Full Disclosure: Ford wanted me to drive the new Ford Mustang so badly they flew me out and put me up in a nice hotel to make sure I wrote about it. Also, they fed me BBQ. Bad BBQ.

The new Mustang really is all about the add-ons. Ford's basically taken the old model and bolted on a bunch of fancy new parts to make it. They work; the new base model Mustang is a lot better than the old one. But it’s the parts you’ll have to pay for to add on that'll really make a difference.

Aside from the sexy new body (only the roof is carried over), the new Ford Mustang uses the same basic mechanical components as the old one. Same chassis, same engine. But, Ford has added higher-spec components to the base model with the aim of making the new ‘Stang better than the old one.

Inside, there’s a new, less rental car-like interior complete with soft touch plastics, greater sound deadening and shiny new instruments. It’s a nicer place to spend time; it looks better (especially with the addition of the aluminum trim), it’s much quieter and it now features Ford’s tacky MyColor LED lighting, most notably on the scuff plates on the door sill.

Outside there's new mirrors, hidden washer nozzles and a repositioned radio aerial (it’s on the rear quarter panel now) also contribute to a reduction in wind noise, while integrated indicators, a new hood bulge (used across all models), a new grille and a more creased body combine to great effect, making the Mustang’s basic shape much more lithe.

Under the hood, the engines are carried over. The V8-equipped GT now makes 315 HP (up from 300) thanks to the addition of the cold air intake from the Bullitt. That intake is also good for a .3 second reduction in 0-to-60 times. Want more shove? Add premium gas for about a 10 lb-ft increase in torque between 1,000 and 4,000 RPM.

Suspension on the new model now comes from whichever old model was one up the range. So the V6 gets the suspension from the old GT, the GT gets the suspension from the Bullitt. And the GT500? Well, you'll have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show for that. But for now all models get traction and stability control as standard.

There’s also a bunch of other new parts like the standard front undercover that reduces front lift by 23% and the optional rear view camera.

The sum of these new parts? A vehicle that’s better in every way than the one it replaces. It’s faster, better handling, nicer looking and now has a big boy interior. It’s kind of like a really, really comprehensive tuner version of the old one.

But that’s only part of the story. What’s interesting about the new Mustang isn’t the standard parts, but the optional ones, the ones you have to pay for.

We drove the 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with both the premium and track packs. While the premium pack brings Ford’s awesome SYNC nav/entertainment system and “real aluminum trim” (they’re really excited about that), it’s the track pack that you’ll really want to care about. Know how the new GT gets the old Bullitt’s suspension? Well the track pack brings the suspension and carbon-plate diff from the Shelby GT500. Only available with the optional 19” wheels (along with a massive front strut brace). It also includes upgraded brake pads, a 3.73 differential gear and summer performance tires. The Mustang’s engineers were so excited about the performance possible with the track pack, that they’ve managed to convince Ford to make it available at cost: about $1,495 on top of the GT’s $27,995.

Pulling onto the PCH in Malibu, immediately apparent is the new engine noise made possible by rerouting the exhaust for a nicer sound inside. Otherwise a very quiet place to spend time, the interior is flooded with the 4.6-liter V8s aggressive growl the second you put your foot down. From the PCH, it was up into Topanga Canyon then onto Mulholland. The new, firmer suspension not only delivers a more controlled ride, but much more planted, competent cornering. Combined with the summer tires and the new sport mode for the stability control (it turns traction off, then allows for about 7-9 degrees of slide before cutting in), these tight, bumpy corners are no longer the Mustang’s Achilles heel, but its strong point. The responses are now more sports car than muscle car, with the engine upgrades delivering more acceleration than driving here demands.

Despite the continued use of a live rear axle, the 2010 Mustang’s rear end never got out of control. At least not without severe provocation.

There’s still improvements that could be made: the steering, while adequate, isn’t the most communicative; the brakes, while powerful, lack initial bite. But this is a Mustang we’re talking about, a car that was, until now, the stuff of rental car fleets.

