The real question is what color the stripes will be on the first special edition. And how much of a premium you'll pay for said stripes...

Hey, ITS NOT ANOTHER VARIANT!!!

Though, hard to tell, IRS, or solid axle? Looks like bits of a solid axle hanging down...

Depends/Shelby Diaper GT-BM

Crap, now i know what the taillights will look like!

The mystery is gone.

Will Ford even exist in 2010?

I think all that camouflage is just to protect the car from the road salt.

Umm like don't you know that's just like a normal mustang and the owner has ...umm... gotten some special protective padding to protect his car, I don't think it's a new model, more like... just someone really concerned about scratching his mustang. But you know those will like trap water so that won't be too good...

@TexanIdiot25: Honestly, with Ford's ongoing business struggle to just survive, a lot of planned updates for the Mustang have probably been shelved. On the other hand, the Mustang has enjoyed good sales because of a captive audience
("I'm gonna get a Mustang!"
"Don't you think the live rear axle is primitive and crude?"
"Live what now?")
but with intro of the Camaro and to a lesser extent the Challenger and Genesis coupe they may feel the pressure to put some actual quality into the car.

It will be interesting to see where the styling goes since this current generation is so retro. I have a feeling they're gonna stick to the '68 look until they change it 100% into something else.

I just wish they'd shave off some of the butt - some serious overhang in the rear.

Wait...spy photo articles are now sponsored by Subaru???

You know, it'd be a lot easier to try and make out some of the front details under the camouflage WITHOUT ALL THE DAMN WATERMARKS ON THE IMAGES!

@FightingChance:
Heh, some of the people I know who like the current Mustang the most are my female friends who don't know anything about it other than that it's exterior looks nice.

These are of course, the same people who thought that the 01-03 Mustang GT (with an automatic transmission no less) was a "really fast car"
*sigh*

Mustang owners are much worse than Beemer owners. They have the same smurge smiles and the same "I am better than you" attitude without any sort of reason. The Beemer owner has a good car while the Mustang owner just don't get it..."sigh" And they go "I've imported it from the US, this SE is the only one in Sweden" ....but why?? Import a car for a private owner to Sweden is expensive, and you end up with a car that is crap, worth nothing, and you are a laughing stock. With the money you have spend on your little gadget you could have ended up with a real descent sportscar or a gran tourismo...YOU COULD HAVE THE MASERATI GT!!!!

I don' want another big and ugly car on the market...make them go away! Let there be a God...

Do something or I start worship Satan....

I thought this car was getting a folding hardtop.

@TexanIdiot25: Oh yes it is another variant! It's the concept for the BUILT FORD TOUGH Leather Jacket like this one >>> [cgi.ebay.com] . This special Edition will be covered top to bottom in leather hides!
Free jacket with every purchase.

So Priddy's crew is now using Photoshop to blur out the background in photos. No way that is real bokeh in that photo.

Ford's going to have competition on its hands before it knows it, so it better be ready.

If you don't like it, that why don't you build a car that size with a 300+ horsepower V8 and price it under $40 grand?

@scotte: Thanks, but I'll just have Dodge do it for me.

@cgarison: Props on bokeh, from the Japanese, "crazy in the eyes". Loose translation.

try 300+ for under 30k...

And Ford isn't about to let their star vehicle and biggest CAR money maker languish. They've done it in the past but Mulally ain't no dummy. This car will be a significant update but the all new one comes out a few years later...

@JanTheMan:

A car's crap because it's imported? You don't really make any sense in your rambling.

Oh, and I'm sure a Maserati driver wouldn't feel they're "better than you" as that seems to be your biggest concern.

w00t, thats definetely a solid axle in the back.

I truly hope the Mustang keeps it forever. You may call it "crude" but on what basis? The current Mustang handles great and you know the rear end will take the beating youre going to give it.

It also helps Ford give you one of the best performance to dollar ratios around.

We are dealing with several problems, not just with the Mustang, but with most cars.

