Ford Mustang Story
Ford's new-generation Mustang is an amazing blend of the best of two different worlds. It looks very much like the lat-60s Mustangs that were so popular in their day, while it drives exactly like the fully contemporary peformance coupe it is.
History
Lee Iacocca became Ford Division vice president in November 1960, and almost immediately set up a committee to look into a youthful, affordable sporty car. It had to be small, light and inexpensive, yet capable of carrying four people. Its styling would employ the long hood, short deck, low-profile look that had made the two-seat Thunderbird a modern classic, it would offer a choice of six-cylinder or V-8 engines, and it would be versatile enough to be adapted to a wide variety of tastes. In short, it would have the flair and performance of a Thunderbird at the price of a compact Falcon.
That first 1964-1/2 Mustang's most prominent styling features were a high, forward-thrusting mouth-like grille opening flanking slightly recessed headlamps, three-element taillamps and simulated side scoops. It was an unprecedented hit, selling a record 418,812 units in its first 12 months and its first million in less than two years. Since then, Mustang has survived because Ford has kept it close to Iacocca's original small, sporty, high-value formula.
For 2005 came the ultimate accolade to those much-loved first-generation Mustangs on a substantially superior platform. This latest generation Mustang looks so much like the ‘67-'70 Mustangs at first glance, that you have to look again to realize it's the current one.
New for 2007
Not much changes for 2007 following the new-generation Mustang's highly successful debut. GT Premium models purchased anywhere in the country can add the new GT California Special Package, which includes 18-inch wheels, unique front and rear fascias and tape stripes on the doors, rolled bright exhaust tips, Cal Special exclusive Dove or Camel leather seat inserts and "Mustang" brushed aluminum plated floormats, side scoops, and a chin spoiler 1.5 inches lower than GT-only spoilers. A new GT Appearance Package includes rolled exhaust tips, hood scoop and an engine cover with a Pony emblem. GT Premium buyers can order both packages combined for maximum Mustang expression.
Mustangs are available in coupe or convertible body styles, with your choice of four trim levels: V6 Deluxe, V6 Premium, GT Deluxe and GT Premium. New for 2007, all Mustang models come with a standard feature auxiliary audio input jack, optional DVD-based navigation system, available SIRIUS satellite radio, and a new comfort package featuring electrochromic mirror with compass, driver and front-passenger heated seats, and a 6-way power front-passenger seat.
Inside Edition
The large, roomy cabin is easily the best ever in a Mustang. The three-spoke steering wheel's black center hub proudly flaunts the running horse on a tri-color bar logo, echoing the ‘67 Mustang. Chromed-ring air vents align with the gauges across the dash. The available Interior Color Accent Package—charcoal with red leather-trimmed seats, red door inserts and red floor mats—is a real jaw-dropper, available authentic aluminum accents are especially eye-catching and available color-configurable instrument lighting is an innovative industry first. At the touch of a button, you can choose one of 125 different color backgrounds to suit your mood or outfit.
Thanks to efficient packaging, larger overall size and width and a substantial six-inch wheelbase gain over the previous generation, all four occupants enjoy more room, especially taller drivers. There are more standard features than ever before, including one-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window and interval wipers. Audio systems range from a standard CD player to a 1,000-watt, 10-speaker Audiophile system.
Sweet V-8 Power
The new standard 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 generates a very respectable 210 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, 17 more horses and 15 more lb.-ft. than the pushrod 3.8-liter it replaced. It's smoother and more compact and incorporates many of the V-8's advanced technologies, including low profile heads and a composite intake manifold. The GT's 300-hp 4.6-liter V-8 provides the ultimate in instant gratification. Tickle the right pedal, and it leaps into action, sounding every bit as sweet as those emissions-unrestricted V-8s of old, especially in the delightfully decadent top-down convertible.
Stronger, Safer, More Secure
The purpose-built chassis is new from the ground up on this new-generation Mustang, with direct, accurate steering, powerful disc brakes, a state-of-the-art MacPherson-strut front suspension and precise, three-link rear configuration with Panhard rod. The relatively simple and inexpensive solid rear axle is robust, maintains constant track, toe-in and camber relative to the road surface and keeps body roll well under control.
Responsive, precise controls, high levels of grip and the strongest brakes ever on a Mustang give more than enough controllability to turn an impending collision into just a close shave. But if a collision becomes unavoidable, Ford's Personal Safety System® and available side airbags with head and chest coverage offers occupants enhanced protection. The patented Personal Safety System is designed to provide increased frontal protection by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper airbag response within milliseconds. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags capable of deploying at full or partial power, safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors.
An optional active anti-theft package, aimed directly at combating high performance-car insurance premiums, includes an inclination-sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect “smash-and grab” break-ins, a separate alarm sounder to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn, and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery capable of sounding the alarm longer.
The 2007 Mustangs, both base V-6 and upscale GT, are faster, more agile, roomier, quieter, more refined and much sexier looking than any generation of Mustang before.
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