But right now, I’m sitting on a plane flying back from LAX to JFK trying to get this damned review written in time for the midnight embargo. When I flew out here the Mustang was just a car for men from the Midwest with facial hair. Now, with more sophistication from both the looks and driving experience, I’m thinking that, with an appropriately checked options list, it may be a car for me too; a sports car that’s refined, cheap, good-looking and, most importantly, fast. Even around corners.

According to the chief engineer for the Mustang program, there'll be two supercharger options. The first will bring power up to 400 HP and the other up to 500 HP.

In addition, Vaughn Gittin Jr. made a sideways appearance in the new D1 Grand Prix Falken Drift Mustang, closely followed by a troupe of similarly sliding 'Stangs.

leaner, meaner 2010 Ford mustang MODERNIZED, WITH MORE REFINEMENT, new look inside, OUT

* New muscular, sculptured exterior design is a modern evolution of Mustang heritage

* Powerful new interior design features world-class craftsmanship, upgraded materials and new technology

* Performance improvements – larger wheels, retuned suspension and increased horsepower – developed from engineering experience on the race track and from special editions including the Mustang Bullitt

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

Combine those elements with the new Mustang’s improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation, and it’s easy to see how the muscle car known around the world delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era.

“More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world’s most beloved automotive and cultural icons,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to great lengths – gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughout the U.S. – working to create the best Mustang ever.”

For 2010, the team delivered. “The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement,” said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. “We’ve designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years.”

In true Mustang tradition, there is a “steed for every need.” At launch, customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

“The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that,” said J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of Design. “The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you’d expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you’ve never seen in a muscle car.”

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car’s introduction in 1964. Both the V-6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V-6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.

“We understand Mustang’s heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. “We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car.”

The exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010. At the front, the new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille are capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.

Mustang’s washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna has been moved to the rear, both of which create a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.

Front rear fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of “hip” rear fenders. “It helps give the car aggressive, forward direction, like it’s ready to jump,” said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer.

The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rear-view camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.

A notable new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the ’60s and comeback to the 2010 for the first time since then. Locating the reverse lamps vertically creates a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.

The best of new, heritage

Cleverly combining modern technology with Mustang heritage is a signature of the 2010 model, in terms of both design and engineering.

“All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT,” said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. “We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We’re learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car.”

The wheel-and-tire combinations are 1 inch bigger across the board, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, which helps improve handling and braking. The shocks have been retuned on all models as well.

“We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience,” adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. “The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance.”

The 2010 Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations from the popular Bullitt model. Power has increased to 315 horsepower.

“It runs on regular gasoline, but if you put in premium it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque,” Barnes said, adding that Easy Fuel™, Ford’s innovative capless fuel system, is standard on all models.

“It’s an upgrade to the most-robust, most-accessorized engine in the marketplace today,” Randle added. “No one has the reliability, no one has the upgraded options. This is a fantastic engine, proven on the race track, the drag strip and on the highway.”

AdvanceTrac™ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is now standard and complements Mustang’s all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

“It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do,” Barnes said. “The 2010 Mustang improves ride quality and maintains world-class steering and handling.”

In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, the 2010 Ford Mustang is engineered to maintain its top government safety ratings. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front driver and passenger air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and, Ford’s Personal Safety System.

Interior leads in design, materials, content and comfort

Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution.

The powerful new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels. Mustang’s chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned.

“That’s the difference between good enough and exceptional,” said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. “We wouldn’t accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship.”

The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. The seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.

The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC™, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color™ system, which features 125 color options.

“The centerstack is quite progressive. The electronic finish panel containing the audio and climate control buttons and knobs are integrated into the finish panel,” said Kim Zielinski, Mustang Instrument Panel engineer, 2010 Mustang. “I believe the customers will really like the new look.”

