2010 Ford Mustang: Classic Ponycar Gets Challenged Again

Posted on August 20, 2008

The Ford Mustang, a staple in the Ford line-up for years, is about to get a fresh look and maybe even a V8 engine in an effort to challenge the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro release and Dodge's Challenger. This is a classic ponycar race that has been going on for the better part of fifty years and no matter who has the better priced vehicle for the product they sell, consumers have always loved - and always will love - all three.

While Ford doesn't have the finances to do a complete remodel of the Mustang until 2012 or 2013, it is going to be getting new sheet metal ahead of the windshield and in the back. The company is planning on putting a 5.7 liter 'Boss' V8 engine in the design and the chassis and interior are looking at being upgraded. Unfortunately, while Ford has announced there will be a 'newer' Mustang in 2010, some of the planned changes may simply not make it at all or be delayed until the later year models.

Supposedly rumor has it that the new 2010 Mustang could have a 'power dome' hood that will support the 'Boss' V8 engine, complete with air scoops on the outboard edge. The parking lamps will be moved off of the bumper and deeper into the lower fascia of the car and the grille will be the traditional wide-mouth one used in Mustangs for decades but without the three cross bars that is standard on other cars. The question here, however, is which model these rumors are going to fit. Based on this information alone, some industry pundits are suggesting that Ford may be looking at releasing a new Mustang Shelby model as well.

Because the only possible change in the 2010 Mustang is the engine size, it's important to note that the V8 will keep the new car in the running with the Camaro and Challenger. The new Camaro will have a 6.0 liter Corvette V8 engine in it running at least 400 horsepower while the Challenger is currently running a 6.1 liter Hemi V8 with around 425 horsepower. The current Shelby engine in the Mustangs is the most powerful Ford offers at 540 horsepower, but all three companies may find themselves holding back on the power if gas prices continue to remain high. If they don't, car lots are going to have a lot of pretty metal going to waste on them.

The V6 Mustangs will also see an engine swap if Ford decides to go through with making any changes for the 2010 models. The company is currently considering the 3.7 liter version of their new all aluminum 3.5 liter V6. This new version is supposed to make its first appearance in the Lincoln MKS Sedan and if it does well, the V6 Mustang may run at 300 horsepower with the new engine inside.

Currently, consumer analysts are estimating about a 10% increase in price over the 2008 models, only because Ford isn't really going to be offering consumers anything too new in the 2010 version.