Designers Comments on 2010 Design
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 31, 2004
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 2
From: NYC
Thinking:
I think the current (05-09) steering wheel will be in the base model without the Sync.
I think with Navi there will be a clock lower center ala Flex.
I hope there is a trunk release somewhere in there seeing that there's no key hole in the
rear faux gas cap.
I think there are four noses (Shelby, GT, V6 Pony Package w/lower fogs, Base w/o fogs)
I think the hood on the Base and V6 will not have the bulge.
I think by looking at the tease photos the GT option of black a chrome pony
may include a flat black grille surround and black headlight buckets.
Also did they change the pony in the wheel center cap in the tease pic?
I think with Navi there will be a clock lower center ala Flex.
I hope there is a trunk release somewhere in there seeing that there's no key hole in the
rear faux gas cap.
I think there are four noses (Shelby, GT, V6 Pony Package w/lower fogs, Base w/o fogs)
I think the hood on the Base and V6 will not have the bulge.
I think by looking at the tease photos the GT option of black a chrome pony
may include a flat black grille surround and black headlight buckets.
Also did they change the pony in the wheel center cap in the tease pic?
V6 Member
Joined: September 3, 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Middle TN
They keep saying that this will be a more aggresive looking one than before. I love my 08, its my fav body style, muscle but retro. The meanest looking was the 2000-2004 models and runner up is the very early 70's. Those are tough looking. Once they edged out the look from the 94 models, they are bad a**.
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 17, 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Relax Eights, first, most of these quotes are written my marketing depts looking for something interesting to say about the car. As someone whos been "quoted" many times, I'll say nobody really talks like this.
Second, if these designers didn't care so much about these little details, the car wouldn't be as good as it gets. At the domestic automakers at least, the design team are the car enthusiasts- they just want to make a kick *** car- but they don't get carte blanche ( french for free reign ) to do whatever they want. They don't control the money, they don't get to decide what components get to be changed or not, and they certainly don't have any control over the powertrains or performance. They were told- you get to change x, y, and z and you get this much $$.
I called my friend, he said they fought like hell to get the antenna moved off the front fender- it wasn't in the original budget. Putting it in the window would mean a new window, and we all know the greenhouse is carryover. The steering wheel rim and spokes are new, but the round airbag is the same, otherwise they'd have to do new airbag tests- not in the budget either. He said they fought to get a nicer, metal engraved badge to replace to the cheap flaky one in today's car. MyColor and nav are optional, you don't have to get them, but many customers do want them. He also said the rear gas cap must be there, its the official Ford bagde on the car, otherwise, you'd have a huge stinking blue oval like an F150 or a Flex. If you don't like the badge, you will probably be able to get an aftermarket blackout panel like today.
I know how tough it is to get a good design through all the red tape and make sure attention is paid to the details so it isn't built like junk or made out of crappy materials. Considering this is pretty much a re-skin of the current car, I think they did a good job. Keep in mind the interior was not re-done in the change from 94-98 to 99-04, and neither was the engine new. So I think we're getting a whole lot more with the 2010-11
BTW, haute means "high" in french.
Second, if these designers didn't care so much about these little details, the car wouldn't be as good as it gets. At the domestic automakers at least, the design team are the car enthusiasts- they just want to make a kick *** car- but they don't get carte blanche ( french for free reign ) to do whatever they want. They don't control the money, they don't get to decide what components get to be changed or not, and they certainly don't have any control over the powertrains or performance. They were told- you get to change x, y, and z and you get this much $$.
I called my friend, he said they fought like hell to get the antenna moved off the front fender- it wasn't in the original budget. Putting it in the window would mean a new window, and we all know the greenhouse is carryover. The steering wheel rim and spokes are new, but the round airbag is the same, otherwise they'd have to do new airbag tests- not in the budget either. He said they fought to get a nicer, metal engraved badge to replace to the cheap flaky one in today's car. MyColor and nav are optional, you don't have to get them, but many customers do want them. He also said the rear gas cap must be there, its the official Ford bagde on the car, otherwise, you'd have a huge stinking blue oval like an F150 or a Flex. If you don't like the badge, you will probably be able to get an aftermarket blackout panel like today.
I know how tough it is to get a good design through all the red tape and make sure attention is paid to the details so it isn't built like junk or made out of crappy materials. Considering this is pretty much a re-skin of the current car, I think they did a good job. Keep in mind the interior was not re-done in the change from 94-98 to 99-04, and neither was the engine new. So I think we're getting a whole lot more with the 2010-11
BTW, haute means "high" in french.
This is a concise, informative, and insightful posting that you've crafted here, gnat-sum, and is like the postings I only wish I could compose!