Most people that buy mustangs and other cars buy for looks they like compared to the other turds in their price range. They like the image of an SUV, or the reputation of a Harley, or the sportiness of a Mustang.
-Americans are vain.

Buyers want a car that recaptures the feelings of "the good ole days", but a clutch is extra work, and tactile steering is a nusaince when talking on the phone and eating cheeseburgers.
-Americans are lazy.

The fact that the car has put on an extra 30% or so weight doesn't matter because most Americans hate having to steer when they drive, so who cares about handling. Plus, the added weight and size better accomodates the modern American.
-Americans are fat.

The live axle issue is simple. It was good enough in the '60s, "don't mess with a good thing!" But they failed to notice that expect for some styling cues, the live axle is all thats left.
-Americans are stupid.

The better than you drivers are not just BMW and Mustang owners. The problem is that some people think that the new BMW or ultra-rare mustang of the month put you in an elite club. They can make you forget about the Ferrari (insert ANY make here) driver that strikes up a conversation at a gas station to talk cars because nobody at the country club knows anything about cars except price. The problem owners want the admiration that they think they bought.
-Americans are insecure

But there is one other reason that the Mustang is the way it is. Yes, it's big, but it's fairly safe. It handles like a pig, but it requires effort and thought at lower speeds. Leaving this one of the few "sportcars" out there that many drivers can hope to become more driver than it is car. This is the same reason a buddy of mine has his car totally dialed in and drives on cheap tires, otherwise the limits are so high death is likely if you screw up.
-maybe not all Americans or Mustang drivers are so bad.

By the way, I'm a 'merican.

@JanTheMan: What exactly, is crap about the 05+ Mustang?

I mean besides your opinion of their drivers.

@SubyDrew: WOW, this takes homeland America hating to a whole new level.

I guess for every country loving patriot, there has to be one of you.

Your generalizations and cynicism towards your own country kinda makes me queasy.

@danio3834: My rant, and most everything I say is full of sarcasm. I just got tired of the vague anti mustang comments, reread the last paragraph before you think I actually hate this country. I just get tired of jerks thinking all Americans fall into the first few descriptions. I love the fact that the Mustang is different, and maybe even stuborn in its development!

And yes I'm still an asshole, but for different reasons than you may have first thought.

Cheers

Wow... The love here really shows. First, the Mustang is not crap. It's inherently better than most cars in the price range and category. Well to be fair, it's the only car in it's category. Sure, it's not the fastest kid on the block or the most refined ride and interior, not to mention all the "Vanity" V6's out there, but it's clearly bread and butter for Ford and somehow it's still the only car in its segment that still exists. There's no comparison with the pricing either. You don't get the best, but you simply get a lot for a little with the Mustang.

@danio3834:

Probably the fact that Ford already makes a sporty car that would beat the Mustang in every catergory, but choose not to import it because for god sakes NOBODY can smite on the mighty Mustang! Otherwise, SubyDrew pretty much nailed it.

I'm still holding out for the 50th anniversary quintuple gold striped Mustang. You know, a full length stripe for every decade.

IBmoreamerigazms

@rlj676: I have nothing against imports, i didnt say that, me heart corvette big time and once had a GMC..and almost every car sold here is an import.

I have driven one....I didn't like it. And I have some "friends" that acts like twats when they talking about their Mustang like it is superior to anything else existing and it is hard to convince them that a standard BMW would be quicker around a track. In my opinion it is not and I can't see why you would spend so much money on a sportscar that is supposed to have a reasonable price...And I despise people that brag about their cars...

@danio3834: In that price range that the Mustang has over here there is a lots of both better looking cars and better handling cars, it is not space age technology in the Mustang with its stiff rear axle and the unefficient V8. It feels clumsy and big, the engine is not so quick responding as I like. Don't have the driver feedback as I want from a car....and I am fed up with all the awful, tasteless SEs..but the las thing has nothing to do with the car..only tacky marketing abilities...but it doesn't make it better.

