Wow! Finally we have some nice pictures direct from Ford of the newly redesigned Ford Mustang for 2010 (available in early 2009). Given that the new Chevy Camaro is due out next year, the Dodge Charger already nipping at it’s hooves, and the overall downward trend in auto sales worldwide (thanks to the global economy), this new Mustang may be just what the Doctor ordered!

I may be imagining some Challenger influences (especially in the front fenders in the above picture), but this pony still pays homage to it’s muscle car heritage.

But with options like 19″ wheels, voice activated navigation, and even a back up camera, this Mustang is definitely 21st century muscle car!

Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer said in a press release,

“The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement. We’ve designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years.”

The new Mustang will be offered in the following Model levels:

• V-6 Base: Coupe (P8A), Convertible (P8E)
• V-6 Premium: Coupe (P8A), Convertible (P8E)
• V-8 GT: Coupe (P8C), Convertible (P8F)
• V-8 GT Premium: Coupe (P8C),Convertible (P8F)

The V6 will be the 4.0 liter, and the 4.6 liter will go into the GT variations. You can be sure that more (and even more powerful) variations will become available. Speaking of power, Ford has tweaked the 4.6L powerplant with cold air induction, increasing it’s stock, off-the-showroom-floor horsepower to 315hp. V6 owners will still have to purchase their cold air induction kits from aftermarket manufacturers, like Brother’s Performance (forgive the self promotion!). Also a slightly larger diameter exhaust on both models should help airflow and overall performance, increasing from 3″ to 3.5″.

There will of course be traction and ride control enhancements in the new Mustangs as well. As with many modern day sports cars, traction control will be an “push on push off” so that the driver can decide how much power and handling they want within their control. Additionally, these traction control options will be available:

GT Track Package I (manual only)

• Performance front brake pads
• 3.73 axle ratio
• Recalibrated AdvanceTrac®

GT Track Package II (manual only, late availability)

• Performance front/rear brake pads
• GT500 Sta-Bars and rear lower control arms
• Retuned struts and shocks
• 19-inch Pirelli Summer tires
• 3.73 axle ratio with carbon plates in the differential
• Recalibrated AdvanceTrac®, traction control and anti-lock brakes

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I found a really exciting prototype show car while traipsing around SEMA in Las Vegas today. Seems that Galpin Auto Sports of Van Nuys took a Ford Mustang GT convertible and went COMPLETELY NUTS on it. Sure, it started out as a 2008 Mustang GT, but it is completely unrecognizable now! Hand made composite body, voice command controled, even DUAL retractible steering wheels (left and right side drive, thanks to drive-by-wire technology)!!!

In the deep, 3 layer, candy purple paint, it looks like something the Joker might drive… if he could handle the 1000 horsepower twin supercharged power!

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Of course, it sits so low to ground here, at a height that it would be impractical on most any road or track, but thanks to air ride technologies’ suspension system, the computer constantly gauges the road for the optimum ride height and firmness of the ride itself. and still, it “cuts” quite a shape… and those headlights!

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Here’s a nice big picture for ya:

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DEARBORN, Mich, Nov. 4, 2008 – With the addition of the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang, Ford Racing will have once again expanded its current stable of race-ready Mustang race cars.

This time, however, the Mustang is designed for drag racing.

The Mustang FR500CJ, known simply as the Cobra Jet, will be officially unveiled Nov. 4 at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It joins its road racing brethren: the Mustang FR500S, the Mustang FR500C and the Mustang FR500GT.

“The Cobra Jet is the newest offspring of the Ford Racing lineup of race cars,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “We started with the FR500C in 2005 and then followed by the FR500S in 2007. (more…)