From Jonathan Lamas,
Your Guide to Mustangs.
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Spy Photo: 2010 Ford Mustang?

Plenty of speculation and hype surrounds the much anticipated mid-cycle enhancement of our beloved Ford Mustang. The fifth generation Mustang launched with the 2005 model year. In all, there have been very few changes since that time; other than the addition of a glass roof top option for the 2009 model. Although there has been much talk in enthusiast circles, there has been no official word from Ford regarding the next Mustang redesign.

All-New Front and Rear Fascia, Headlights, and Grille

In the Fall of 2007 photos of what may potentially be the 2010 Ford Mustang (See Photo) began to appear across the internet. These spy photos show a Mustang, much like the existing model, with a revised front and rear fascia. Other changes include a revised grille, headlamps, and taillights. According to industry sources, the next incarnation of the Mustang will also feature a revamped interior.

A cloaked prototype of what appears to be a Mustang GT was captured by Brenda Priddy & Company in December of 2007. It’s clear to see the exterior of the vehicle differs somewhat from the existing Mustang.

New Engine Options Including an EcoBoost V6 Engine and 5.0L

The recent Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which was signed into action by President Bush in December, could likely impact what Ford puts under the hood. The act calls for a new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 35 MPG by the year 2020. In essence, this means that automotive manufacturers here in the United States, Ford included, will have to achieve a 35 MPG average across all the vehicles in their fleet. The current 2008 GT averages between 15 city and 23 highway miles per gallon.

In a January 2008 Motor Trend article by Matt Stone and Mike Connor, the magazine hints at the possibility of new engine options for the 2010 Mustang. According to Future Shock: 2010 Ford Mustang, Ford is working on a plan to add the new twin turbo EcoBoost V6 engine into the 2010 Mustang. The reason behind such a move could be due to the 2007 CAFE law ruling. The engine is set to debut in an upcoming performance version of the Ford Fusion. Now get this. Depending on the specifications of the new Mustang's design, the EcoBoost V6 could produce between 340-415 hp with torque that matches the existing V8 Mustang. So what about the existing 4.0L and 4.6L engines? Well, the article notes that Ford would most likely keep the 4.0L engine in its lineup, unchanged. Better yet, a 5.0L engine is expected to return in place of the existing 4.6L engine. In all, three engine options would exist for the basic Mustang lineup:

• 2010 Mustang w/4.0L V6 Engine
  
• 2010 Mustang w/twin turbo EcoBoost V6 Engine
  
• 2010 Mustang w/5.0L V8 Engine
  

Best of all, the article says that Ford will continue to offer the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang. The car was originally set for a two or three year run. This means we should see a 2009 and 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustang on the horizon.

In all, industry insiders predict the 2010 Mustang will receive a highly anticipated face lift, inside and out. Production of the 2010 model should begin in early 2009, with new models arriving at dealerships in the Fall of 2009.