It is my opinion. I don't like it and so be it

@SubyDrew: What does this tell you...

About 2 years ago i had to have my 2000 nissan maxima back end fixed from an accident.I got a mustang for a rental(with intention of hooning it out).After 24 hours i took it back and got a suv.

I don't have it out for 'merican' cars.I just don't understand why the big 3 can't open theres eyes and look around them.My car was 5 years older than that mustang and my maxima's interior looked ten years ahead.I was convinced every time i got that car above 50 mph it was going to shimmy to death .They can do better and they know than can.I worked at a rental car agency over the summer part time and we primarily used Dodge/Chrysler products.I can't think of 1 car we rented out that i would trade my car for.You don't think every time some one got off of a flight and was stuck with a dodge Avenger or Caliber that they vowed to them selves never to but anything form that company,ever.this is a capitalist economy you build junk,and your competition builds something better;even at a higher price and consumers in this cost savings country consistently buy the next mans car,your doing something really wrong.Sink or swim big 3.

@Miscellanea: I think hundai has big leather glove to smack across ford's face coming real soon.

@SubyDrew: I know, I know.

The internet kinda forces everything to be taken at face value.

Maybe we need a green Lynnard Skynard Special that runs on polk sallet. I know I'd feel better.

@MagnificentBastard:I really should start proof reading.

@MagnificentBastard: You're right, fleet sales are killing the big 3. The big three aren't all in the big three anymore. I prefer imports as a rule. Take Miata vs. Solstice, but the same reasons I like the Miata better are the reasons other people prefer the Solstice. Hey, good thing we have options.

What I feel Detroit has lost sight of is what they used to do best. They offered value and economy, the cars were durable, interesting. They were different, but for a purpose. When Italy was making cars that left you feel every bump in the road, America was make cars that made sure you did feel any of them. Both were right. They must either make better cars by the same standards, or great cars that are different.

@MagnificentBastard: I probably don't even have to ask if you were driving a V6.

Can someone get Ms. Priddy an image stabilized lense?

Or is this a handheld shot at dusk/morning with a 1200mm and 2x TC? I sure hope so, otherwise she would be trespassing on private property...and selling images shot ON private property...well, you know.

@JanTheMan: Off topic, but thinking of smug Bimmer drivers, many years ago a friend and I spotted a 325 with the plate "CPTBIMR". A smug, older looking guy in an Air Force dress uniform hopped into it and sped away, with a classi wooden pipe hanging out of his mouth.

That was over 15 years ago and we still reference Captain Bimmer with this sort of comical, Mr. Howell accent.

@parramore46: ding ding ding ding ding.

And I knew that going into it.I just knew even a v6 rear
wheel drive car would be more entertaining than the max.

I was very wrong.

When Ford designed the new Mustang, they had to look at the big picture. Who is going to buy this car? What do they want.

Ford did some significant customer research and asked Mustang owners and enthusiasts what they wanted. (Since they buy and love the cars) Those owners responded to Ford that they wanted a solid rear axle in the new Mustang because that suits their choice of driving activity best.

Its not that Ford was 'lazy' or 'cheap' that they didn't put IRS in the Mustang, they already had an IRS setup on the shelf from the Lincoln LS (the platform from which the new 'Stang was built).

Ford knew they werent going to sell a Mustang to people like SUBYDREW, who don't consider domestic cars as a rule. So they didnt design a 4cyl turbo, awd, compact, Mustang. They built one of the best performing cars for the money (here in NA) and its an all around great package. They gave the enthusiasts what they wanted, and they sell more Mustangs now than ever.

Ford will never convert the Euro fanboys over to Mustangs, so they dont design a 2-door BMW with Ford badging, since theyd scoff at it anyway!

The limited slip diff & V8 options are helpful for hoonage, no doubt.

I'm having trouble reconciling the reviews of these cars by Jalop editors & contributors with the reviews of all the objective readers.

