The 2010 Ford Mustang is quicker and more refined than the model it replaces, and it has also been upgraded in ways you can't see or feel – unless you're in an accident. The new 'Stang has received a five-star rating for front and side collisions by National Highway Traffic Safety Association, as well as five-stars for roll-over performance. The Blue Oval says that these top scores adds to the company's industry leading amount of five-star rated vehicles.
Ford achieved the top U.S. government top safety scores in part because of the new Mustang's stiffer chassis. The 2010 model's body structure is 31% stiffer than the 2009 model, and Ford engineers augmented the more rigid platform with improved high strength sheetmetal to protect occupants in a side impact.
Hit the jump to check out the Ford press release and watch two videos of the 2010 Ford Mustang being crash tested.
%Video-499%
%Video-500%
PRESS RELEASE:
* The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government's top 5-star safety ratings, which includes
5-stars for driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance
* Ford has more U.S. government 5-star ratings than any other automotive brand
* Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with nearly a 40 percent share of the
segment in April; May sales ahead of projections
CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:
The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government's top 5-star crash-test rating, adding to widespread acclaim for the new car's unmistakable design and upgraded performance that builds on the formula that's made it America's favorite pony car for 45 years. Ford has more U.S. government 5-star-rated vehicles than any other brand and more Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.
DETAILS:
The new Mustang uses high strength steel in its body structure and uses ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection.
The Mustang's considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible's driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.
The front structure's crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang's front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to help protect occupants.
State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System™ – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.
Sales Leader
Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue