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Sneak Peek at 2010 Ford Mustang
By All Ford Mustangs News Desk
Feb 6, 2008, 2008-02-06

Guess what famous celebrity was recently photographed despite her protector's attempts to keep her under wraps?  Brittney Spears? Julia Roberts?  Probably. But we're talking about the new, 2010 Ford Mustang—photographed by the folks at Priddy & Co.



This was no minor feat.  Ford has done its best to keep its flagship pony car under wraps, and only a few leaked photos have gotten out.  Priddy, however, managed to get several good quality shots to pique the interests of Mustang lovers everywhere.  Here's the skinny: While it looks similar to the current S197design of the Ford Mustang, there are a few interesting twists. It appears the 2010 model will offer something for fans who have been crying for both exterior and interior modifications. But the big news, of course, is the engine.

First, as has long been rumored, the new 'Stang appears to come equippd with the EcoBoost V6.  You'll remember that recent legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Bush calls for a new standard of 35 miles per gallon to be required on all automakers models by 2020.  That seems to be the motivator behind the EcoBoost V6, which is far more gas-friendly than previous models. For those who care about the fact that gas seems to be forever in the $3.00 and above zone, this is a change that matters. Still, for some, it will be the end of an era when the Mustang moves away from the V8 engine to the V6.

For the aforementioned fans of the traditional Mustang, there might be some fear that the EcoBoost engine will make the 2010 Mustang look—well, odd.  Fortunately, shots of the new Ford Fusion help to allay these fears.  The Fusion looks perfectly fine with the new engine. Remember that today's S197 Mustang has a 4.0 liter OHV V6, and so there's not that big of a difference. The one modification with the EcoBoost is its ability to deliver 415 hp.

Also, there is one rumor that the V8 will not be totally phased out in favor of the EcoBoost. Accoding to these rumors, the V8 will continue to be an option for buyers to select.
 
So based on recent design modifications, based on these newly released “spy” shots of the 2010 Mustang, and based on reliable rumors, this appears to be where we're headed with the Mustang line: a coupe design that offers a glass roof, two engines (the traditional V8 or the new EcoBoost V6) from which to choose.  It also appears there will be some style accents that have sprung from the Italian Giugiaro Mustang.  In particular, it will feature brand spanking new front and rear fascias—which means new headlights, grill, tallights, and so on. The Priddy photos also show a newly designed steering wheel, which has fueled speculation about what other changes, not clear from the pictures, might be in the 2010 model.  Mnay fans are hoping for easier to read guages.

So take a peek at the photos as they continue to leak out over the next several months. And dream.  Maybe the next generation Mustang could become the fulfillment of those dreams.