@MagnificentBastard:
You and I both know what's on the horizon with respect to Hyundai, but they still have a large hurdle to overcome before they're respected by the general public. Plus, NO 16yr.old girl wants a Hyundai over a Mustang.

@danio3834:
Well put. Two totally different breeds.

@danio3834: You would be wrong.
I would love to own a mustang.Great history,great sound,great price.However i like turning left and right.
Would it kill ford to at least try making it a more twisty friendly car.A little time at the Ring,Laguna Seca,hell road America would do.When it comes to a car under 30 grand,there is no badge snobbery here.If the mustang could turn with a 3 series or a 350z,issue me my mullet.

@Miscellanea: So your saying that the mustangs target market are the lemmings lined up for Hannah Montana tickets.I will say no more.

@danio3834: A Mustang that handled and I am in, the looks and the sound is great and I think Ford could sell even more Mustangs if they could stop this recent years panic conservatismwith retro cars to keep the customers....

1. It's probably the limited Shelby Knight Rider GT500 Bullitt Heritage edition. An extra $10k for "special" black paint, the red "whoosh-whoosh" light strip, and a plastic plaque on the dash stating that this is a one of 53,000 replica.
2. It's a mid-cycle refresh, so no major changes in the suspsension, so no IRS.
3. The Mustang will continue to use a solid rear axle even when everyone else is driving a flying car. This is to make sure the don't confuse/alienate the mouth breather Mustang drivers with extra moving parts. They just drive in straight lines anyway. RAWR MUSTANG. ME DRIVE STRAIGHT REALLY FAST. RAWR!!!

@MagnificentBastard: For their bread and butter V6 sales, yes, but I'm not exactly a lemming lined up for Hannah Montana tickets and I drive a Mustang. However, I drive the somewhat less girly V8 and have a penchant for oversteer, torque and a savings account.

@Miscellanea:What ever floats your boat.It could be worse, you could be driving a camry.

For those that think Ford "just doesn't get it about IRS", you are wrong. Please reference the Explorer/Expedition. They HAVE IRS, why, who the hell knows as it improves the ride very little in a BoF construction and most competition still lacks it.

The point is, if the Mustang customers (enough of them) wanted IRS, Nasser would have gladly obliged (he was throwing them in everything else back then).

There are two main buyers of these cars:

Some type of abusive drag racer - do not want IRS.

Affordable sports car buyer - do not want to pay for IRS, can live without.

So, other than ranting of a few people who would buy it if it had better suspension, and the bitching by many more who wouldn't buy it anyways, why the hell would Ford invest in IRS for this car?

@rlj676:

Oh, and for the last gen it was pretty easy to get IRS as Cobra owners wanted to get rid of it usually. This tells you about the target market A mentioned above.

I was happy with my V6 Mustang, I wanted a cheap American crap car that looked something completely different than what I could buy in Europe. It was great, as long as you were willing to take the live axle with humour and didn't mind the interior.. hey, at least it wasn't that shapeless .5 acre slab of battleship gray plastic that all GM's have.

I am VERY pleased with my decision because the leading contender was a VW Jetta 1.8T, and everyone that I've spoken to that had one has said what a load of garbage those cars were.

For what its worth, you can make a live axle car handle well. There are plenty of Mustang racers out there, and you can buy a new FR500C from FRPP. Honestly though, the live axle is there to please the drag racers so they wouldn't have to tear out all the IRS equipment to install a live axle when they wanted to go racing. And everyone else who buys a Mustang just doesn't care that much about the handling performance. It's not that a solid rear axle car can't handle well, its just that an IRS car can do better, and if Ford was serious about making a sports car, the Mustang would have an IRS.

mustangs are to sporty cars as Wranglers are to jeeps,
the cheerleaders buy the mustangs and wranglers, the serious buy used Cherokees and wait for their Challengers.

What's up with the 13" wheels in the rear?

The Jalops have gotten a good look at the 2010 iteration of Ford’s Mustang thanks to the efforts of Brenda Priddy and crew, as good a look as massive black camouflaging will allow at any rate.