In addition to the improvements in technology and comfort, drivers will notice a quieter ride. “It’s much more vault-like,” Barnes said. “But we maintained the signature Mustang sound.”

The upgraded instrument panel along with new sound deadeners added to select areas helped improve interior quietness, especially at high speeds or on rough roads. All the better to hear that famous Mustang roar.

With a completely redone exterior that echoes the classic Mustang designs of the past, an interior featuring world-class materials, numerous technology upgrades and an improved driving experience, the 2010 Mustang is poised to become the latest classic in the proud line of Ford’s iconic American muscle car.

“The 2010 Mustang is drop-dead gorgeous,” Randle said. “This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it and start driving it.”

The 2010 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

This new yellow paint even looks great, showing off the svelte new lines and muscular bulges better than the red or blue versions. The glass roof helps reduces the visual impact of the vibrant paint and helps make the interior a much airier environment.

SPEEDtv will be airing the Mustang reveal on a one-hour delay tonight at 11pm EST. Check back with Jalopnik at about 10:30 for our photos and video.

Mustang GT Premium - $30,095
Ambient Lighting, Bright Aluminum Accent Dash Applicques, Pedal Covers, Scuff Plate & Shift Knob, Cupholders, Door Trim Panel Inserts, Front & Rear Footwells, Gloss Pain Center Stack & Console, Leather Stearing Wheel w/ Aluminum spokes, 6 months Sirius Satellite Radio, Satin Door Speaker Surrounds, SYNC, 18″ Spoke Aluminum Wheels, 6-Guage Cluster w/ MyColor, 6-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat w/ 2-way Adjustable Head Restraint & Power Lumbar, Shaker 500 Audio System

Security Package (43S) - $995
Active Anti-Theft System, Wheel Locking Kit

Comfort Package (53B)- $575
Heated Driver & Passenger Seat, 6-way power passenger seat, electronic mirror w/ compass

GT Track Package (67T) - $1,445
Dual Piston Calipers, Performance Brake Pads, 3.73 Axle Ratio, Recalibrated Stability Control

Electronics Package (85X) - $2,700
Voice Activated Navigation System: In-Dash Screen, Single DVD/CD/MP3 Player, DVD Audio/Video Capability, Interanal Hard Disk Drive for Map, POI Storage, 10GB Jukebox, Support for SYNC & Other Multi-Media Devices (Audio Input Jack), Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control

Over the Top Racing Stripes Package (47A) - $395

High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (51H) - $525

Exterior Standard Equipment:

* Exhaust Tips (Dual Bright Rolled)
* Fog Lamps
* Grille (With Black Chrome ‘Pony’)
* Automatic Headlamps
* Dual Power Mirrors with Body Color Caps (Side Mounted)
* LED Sequential Tail lights
* 18″ Polished Aluminum wheels (w/Spare Steel Wheel and Mini-Spare Tire)

Interior Standard Equipment:

* Driver & Passenger Airbags (Side Impact, Dual Front)
* Manual controlled Air Conditioning
* Locking center console with full Armrest and Storage
* Two covered cupholders
* Power door locks
* Color Keyed Front floor mats
* Illuminated Entry
* Chrome Accent Instrument Cluster with Four Guages & Register Vents
* Center High Mounted Dome Lamps
* Child Latch System (rear seats)
* Front door map pockets
* Bucket seats with 4-way Manual Adjust Feature
* Tilt Steering wheel with Speed Control Feature
* Trunk Release
* Power windows (One-Touch Down/Up Front)

Functional Equipment:

* 4.6L OHC 3V V-8 Engine
* Ducktail Spoiler
* Advance Trac With Electronic Stability Control
* Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler
* Engine Cover
* Personal Safety System (For Driver & Front Passenger)
* Rear Window Defroster
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Side Intrusion Door Beams
* SOSPOST Crash Alert System
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System

[via MustangBlog]

[MyAutomovil]