The year 2009 was full of many memorable Mustang moments. From the launch of a redesigned Mustang, to the 45th Anniversary Celebration in April, this year had much to offer. Read along as we take a look back at the Ford Mustang in 2009.
10. Steve Saleen Launches SMS Mustang
Photo Courtesy of SMS Supercars
Steve Saleen, the founder and former figurehead behind Saleen, Inc., returned to making customized Mustangs in 2009. His new company, SMS Supercars, created the SMS 460 Mustang. He also launched a line of accessories called SMS Superparts.
9. Land Speed Record Set in E-85 Mustang
Photo Courtesy of Hajek Motorsports
In October 2009 Hajek Motorsports set a new land speed record, 255.764 mph, in an E-85 powered Ford Mustang. The car was piloted by Danny Thompson, son of Legendary Mickey Thompson.
8. The "BOSS" Returns
Photo Courtesy of Ford Racing
In December of 2009, Ford Racing announced the highly anticipated return of the BOSS Mustang. The new car, named the BOSS 302R, will be available as a serialized off-road-only vehicle, limited in number to a total of 50 units.
7. Mustang Joins NASCAR
Photo Courtesy of Ford Racing
In July of 2009 Ford announced that the Mustang, the company's iconic pony car that has raced for all 45 years of its existence, would compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in July 2010, when a limited rollout of NASCAR’s new car begins at Daytona International Speedway. The car will be driven by driver Colin Braun.
6. Iacocca Gets His Own Ford Mustang
Photo by Jonathan P. Lamas
On June 22, 2009 it was announced that a special 45th anniversary edition of the Ford Mustang would be dedicated to Mustang legend Lee Iacocca. With a starting price of $89,950, the 2009 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Mustang will be limited to 45 units and will be sold exclusively through Galpin Ford in North Hills, Calif.
5. Shelby American Returns
Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
In December, Carroll Shelby announced he is changing the name of his company, Shelby Automobiles, back to Shelby American. Shelby said, "Enthusiasts have asked us many times to bring back the Shelby American name over the past several years. Though I'm proud of the cars that we built as Shelby Automobiles, we're fulfilling that wish for fans worldwide.”
4. A 305 Horsepower V6 Mustang
Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
In an effort to boost sales and complete with its competition, Ford announced it will produce a 2011 V6 Ford Mustang that can achieve 305 hp and 280 ft.-lb. of torque thanks to a 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve engine. The car will also come equipped with a dual exhaust, a new six-speed transmission, Standard integrated spotter mirrors, MyKey programmable vehicle key, and Universal Garage Door Opener.
3. Major Mustang Redesign
Photo by Jonathan P. Lamas
In 2009, new 2010 model year Mustangs began appearing at dealerships across the country. The car, which was redesigned inside and out, featured a more powerful GT engine (315 hp), in addition to goodies such as a backup camera, voice activated navigation, and 19-inch wheels.
2. Return of the 5.0
Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
For many years there had been rumors of a new 5.0L Ford Mustang. Ford Motor Co. put those rumors to rest in 2009 when they revealed their engine lineup for the 2011 Mustang GT. The car, which was previously powered by a 4.6L V8 engine, will now come equipped with a 5.0L four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V8 engine nicknamed the “Coyote.”
1. Mustang Celebrates 45 Years
Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
On April 16th through April 19th, Mustang enthusiasts from across the world converged upon Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Ala. to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. It’s estimated the event, which was presented by the Mustang Club of America, attracted more than 38,000 spectators and more than 2,000 Mustang show cars spanning all five Mustang generations.
