How could they redesign the mustang after 4 years of production? The last body style lasted 6 years didnt it?

1999, 2000,2001,2002,2003,2004?

 

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
5 years

Also... the 05 model WAS suppose to be the 2004... but was pushed back.

We'll probably see a turn as per Alan Mullaly... that Fords will have refreshes (front bumper/rear bumper) changes every 2 to 2.5 years to stay competative.

 

Whoops...I can't count!

 

Looking at camo'd cars is uselss for speculation. The foam in the camo is shaped to be intentionally deceiving. Most OEMs watch for the publics response to shots like these to help finalize styling details. I'd guess the Gugiero (or however it's spelled or pronounced) is 90% correct, with only the decklid/taillights and gull wing doors being changed.

 

thats what i was thinking. now it's just a question of whats under that hood?

 

power train and/or wind tunnel.

 

The last Mustang lasted 6 years because the 2005 Mustang was 2 years late making it to production.

6 years is an eternity in todays vehicle market. With the Camaro and other competition coming Ford would be digging a big hole to get out if if they waited 6 years to update the Mustang.

 

That's exactly right.

HOWEVER, in this particular case, I think the current Mustang design will wear very well, because it's hard to go "out of date" when your entire design uses so many "retro" cues inspired by the 1960s.

In a sense, the '05 Mustang was already "out of date" when it first came out. And that was the entire point.

 

We have got to define model changes.

I disagree with most of the most recent comments. The last model mustang lasted 11 years with a re-skin in year 6. The 94-2004 was essentially the same car with minor body changes. (Dont get me wrong there was a big difference, Love 99-04 & cant stand 94-98). This is not a Model change. A model change is a total re-engineering like the 04-05 transition, though not always with a platform change (ie 93-94). Most of what I have read has a model change for MY2010, which is almost unheard of in the auto industry. What the spy photos seem to show is a re-skin. Same basic car, but with slightly different body work.

I have thought all along that the 2010 full model change is a little too ambitious, but it sure would be nice. I still think it will be more of a re-skinning. (and yes, hips can be added by just reskinning the qtrs).

 

Unheard of for Ford, perhaps, but certainly not in the auto industry. According to Mulally, part of Ford's new mandate is to refresh every couple of years and introduce a new model every five years or so.

Of course, this will take a while to implement.

 

Your correct, the 2010 is not a model change. it's a re-skinning much in the same way as the previously SN-95 took place in 99 only this time around ? hips are to be added while the front and rear ends get updated facelifts once again.. however the current S-197 greenhouse will remain unchanged, my understanding is the next model change won't take place until at least 2012..

 

Although similar, the 99-04 has a bunch of little improvements over the 94-98, not the least of which is the PI heads on the 4.6. Hopefully the 2010 Mustang will receive similar mechanical updates to keep it competitive.

Us Mustang fanatics tend to get blinded and not see the real world. I'm in the market for a new vehicle and have been test driving a lot of vehicles right now. Hate to tell you guys this but the S-197 Mustang is already showing its age.

 

how has it shown its age? styling wise its way better than most coupes out there....

in terms if interior amenities....its raw...the way it should be

 

Hmm, my feelings on the subject are the exact opposite. I've been looking at cars lately (again) and, relative to the competition, the Mustang GT does about as well as it did in the 05my. In fact I'm surprised at how little ground the competition has made up on the car during that time. My guess for the vast majority of people looking for something remotely like a Mustang GT is...if you didn't like anything else better when the 05 was new you wont likely prefer any of the available alternatives now.

 

Well, there's really nothing that competes against the Mustang. The closest thing will be the new Camaro...and that's at least two more years away.

 

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=58676

you guys should read that, i see a connection

could this be the testing of the bullitt? that thread said the next bullitt could be created by Giugiaro, and that was BEFORE these spyshots were public

 

Yeah, that was my thread...and I think the originating author was mistaken.

 

I don't necessarily disagree. But relative to what little is out there, even if they aren't as direct a competitor as the Camaro will be, the Mustang stacks up about as well as it did in the 05my. Cars that come to mind are the 350Z and Mitsubishi Eclipse.

 

Good point...but currently, what are the other choices for someone looking for a Mustang GT alternative? the 350Z (and it's Infinity cousin), can you even get an Eclipse at 300hp...I hadn't heard that What else is there in a 300hp coupe at Mustang's price point? Would you consider the Subaru WRX in this league....has the hp levels - but IMO is not a very appealing ride.....I don't really count the Charger in here as it's a much heavier sedan and most of the forign two door coupe's don't approach 300hp...

 

I counted the Eclipse and 350Z because they are two door coupes in a price range Mustang buyers seem likely to consider. That said, they are each very different from the Mustang to be sure. I'm sure other cars get cross-shopped, but nothing else seems at all close to the kind of vehicle the Mustang is.