Ford has been teasing us silly in the past few days. First it was the slew of “accidental” spy photos taken of the carefully orchestrated variety of 2010 Mustangs and 2010 Ford Shelby GT-500 models paraded around Dearborn. We say carefully, because the camouflage was removed to make sure we could all see the Le Mans strips on the Shelby. After all, we want people to know what they aren’t supposed to be seeing right?
So today Ford drops some really nice detail photos of the 2010 Mustang that shows where some of the distinctive styling elements have evolved. The new car is of course a mild re-skin of the current 2005-2009 Mustang, but every square inch of the car is changed.
What we see in today’s examples are a higher attention to details like the jeweled headlights, the mild kick up at the side door and rear quarter, signs of a dramatically improved interior scape, and some fine sculpting of things like emblems and wheels. What it appears Ford has been doing to the Mustang in the past few years is raising the bar, answering some of the criticisms of cheap looking "plain Jane-isms".
The car will still be the S-197 Mustang we have all loved, but the teenager’s body is growing into an adult. The GT-500 models we saw this week have grown more muscular. The GT has grown a mustache, and V6 models don’t look so basic.
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
It all begins at the grille. Mustang chief designer Douglas Gaffka explains that this week’s reveal image provides not just a glimpse of the upcoming pony car, but it hints at the design philosophy behind the 2010 Mustang.
“The new Mustang will be a distinct presence on the road,” said Gaffka. “Everything flows from the shark-nose front; it sets up the direction and tension of all the surfaces. It’s even more aggressive than before- it’s a modern interpretation of the strong Mustang lineage.”
Senior designer Robert Gelardi echoes, “Every element on this car, including the leading edge, is a cohesive, connected part of this new chapter in Mustang DNA. Both the exterior and interior are modern and dynamic, yet you’ll recognize the Mustang’s strong bloodline.”
Strong, dynamic lines and sinuous sculptural wheel arches give the impression that the 2010 Mustang is ready to strike. “The sheetmetal is taut and strong, like an Olympic runner ready to take off,” added exterior design manager George Saridakis. “The resulting shapes communicate movement and energy.”
But the overall shape is only part of the next chapter in the Mustang story. Every detail, no matter how small, was executed with world-class design and craftsmanship. “Both the interior and exterior are full of precise, jeweled details,” says design manager Gary Morales. “Whether it’s the headlamps, badging and wheels outside, or the gauges, steering wheel and air registers inside, you’ll see the care and quality that went into the design,” adds Gelardi.
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
Those are the best pics of the interior I've seen yet, and it looks great! Looks like those shots are from a base GT, or a V6. Take a look at the steering wheel compared to the new press photos. Love the center stack, and guages. Fit and finish appears to be good, but we'll see how it carries into production. Can't wait for the full unveil, and to actually have one on my lot, though! All we need now are some drivetrain details.
__________________
13.88@100.5 mph
Full exhaust
Stock motor (not for long...)
3.73 gears
Intake
Full suspension
More to come...
.........All we need now are some drivetrain details.
Indeed
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
Just noticed a difference in the steering wheel of the Ford released pictures and what look to be "spy" shots of the interior....anyone have any idea why the pushbuttons are different? The high def images shows 4 buttons on the left...the KGP shots show 2...
Different trim maybe, or one was just an older image?
Just noticed a difference in the steering wheel of the Ford released pictures and what look to be "spy" shots of the interior....anyone have any idea why the pushbuttons are different? The high def images shows 4 buttons on the left...the KGP shots show 2...
Different trim maybe, or one was just an older image?
Either way, both are sweet sets
I suspect the nice steering wheel is part of the upper end trim package, and the interior spy photos are of a base model. Time will tell
One good thing is that the way they have done the new dash top and front, it appears that it will be easier for one to cover it in leather. This is because they have moved the side defroster vents to the doors and split the console into multiple parts. It looks like it can now be done with minimal cut and sew. Perhaps an option might be afoot?
The disappointing thing I see in these early interior photos is the noticeable difference in shade/sheen from the left & center instrument panel and the right airbag cover. While it looks like a lot of strides have been made in the look of quality, it casts a shadow to see that.
Also with Ford's new "poke through" radio & HVAC control center, audiophiles are going to have a tougher time doing a good looking installation of high end head units. Somebody will surely do a kit, or perhaps one can use the Ford trim part that goes with the NAV system option.
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
Here is the latest greatest from Ford. The interior of the more upscale Mustang has contrasting trim across the face. The design is still reminiscent of the '78-68 dash if not more so, with the console face design and the square vents above. It appears to be clean, unfettered and event shall I say better in fit & finish.
Best yet, the door panel has had a rework, moving the speakers up higher and eliminating the cheap looking speaker grill of the 2005-2009 models. It also appears to be more sculpted in its design. Can we hope for a useable map pocket?
Ford Says:
In keeping with the more dynamic and aggressive exterior, the 2010 Mustang’s all-new interior is an equally powerful design with world-class craftsmanship and materials. “The double-brow design is a critical part of Mustang interior DNA,” says Robert Gelardi, senior designer. “But it’s been modernized and integrated into a one-piece, dramatically sculptured instrument panel, executed with the highest levels of fit and finish.”
“Hard-plastic instrument panels are a thing of the past,” adds Gary Morales, design manager. “The 2010 Mustang instrument panel is exquisitely crafted in soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin, fully encompassing genuine aluminum trim. Every line, proportion and surface has been carefully optimized to create an exciting cohesive driving environment.”
“The Mustang is about honest, real American muscle,” says Jennifer Atanasovski, color and materials designer. “Therefore, silver paint was not acceptable - real aluminum with the soft IP and high quality leather was essential.”
“Today’s photo really shows the shape and sculpture we put in the design,” says Gelardi. “The engine and transmission are the heart of the Mustang, so all the lines expand outward from this central nucleus of power: Notice the dramatic sweep of the aluminum panels, and how the exhaust-inspired air registers and fully circular gauges appear drilled into and precisely inset into the metal,” he says.
“The world-class fit and finish, strong yet modern connection to Mustang heritage, and upgraded materials make this a standout interior,” says chief designer Douglas Gaffka.
“We went down to the quarter and tenth of a millimeter to make sure everything was precisely executed,” said Gelardi. “That is the difference between ‘good enough’ and exceptional.”
__________________
There are reasons for things. Sometimes we don't know why, or by whom those reasons are. But there are reasons for things. There are no things without reason.
Hmm, I still need to see more before I can really decide. Right now, it's not really smokin' my shorts. I especially do not care for the center dash/console area, the square vents seem out of place with everything else being round. JMO...
Just noticed the lack of an armrest... I'm wondering what that small chrome piece is in it's place. Maybe a folding armrest? That way it's there if you want it, and gone if you don't. I'm still really curious about those buttons next to the shifter. It doesn't look like the ambient lighting switch, plus there are two of them. Maybe adjustable pedals, or maybe something much cooler. Anybody have any ideas?
__________________
13.88@100.5 mph
Full exhaust
Stock motor (not for long...)
3.73 gears
Intake
Full suspension
More to come...
Indeed
I especially do not care for the center dash/console area, the square vents seem out of place with everything else being round. JMO...
Linear Mode
