have been abuzz with speculationrnabout what other specialty Mustangs were in the works. Would Ford bringrnback the Boss? Could they be contemplating another Mach 1? How aboutrnanother Bullitt? Their wait is now over: While the competitionrnscrambles once again to play catch-up to Ford, Mustang momentumrncontinues to grow with the introduction of the uniquely styled,rnlimited-edition 2007 Mustang GT/CS – or “California Special.”
ThernMustang GT/California Special arrives in late summer as a full,rnstand-alone option package on the 2007 Mustang. Much like the 1968rnGT/CS that offered Mustang buyers more aggressive styling that wasrn“Inspired by the Shelby GT,” the new California Special also draws somerncues from the 2007 Shelby. What’s more, it offers the kind ofrnlimited-production exclusivity that has made the original CaliforniarnSpecial such a big favorite with Mustang collectors over the years.
Thernnew Mustang has been a runaway sales success ever since it bolted outrnof the starting gate 18 months ago. Today, Ford's Mustang remains thernhottest selling car in America. It's no secret that the upcoming ShelbyrnGT500 has driven performance-hungry enthusiasts to Ford dealershipsrnacross the country in search of information on purchasing the mostrnpowerful factory Mustang ever produced. And all indications are thatrnthe GT500 will be yet another Mustang sales success. But the Mustangrnhas always been about choice and meeting the customer's needs – andrnFord Motor Company knows that there are customers who don't require thernultimate performance Mustang, yet still desire something special beyondrnthe Mustang GT. The 2007 California Special fits the bill.
The GT/CS was originally arnlimited-production 1968 Mustang coupe fitted with Shelby Mustangrndress-up pieces and sold only though dealerships in California. It wasrnavailable with any engine, and either with or without the GT option.rnThe 2007 California Special can be ordered as either a coupe orrnconvertible and will be available though Ford dealerships across therncountry.
The 2007 version has an aggressive front fascia withrnan integrated chin spoiler that sits 1.5 inches lower than the MustangrnGT to provide a larger air opening for increased cooling performance.rnFamiliar “California Special” style bodyside racing stripes run fromrnthe front fenders across the doors and fade-out at the end of the door.rn
Out back, a unique rear fascia styled with less “tuck-in”rnfeatures a lower air-diffuser design that is similar to the rear of thern2007 Shelby GT500 – itself inspired by the rear diffuser on the Ford GTrnsupercar. As an added touch, the dual exhaust system on the new MustangrnGT/CS sports bright, rolled tips for a cleaner, more refinedrnappearance. The car will also come standard with the Mustang GT’srnoptional 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires. (Thosernseeking further differentiation can even add a hood scoop by orderingrnthe GT Appearance Package.)
“We’ve taken the spirit behind thernoriginal Cal Special – a regional package that personalized the Mustangrnfor the West Coast buyer – and created a more aggressive, customizedrnMustang for customers everywhere,” said Joe Siler, Design Manager, FordrnVehicle Personalization. “We think the result has all of the high-stylernflair of the original.”
Exclusive touches carry over to therninside of the new California Special, as well. Starting with the arrayrnof bright-polished and satin-aluminum finished items in the InteriorrnUpgrade Package (which is required to order a Mustang GT/CS), the cabinrncomes dressed in either Dove or Parchment environments, including blackrnleather seats with unique Cal Special Dove or Parchment “GT Leather”rninserts. Plus, matching front floormats include special Mustang badgingrnto further distinguish the GT/CS interior.
There’s even morernstyle under the hood of the new California Special: The Mustang GT’srn300-horsepower 3-valve 4.6-liter V-8 gets treated to a unique enginerncover that gives the engine compartment the kind of dressed-up lookrnthat you'd only expect to see at custom car show. (For those who mayrnwish their GT/CS had a little more “go” along with all the extrarn“show,” the Ford Racing Performance Group offers several exciting partsrnpackages to provide some additional kick. One popular choice is thernFord Racing Power Pack, which includes a 90mm Cold Air kit, arnperformance Muffler Kit and the special Ford Racing engine calibrationrn– good for about 20 additional horsepower at the rear wheels. Visitrnwww.fordracingparts.com for details.)