I actually do know the limitations under which designers, stylists, and engineers have to work under during a mid-model refreshening. My posterior (See Boomer. See Boomer smile.) would be fired within four to six weeks for RBRH (Rearing Back, Raising Hell) over even the tiniest detail that could be improved. (Oddly, I'm not upset about the SRA, somehow--when I see how that SRA has often kicked the gluteals (See Boomer. See Boomer chafe.) of Porsche 996s/997s, BMW M3s, 350Zs, and CTS-Vs in the Grand-Am, I do get tickled! You may have noticed how I love to smirk...) Sure, Mustangs don't beat the 996s/997s and M3s every race, but these are excellent vehicles, too, and they are fielded by some of the best teams & drivers in the Series!
But I digress...Despite the suckomanic rhetoric, I appreciate that these designers and stylists love the Mustang and seriously want to make it better--that benefits you and me at tradin' time! If they could just say it without the fruitcake prose I'd be a little more tolerant (I'm lying here, as you know--I ain't ever been tolerant of anyone copulating (See Boomer. See Boomer erupt!) with the only performance car I will ever be able to afford...)
Anyways, thanks to those who tolerate a maggot in the mix, and especial thanks to those who agree with me (but of course!
) and to those who disagree amicably and without rancor!Greg "Eights" Ates
Last edited by Eights; Sep 12, 2008 at 08:08 AM. Reason: Boomerizing the expletives...
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: June 9, 2008
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 1
From: Rochester NY
gnat-sum: First of all, I want to thank everyone here who puts up with me and my tendency to rant--I'm an annoying illegitimate birth (See Boomer. Boomer is pleased.) most--no, ALL--of the time and I apologize now while I'm not annoyed at something somewhere...
This is a concise, informative, and insightful posting that you've crafted here, gnat-sum, and is like the postings I only wish I could compose!
I actually do know the limitations under which designers, stylists, and engineers have to work under during a mid-model refreshening. My posterior (See Boomer. See Boomer smile.) would be fired within four to six weeks for RBRH (Rearing Back, Raising Hell) over even the tiniest detail that could be improved. (Oddly, I'm not upset about the SRA, somehow--when I see how that SRA has often kicked the gluteals (See Boomer. See Boomer chafe.) of Porsche 996s/997s, BMW M3s, 350Zs, and CTS-Vs in the Grand-Am, I do get tickled! You may have noticed how I love to smirk...) Sure, Mustangs don't beat the 996s/997s and M3s every race, but these are excellent vehicles, too, and they are fielded by some of the best teams & drivers in the Series!
But I digress...Despite the suckomanic rhetoric, I appreciate that these designers and stylists love the Mustang and seriously want to make it better--that benefits you and me at tradin' time! If they could just say it without the fruitcake prose I'd be a little more tolerant (I'm lying here, as you know--I ain't ever been tolerant of anyone copulating (See Boomer. See Boomer erupt!) with the only performance car I will ever be able to afford...)
Anyways, thanks to those who tolerate a maggot in the mix, and especial thanks to those who agree with me (but of course!) and to those who disagree amicably and without rancor!
Greg "Eights" Ates
This is a concise, informative, and insightful posting that you've crafted here, gnat-sum, and is like the postings I only wish I could compose!
I actually do know the limitations under which designers, stylists, and engineers have to work under during a mid-model refreshening. My posterior (See Boomer. See Boomer smile.) would be fired within four to six weeks for RBRH (Rearing Back, Raising Hell) over even the tiniest detail that could be improved. (Oddly, I'm not upset about the SRA, somehow--when I see how that SRA has often kicked the gluteals (See Boomer. See Boomer chafe.) of Porsche 996s/997s, BMW M3s, 350Zs, and CTS-Vs in the Grand-Am, I do get tickled! You may have noticed how I love to smirk...) Sure, Mustangs don't beat the 996s/997s and M3s every race, but these are excellent vehicles, too, and they are fielded by some of the best teams & drivers in the Series!
But I digress...Despite the suckomanic rhetoric, I appreciate that these designers and stylists love the Mustang and seriously want to make it better--that benefits you and me at tradin' time! If they could just say it without the fruitcake prose I'd be a little more tolerant (I'm lying here, as you know--I ain't ever been tolerant of anyone copulating (See Boomer. See Boomer erupt!) with the only performance car I will ever be able to afford...)
Anyways, thanks to those who tolerate a maggot in the mix, and especial thanks to those who agree with me (but of course!
) and to those who disagree amicably and without rancor!Greg "Eights" Ates
From all of you have seen of the 2010 over the last week what are your thoughts? Do you think they are improving on the 05+ or doing it an injustice?
Bullitt Member
Joined: June 27, 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: FL
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 17, 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
A Mustang FR500C-------------------------$129,900 US
A killer CD system for the FR-------------------2,100 US
A turnsignal kit for the FR------------------------220 US
A counterfeit inspection sticker for the FR---------150 US
A compliment like DarkCandy08GT's-------------Priceless!
