German Car Zone

(I would like to see a DBS in this color!)
























An Aging Star Gets a Face-Lift


You barely even notice the styling changes to the 2010 Ford Mustang GT until you see it side by side with last year's car. It's only then that the revised Mustang's shorter grille, smoother fenders and tucked in rear end become obvious.

Look inside and the cabin is the same story. The overall design is familiar, but the details have changed. The materials are richer, the panel fits are tighter and the switchgear feels sturdier.

See it all firsthand and you might be convinced that this is an all-new Mustang, not a mere midcycle face-lift. Well, that is, until you actually drive it.

Bullitt — The Sequel
Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with the 2010 Mustang GT. Ford didn't refine it into a Taurus coupe, or try to make it the first ever PZEV V8 to satisfy Bill Ford's green dreams.

No, Ford pretty much stuck to the script on this one; same 4.6-liter V8 up front, same five-speed transmissions behind it and the same live-axle suspension out back. In fact, virtually all of the dimensions and most of the hardware on the 2010 Ford Mustang GT are identical to the previous car.

The only upgrades aren't really new at all; they've simply been carried over from the Bullitt package for the '09 Mustang with a few refinements along the way. That means a cold air intake under the hood along with a reprogrammed ECU that bumps the redline to 6,250 rpm. That same computer also has two different fuel programs, for regular and premium gas.

Both settings generate the same horsepower, but running premium fattens up the torque curve a bit. Peak numbers are 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, just like the Bullitt.

The carryover parts continue with the suspension, which retains MacPherson struts up front and a three-link solid axle with coil springs out back. The GT's setup uses the same front springs as the Bullitt, but the rear spring rates are up 17 percent. Damping rates are also increased compared to the Bullitt. The standard GT wheels now measure 18 inches like the Bullitt, but they get Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season tires sized 235/50ZR18 at each corner instead of BFGs.


Full Article & Video: Edmunds Inside Line - 2010 Ford Mustang First Drive and Video


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