Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Ford
Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang mule
Los Jalopniks just posted a pic of what is believed to be a 2010 Mustang test mule. Captured by one of Brenda Priddy's spy photographers, we think it's one of the first shot of the revised 2010 Ford Mustang. It's practically impossible to see any differences because the camo makes it look like Ford has turned the hood into a pillow-top, but we expect some aggressive tweaks to keep the Mustang fresh as it faces new competition in the form of the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Of course, this is the Mid-Cycle Enhancement, not the all-new Mustang that will appear a few years later. Nevertheless, along with the its new face, the '10 Mustang should also get new engines, which hopefully includes the BOSS 5.7L V8 it will share with the F-150.Click over to see the high-res photo and additional notes on the mule from Priddy.
[Source: Jalopnik]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Steve 12:08PM (8/07/2007)
Unless they clean up the interior and ditch the solid rear-axle it’s not going to help sagging Mustang sales. Which will get worse once all the new competition comes out with their new models in the next 1-2 years.
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biggins 12:17PM (8/07/2007)
you're completely right, they need to ditch the live-axle and get a new, up-to-date suspension (and i dont mean leaf springs, mr. corvette).
if they really want to awe the market, they need more efficient engines. it amazes me how big american engines are, yet they dont get near as much power and performance as german or italian engines. granted, american engines usually make more torque because of larger displacement, but they still arent efficient.
Ford needs to invest further in their R&D as far as their powertrains go. that, my friends, should be a huge part of saving the company.
MikeW 12:48PM (8/07/2007)
If the Rx-8 can have a four wheel control arm/multi-link suspension, what is with the front strut/solid axle? $ is the answer.
There is nothing wrong with the vette. It is a transverse plastic mono-leaf with independent suspension. A solid axle located by longitudinal metal multileaf is complete garbage. (the mustang has been there, done that)
Where is the ZF 6 speed automatic(s)?
6 speed stick too.
Where is the 3.5 or 3.7V6?
Where are the real headlights? Dual beams suck, it doesn't matter if they are H13s.
Fog lights go as close to the ground as possible.
Matt 1:32PM (8/07/2007)
I almost swapped my 07 G6 GT for a Mustang... until I learned their engine somehow got FIVE MPG less than the G6. Funny, the G6's 3.5l and the Mustang's 4.0l are THAT big of a difference in gas consumption somehow. Ridiculous.
British_Rover 1:50PM (8/07/2007)
Which transmission do you have in the G6?
I just looked up the various MPG ratings on www.fueleconomy.gov.
Remember the EPA changed how the measure gas mileage for 2008 vehicles. Using the 2008 ratings the v6 mustang with a manual transmission gets 17/26 for a combined 20 mpg. The auto v6 Mustange gets 16/24 for a combined 19 mpg. The G6 with the 3.5 liter engine gets 18/26 or 18/28 depending on the transmission. Either transmission gets you a combined 21 mpg. I think you got confused and are comparing the 2007 EPA ratings of your G6 to the 2008 Ratings of the Mustang.
Mike G 12:09PM (8/07/2007)
The Mustang doesn't need a styling tweak, it's the only car Ford makes that sells on its looks.
The Mustang needs a new engine lineup. Either a turbo 4 (they could call it the "Tuner" spec) or a healthy V6. And cutting some weight by using aluminum engine blocks, less heavy insulation and/or thinner body parts would help handling. Tweak the steering a little.
That's what the Mustang needs. Not "headlight and front fascia changes" that no one could give a rat's a about.
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Brill 1:00PM (8/07/2007)
the 4.6L V8 is alum, dont know about the V6
Don 1:19PM (8/07/2007)
A 4-cylinder for the Mustang?
Apparently you're not a history buff.
hokiebird 2:41PM (8/07/2007)
There was a Turbo 4 Cylinder Mustang GT in the 80s.
But what do I know... I'm no history buff.
Mike G 1:44PM (8/07/2007)
And apparently you're living in the past!
Look at the all the coupes that people younger than 40 buy today. Scion tC, Subaru WRX, Mitsu Evo, Civic Si, Acura TSX.
With today's traffic, and high gas/insurance costs, it's all about handling and enjoying driving at lower speeds these days, not the rarely used brute force and painful 13 mpg of your dinosaur muscle cars.
A turbo 4 "Tuner" Mustang would open up the model to a whole new younger audience.
Of the 22 late model Mustangs for sale in my Carmax region, 17 were V8s - 75% - because dealers are having a hard time selling them. People want lighter more efficient cars that are fun to drive. Handling over horsepower.
So Don, I don't care what happened in the 60's, it's a different market now!
jgp 6:25PM (8/07/2007)
Don,
I take it you don't remember the Mustang SVO?
It had an awesome turbo-4. Unfortunately, its potential was wasted on the Mustang, with its crappy handling. The same engine was used in the Merkur XR4Ti, where it was put to much better use, as the XR had modern suspension and handling, and put the Mustang to shame in every respect.
Ford needs the next Mustang to be more like the XR4Ti.