Here's how the very objective (Hah!) Eights feels about the 2010: I like simplicity, so I like the simpler grille, headlight bezels, taillights, etc. of the '05-and-following S197s. OTOH, I like the rear-fender kick-up (which the texting generation has replaced with "hips" to simplify their fingerwork) of the 2010s a lot!
As you've heard me rant, I DON'T like the front turnsignals AT ALL!(Puke and die, turnsignals from Hell!).
I like the simple, 1964-1966-ish hood of the '05s much better than what I've seen of the '10s.
I think the "beveling", or whatever it would be called, of the corners of the rear bumper won't impress me when I see it without the camouflage--styling for styling's sake.
OTOH, I think I'll like the 2010's flush rear panel (instead of the current recessed rear panel between the taillights of the current Mustang) that slopes forward (a la the bodacious '69s & '70s!) and supposedly hints at a full fastback (a la the delectable '67s & '68s!) even more than the current Mustang's (which is damned fine, IMO!)
The hideous faux rear gas cap appears to be a bit more restrained than the current Mustang's, which is marginally better--especially if the boss says "It's gotta stay.". Take a crowbar and dispatch that little POS even before you drive it off the lot--would you want that implanted in the navel of your girlfriend? Neither would I...
The glass roof is a thing of functional beauty, but it ain't for me. I can see why others might love it and it's terrific that Mustangs offer it. That could be a deal-clincher for many a sale if it is well done (doesn't start rattling, leaking, or discoloring within a few years)! Good move, Ford!
To cut to the chase (something you seldom see me do, huh?): So far I think the 2010 will be a credit to Mustang legend and lore. It won't be the sea change that the 2005 Mustang was when it came out in late '04, but it will keep the Mustang charging well ahead of the Dodge & Chevy groveling imitations. How's that for impartiality? Smirk!
In appreciation of your kind compliment!
Greg "Eights" Ates
Last edited by Eights; Sep 12, 2008 at 11:40 AM. Reason: Because I can...
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 17, 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
! 'Keeps me thinkin' hard to come up with replies worthy of your statements! Keep it up, Buddy, keep it up!
Sincerely,
Greg "Eights" Ates
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 17, 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Hey Eights I think you want something to the effect of a 5.0LX.
I'm kinda in the middle as far as the car having more high tech goodies and flashy looks. I like clean and understated too, kinda like the last gen SVT Cobras compared to the Mach1 or GT. Yet I find the current Mustang GT more attractive than the Bullitt.
I'm kinda in the middle as far as the car having more high tech goodies and flashy looks. I like clean and understated too, kinda like the last gen SVT Cobras compared to the Mach1 or GT. Yet I find the current Mustang GT more attractive than the Bullitt.
High tech baubles & bells: Besides their discouraging effect upon price and their deplorable effect upon Gross Vehicle Weight, they take away from the Mustang's simple soul and add to it stuff that can break. Ouch...
Now, I LIKE one-touch windows, megatonnage amps, bookoodles of big bass speakers, remote side mirrors, CD players, fold-down split rear seats (OK, seats aren't high tech--but a split fold-down beats a fixed bench any damned day!), five speeds & six speeds, SOHCs & DOHCs, variable intake timing, multi-valve cylinders, capacitive discharge ignitions, throttle bodies, electronic fuel-injection, tunable timing chips, headers, low-restriction exhausts, intercoolers, superchargers, four-wheel discs, ABS, HID headlights, even ambient interior lighting--all of which weren't available in Mustangs as you travel backwards far enough into Mustang history.
Personally, I hope Mustangs never get ESC or whatever "electronic stability systems" may be known as! I never want to see nav systems standard, or anything that's voice-activated. I never pass up manual transmissions in any vehicles unless they just aren't offered in those vehicles (such as all or most minivans). Power brakes and power steering are OK, but only because manual disc brakes would be leg-breakers (or so we're told....) and manual steering might make trackworthy steering settings into arm-breakers (or so we're led to believe). ABS saved my nether parts (See Boomer. See Boomer frown.) from a nasty wreck once!
Last edited by Eights; Sep 12, 2008 at 11:46 AM. Reason: Adding tasteful dollops of literacy to the salad...
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: February 24, 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
gnat-sum: First of all, I want to thank everyone here who puts up with me and my tendency to rant--I'm an annoying illegitimate birth (See Boomer. Boomer is pleased.) most--no, ALL--of the time and I apologize now while I'm not annoyed at something somewhere...
This is a concise, informative, and insightful posting that you've crafted here, gnat-sum, and is like the postings I only wish I could compose!
