Fifth Generation Mustang (2005-2014)

2006 Ford Mustang V6
2006 Ford Mustang V6. Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

In 2005, Ford introduced the all-new D2C Mustang platform, thus launching the fifth generation of Mustang. As Ford put it, “The new platform is designed to make the Mustang faster, safer, more agile and better-looking than ever.” The fifth generation Mustang was to be built in the new Flat Rock, Michigan facility.

As for the design (code named S-197), Ford returned to the classic styling cues that made the Mustang popular to begin with. The 2005 Mustang featured C-scoops in the sides, a 6-inch longer wheelbase, and three-element tail lamps. In the performance arena, Ford said goodbye to the 3.6L V-6 and replaced it with a 210-hp 4.0L SOHC V-6 engine. The GT model featured a 300-hp 4.6L 3-valve V-8 engine.

2006 Mustang

In 2006, Ford gave buyers the opportunity of purchasing a V-6 Mustang with GT performance features. The “Pony Package” featured GT-inspired suspension, larger wheels and tires, and a custom grille with fog lamps and Pony emblems.

Also introduced in 2006 was the special-edition Ford Shelby GT-H. Reminiscent of the GT350H "Rent-A-Racer" program during the 1960s, Ford produced 500 GT-H Mustangs, which were all distributed to select Hertz rental car locations across the country.

2007 Mustang

This year marked the release of the GT California Special Package. Available on GT Premium models only, the package features 18-inch wheels, black leather seats embroidered with “Cal Special”, tape stripes, and a large air intake. Also new for 2007 is optional driver and passenger heated seats, a mirror with a compass, and a DVD-based navigation system which was said to be released later in the year.

2007 also marked the release of the Shelby GT and the Shelby GT500. Both vehicles were a collaboration between Mustang legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team. The Shelby GT featured a 4.6L V-8 engine that generated 319 hp, while the GT500 was touted as the most powerful Mustang ever. The GT500 featured a 5.4L supercharged V-8 capable of generating 500 hp.

2008 Mustang

New for 2008, the Ford Mustang featured High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, 18-inch wheels on the V-6 coupe, and an interior ambient lighting system. Ford brought back the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and introduced the Shelby GT500KR Mustang (to mark the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang). The Shelby GT is powered by a 4.6L V-8 engine which is said to generate 319 hp. The Shelby GT500KR features a 5.4L supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack. Ford estimates the vehicle produces around 540 hp. The Shelby GT500 also returned in 2008, featuring a 500 hp Supercharged 5.4-liter four-valve V-8 engine w/intercooler. The Bullitt Mustang was also resurrected, with a limited run of 7,700 units produced.

Also new in 2008 was the limited-edition Warriors in Pink Mustang. The vehicle was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Mustang features Pink racing stripes as well as a pink ribbon & Pony fender badge. The Mustang GT California Special also returned in 2008 on GT Premium models.

2009 Mustang

Special features of the 2009 Mustang include a new glass top roof option as well as special 45th Anniversary badging to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang's launch on April 17th, 1964. Of note, reports state that only 45,000 units will be sold for the model year. Satellite Radio becomes standard on all premium interior models, and Deluxe is no longer used to identify base models.

2010 Mustang

The 2010 Mustang featured a new redesign, although it still rode on the D2C Mustang platform. The car was more powerful, featured a revised interior and exterior, and was available with options such as a backup camera, voice activated navigation, and 19-inch wheels. The 4.6L V8 GT produced 315 hp and 325 lbs.-ft of torque, thanks to incorporation of the "Bullitt" Package from 2008. The V6 engine remained the same.

2011 Mustang:

In 2011, the Ford Mustang featured the return of the 5.0L V8 engine in the GT Model. The car, which was previously powered by a 4.6L V8 engine, came equipped with a 5.0L four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V8 engine nicknamed the “Coyote.” The new engine produced 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque.

The 2011 V6 Mustang was also revised. Designed to deliver more power and better fuel economy, the new V6 Mustang featured a 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve engine boasting an impressive 305 hp and 280 ft.-lb. of torque.

Ford also announced the return of the BOSS 302 Mustang, with the BOSS 302R model.

2012 Mustang:

The 2012 model was relatively unchanged. For the most part, the car is exactly the same as its 2011 counterpart. In addition to a new exterior color option, Lava Red Metallic, and the deletion of Sterling Gray Metallic, Ford offered a few new takes on the previous year's model. For instance, buyers found the universal garage door opener standard on select premium models, sun visors with a storage system became standard equipment, as did illuminated vanity mirrors.

2013 Mustang:

In the 2013 model year, Ford introduced a new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang powered by an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the GT Mustang saw its power increased to 420 horsepower. An optional six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission was made available, and drivers were able to access Ford’s Track Apps system via a 4.2-inch LCD Screen built into the dash.

2014 Mustang:

The 2014 model year Mustang, the last of the generation, featured a few exterior color changes, and a few package updates. There were no interior updates to the car, and there are no functional equipment changes.

In addition, the special-edition Boss 302 Mustang did not return to the company’s lineup. Similar to the classic Boss 302 (1969 and 1970 model years), the car was been limited to a production run of two years.

Generation and Model Year Source: Ford Motor Company

Generations of the Mustang