Dingo 12:25PM (8/07/2007)
What they need to do is get someone who's actually competent in suspension tuning and get rid of that worthless solid rear axel and replace it with an independent rear. This is part of the reason why the car still rides like garbage, is too twitchy on uneven pavement(then imagine that combined with rain), and feels more stiffly sprung and harsh than dedicated sports cars like the 350 Z. This car really needs to be rethought. I mean if they can put an independent rear on the Exploder I think the Mustang deserves one finally. And for those who like the solid rear for the drag strip, a lot of independents are stronger than solids. Besides, if you're putting any MAJOR power down the rear end is getting swapped anyway. I say go independent to better suit what the car will serve 90% of it's sails life doing... Daily Driver Duty!!!
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TriShield 12:33PM (8/07/2007)
The Mustang is in need of a refresh as it hasn't changed much in the past few years. The new Challenger and Camaro are right around the corner and will threaten it's dominance of the affordable coupe segment.
The rumor is the interior will be redone and the materials will be a bit nicer. The styling will also be tweaked to reflect the Giguaro concept they rolled out.
The Mustang will be completely redesigned after 2010 and use the Ford Falcon's structure as a basis. It may even be engineered by Ford Australia much like Holden doing all the work on the new Camaro.
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That One Person 4:55PM (8/07/2007)
You do realize that the current Mustang came out in 05 right?
Anyways, whoever commented on the Vette's leaf springs obviously knows nothing about them. And MikeW...they are fiberglass. I have a similar setup on my Regal.
And Biggins...ever wonder why the enginese in these vehicles may not produce as much power as an Audi or Ferrari? I bet it has to do with cost. Usually when you up the power on a non blown or turbo'd engine, the amount of tech put into the engine usually makes it expensive. Look up the costs on, let's say, a Ferrari F430's V-8. I bet it ain't cheap. Usually just upping the displacement is an easier (and cheaper) way to get power (ie Corvette LSx) or just supercharging it (ie Ford GT500). I am sure if Ford wanted to, they could get 400-450 hp out of the 4.6L without having to revert to forced induction.
ANYWAYS, I am hoping IRS pops up in this car. I doubt it will. The live rear axle, while choppy, is actually a decent setup. The Mustang GT has proven many times that it can easily hang with the 350Zs. And the interior needs some work. Heck, keep the same design but use better materials.
As for a turbo 4. With the weight of this car, I doubt it would be any easier on gas. It's a hefty car. Also, the 4.0L V-6 and S/C 5.4L both have cast iron blocks.
Light Speed 2:23AM (8/20/2007)
rofl trishield with his stupidity again. The current mustang came out in 05 moron, why would they need to refresh after only 2 years.
next, no guigiaro has nothing to do with the next on, even guigiaro said it himself.
last, keep running 16's with your gto, rofl.
andy 12:35PM (8/07/2007)
I think they should bring back the Mustang LX. Take the current Mustang V6. Do nothing to it besides swap the V6 out for a 4.6 or 5.0 litre V8. And whetever else they did with the previous ones like fatter rear tires. I don't know of you would have to upgrade the rear end to handle the HP but if so then do that to. But keep it basic, just performance upgrade. Not to mention LX looks better on your insurance then GT
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naggs 12:39PM (8/07/2007)
sagging sales...
sure they are not as good as the first 6 months when you could not find a manual GT for less than 35k but the car is still selling fine.
as for all the numnutts bitching about the rear axel, as if you would be in the market even if ford put wishbones all around...
and those bitching about how big american engines are... compare the actual size and weight of a suposedly big american engine to an equlivant european engine. and this generation mustang has come with an aluminum block and heads since day one...
so far nothing but a bunch of ignorant haters telling ford that a product they would never buy needs to be changed.
my biggest wish for the new mustang is that it move away from ohc to the superior ohv design. a 350 ci ohc is going to be HUGE, put that cam back in the block where it belongs.
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British_Rover 12:44PM (8/07/2007)
You had me up to the OHV comment. Why would ford spend millions of dollars developing some nice OHC V8s, better OHC v8s then any of the other domestics have, only to go back to a in block came design 10 years later?
Errr
If they were stupid they would do that so maybe you are onto something maybe they will do that.
biggins 12:53PM (8/07/2007)
um, i'd bet almost everyone posting a comment on this page would buy a mustang. i know i would.
the reason people are bitching is because we want the mustang to be BETTER! that's when something can handle better, go faster, and look nicer than it did before.
i dont think anyone said "hey, look, the mustang is a piece of crap." no, dude, i want it to kick the arse off of Chevy and Dodge. it's critizism, to make it BETTER.
naggs 1:58PM (8/07/2007)
the ohv design has a lower center of gravity, less weight, fewer moving parts and is easier to work on. its not any less efficient or any less powerful but it its much smaller.
the only reason to go to ohv is if your going for over 7k rpm which i dont see happening anytime soon for a mass production ford v8.
basically it will make the car handel better and weigh less, thats why ford should do it.