I actually do know the limitations under which designers, stylists, and engineers have to work under during a mid-model refreshening. My posterior (See Boomer. See Boomer smile.) would be fired within four to six weeks for RBRH (Rearing Back, Raising Hell) over even the tiniest detail that could be improved. (Oddly, I'm not upset about the SRA, somehow--when I see how that SRA has often kicked the gluteals (See Boomer. See Boomer chafe.) of Porsche 996s/997s, BMW M3s, 350Zs, and CTS-Vs in the Grand-Am, I do get tickled! You may have noticed how I love to smirk...) Sure, Mustangs don't beat the 996s/997s and M3s every race, but these are excellent vehicles, too, and they are fielded by some of the best teams & drivers in the Series!
But I digress...Despite the suckomanic rhetoric, I appreciate that these designers and stylists love the Mustang and seriously want to make it better--that benefits you and me at tradin' time! If they could just say it without the fruitcake prose I'd be a little more tolerant (I'm lying here, as you know--I ain't ever been tolerant of anyone copulating (See Boomer. See Boomer erupt!) with the only performance car I will ever be able to afford...)
Anyways, thanks to those who tolerate a maggot in the mix, and especial thanks to those who agree with me (but of course!) and to those who disagree amicably and without rancor!
Greg "Eights" Ates
This is a concise, informative, and insightful posting that you've crafted here, gnat-sum, and is like the postings I only wish I could compose!
I actually do know the limitations under which designers, stylists, and engineers have to work under during a mid-model refreshening. My posterior (See Boomer. See Boomer smile.) would be fired within four to six weeks for RBRH (Rearing Back, Raising Hell) over even the tiniest detail that could be improved. (Oddly, I'm not upset about the SRA, somehow--when I see how that SRA has often kicked the gluteals (See Boomer. See Boomer chafe.) of Porsche 996s/997s, BMW M3s, 350Zs, and CTS-Vs in the Grand-Am, I do get tickled! You may have noticed how I love to smirk...) Sure, Mustangs don't beat the 996s/997s and M3s every race, but these are excellent vehicles, too, and they are fielded by some of the best teams & drivers in the Series!
But I digress...Despite the suckomanic rhetoric, I appreciate that these designers and stylists love the Mustang and seriously want to make it better--that benefits you and me at tradin' time! If they could just say it without the fruitcake prose I'd be a little more tolerant (I'm lying here, as you know--I ain't ever been tolerant of anyone copulating (See Boomer. See Boomer erupt!) with the only performance car I will ever be able to afford...)
Anyways, thanks to those who tolerate a maggot in the mix, and especial thanks to those who agree with me (but of course!
) and to those who disagree amicably and without rancor!Greg "Eights" Ates
Wow. Thanks for the props on post.Agree, if you know how the auto product development process is done, you know its the marketing and ad people who write fruitcake prose. Since I know and have been a designer myself, let me try to re-write the quotes, into something they'd never print:
"The designers, who are the real car guys @ this company, fought to get you the best Mustang possible, all while the beancounters were trying to clobber it to death by reducing everything down to the last half-cent. Despite the fact this is only a mid-cycle refresh, they fought so they could change as much as they could, and worked tirelessly to make a five year old car look new without changing the roof or glass, ( and likely none of the bumper inners or structural unibody ) and still make it look different, yet like a Mustang! They *****-slapped anyone who wanted to screw with the Mustang DNA! Like you, they want make sure it holds up against the new ( not re-freshed ) Camaro and Challenger, because like you, they want to keep Mustang alive! So they nitpicked every f%$&ing detail to the nth degree to be sure it's not built out of crappy $h!tty plastic or misfit panels, so you get the best, most kick-a$$ looking Mustang!!!!"
If you're unhappy about powertrains or options, or SRA, ***** to the beancounters- If you're unhappy about the fruitcake text, ***** to advertising. I know these guys fought. I've been there. Sometimes they lose ( Focus ) sometimes they win ( Mustang, Ford GT. ) No designer draws ugly cars, but beancounters build them.As for the bumper and rear tailights, I am told this thing looks freakin awesome in real paint. Makes the old one look, as he said "very straight edged- built out of plywood"
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: February 24, 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Keep in mind there are impact requirements, light viewing angle requirements, trunk opening requirements, bumper to trunklid impact requirements, bumper to tailamp impact requirements, the list goes on and on....sometimes ,especially w/ bumpers it becomes a connect-dots-process, not a styling exercise. This is of course in addition to the cost and manufacturing restrictions.
But like I said, I am told it looks pretty freakin awesome in real paint.
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: February 24, 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
MOTM Committee Member
Joined: April 17, 2006
Posts: 9,201
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: February 24, 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
My guess is like the antenna in the window, if you put it in the badge, you'd need to make two badges- one with the camera and one without- too expensive. But if you make it require the spoiler you kill two birds w/ one stone.
MOTM Committee Member
Joined: April 17, 2006
Posts: 9,201
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Stupid bean counters. Wouldn't it cost just as must to make 2 different spoilers?