The 2007 Mustang GT/CSrngoes on sale later this summer. The GT Cal Special option package addsrn$1,895 to the price of a Mustang GT (available with either a five-speedrnmanual or automatic transmission) with the requisite Premium andrnInterior Upgrade packages. Exterior color choices are limited tornRedfire Metallic, Performance White, Vista Blue Metallic and Black.rnValencia Yellow is to be added later in the model run. Productionrnestimates have not been finalized, but the 2007 California Special isrnexpected to surpass the sales total of its predecessor of nearly 40rnyears ago, when 4,325 copies of the GT/CS were sold.
Advertisementsrntouting the ‘68 GT/CS exclaimed that “ California made it happen.” Whenrnit comes to Mustangs, Ford Motor Company makes special editionsrn“happen” because of America's ongoing love affair with its favoriternsporty car – Mustang. After the rebirth of the Mustang and Mustang GTrnfor 2005, the Pony Package for 2006, plus the Shelby GT500 and now thernCalifornia Special for 2007, Mustang excitement continues unbridled forrnyet another model year. And if Mustang’s storied past is anyrnindication, you can expect even more special breeds in the future.
NEW LIMITED-EDITION 2007 FORD SHELBY GT500 OFFERS MUSTANG ENTHUSIASTS A CHANCE TO HIT THE REDLINE
Evenrnwith demand for the most muscular Mustang ever - the Ford Shelby GT500rn- at a record high, Ford is cranking up additional interest with a new,rnlimited-edition package that adds unique visual appeal to the ShelbyrnGT500. Enter the "Red Stripe Appearance Package," to be availablernbeginning in May.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerfulrnMustang on the road today and arguably one of the most successfulrnprojects from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in terms ofrnperformance, excitement and, importantly, quality.
In fact,rnearly indicators show the Shelby GT500 is a quality standout. In thernmost recent Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study from RDA Group,rnan independent research company based in Bloomfield Hills, Mi., thernShelby GT500 earned praise as the highest-quality Mustang model, withrnthe fewest "things gone wrong" in the first three months of ownership.
ThernMustang line scores above the segment average in quality, according tornthe GQRS study, and the Shelby GT500 specifically scored the top resultrnin the "sports car" segment.
"The unmatched quality and powerrnof the latest Mustang masterpiece explains why 9 out of 10 owners arerncompletely satisfied with their overall ownership experience," thernApril 2007 RDA Group report concluded.
Thernnew Red Stripe Appearance Package will be available on any new 2007rnShelby GT500 Coupe with either White or Black exterior paint. Includedrnin the special-edition package are Bright Red overbody and bodysidernstripes, a Red and Black leather interior, unique red-accent exteriorrnbadges, including red-tinted Cobra emblems in the grille, fenders, andrnin the faux gas cap on the rear panel. Even the "SHELBY" letters on therndecklid feature red accents.
The Red Stripe Appearance Packagernalso adds unique new premium floor mats with a Red and Silverrnembroidered "Cobra Snake" logo, plus a fitted Shelby GT500-branded carrncover.
The appearance package carries an MSRP of $1,650 andrnwill be available from early May through late June, marking the end ofrnthe 2007 model run.
"The red package is all about exclusivity,"rnsaid Robert Parker, Ford's Car Marketing manager. "Our Mustangrncustomers are eager to buy unique vehicles like the Shelby GT500 andrnwill certainly appreciate the opportunity for something even morernexclusive, made in an even more limited number. These are greatrncustomers and very passionate. I'm glad we can continue to deliver whatrnthey want."
Shelby GT500 is among the Most Successful Performance Mustangs Ever
Enthusiasmrndoesn't begin to describe the ongoing demand for the Ford Shelby GT500.rnIn the hyper-competitive auto market where supply routinely surpassesrndemand, the Shelby GT500 still has a long waiting list of buyers.
ThernShelby GT500 was created by racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford SVTrnand is a modern interpretation of the classic Shelby Mustang of thern1960s. Beneath the hood of every GT500 - including the new Red model -rnis a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine officially rated at 500 hp. Arn6-speed manual gearbox features evenly spaced gears that help provide arnsharp, lively driving experience on both road and track.
Inrnaddition to the engine upgrades, Ford's SVT engineers retuned andrnupgraded key Mustang chassis components. Improvements include revisedrnshocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars that help the FordrnShelby GT500 maneuver with authority.
The GT500's unique designrnfeatures include wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functionalrnair splitter. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to therndramatic front appearance. The carefully tailored hood has heatrnextractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to providernimproved airflow and aerodynamics.
The MSRP of a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 starts at $41,675.
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