Deciphering the Ford Mustang's Code Names
As Mustang enthusiasts, we all know and use all of its chassis code names, but do you actually know what they mean? Some are the actual Ford internal designation, but some are just what fans have decided to call them.
1. Mustang
Our favorite car was nicknamed the "Pony Car" based on its model name, Mustang. There is a bit of a confusion, however, and even though Mustang is mostly known to define a breed of American horse, according to designer John Najjar, the original Ford Mustang was actually named after the WWII era P-51 Mustang fighter plane. When he first pitched the name, the company refused it, however, when he suggested the horse instead of a plane, it suddenly became a hit. The "Pony Car" moniker was derived because it was powerful, but smaller than the crop of muscle cars then being sold.
2. Fox Body
The term "Fox Body" was used to describe the Mustangs from 1979 to 1993, but internally it is officially called the "Fox Platform". The Fox name was influenced by its lightweight and maneuverability, especially when compared to the platforms it replaced when it was first introduced in 1979. With its ability to make quick turns, and the power-to-weight ratio to accelerate quickly, this compact, quick, and nimble rear wheel drive platform was much like a Fox.
3. SN-95
After 15 model years of the the Fox Body, the Mustang received a major facelift, and the car went from being the Fox Body to being code named SN-95. The new SN-95 body style started in 1994 and ran until 2004, with the New Edge facelift coming in 2000. While the style is a million miles away from the boxy Fox years, under the skin the SN-95 is almost exactly the same, though with new engines and transmission. The SN-95 designation is said to stand for Sporty North American Concept #95.
4. S-197
With the new style and platform, the 2005 Ford Mustang was given a new code name as well: S-197. The S-197 name describes Ford Mustangs from model year 2005 to 2014. The new generation came in with a new retro-look, but ironically underneath it was the most cutting edge Mustang since the 1979 debut of the Fox body. Starting with the Lincoln/Jaguar DEW platform, Ford simplified and added a solid rear axle (which is much better for drag racing, as well as being cheaper), and created the D2C platform specifically for the Mustang. Highlights of this generation include the legendary 5.0-liter Coyote engine, which produced 400-horsepower. The S-197 name originally was used for a concept car that predicted the retro future look of this generation.
5. S550
The Ford Mustang got another major facelift in 2015 and along with that upgrade it also received a new code name, S550. This still describes the current Mustang platform, and the big news in 214 was that it featured an independent suspension for the rear. This generation Mustang is the first to be sold globally since the 1964 Mustang, with both right and left hand drive models made in the factory. Some internet car guys try to claim the S550 refers to the sixth generation platform, and the 2015 model year, however, wouldn't that make it the S650 or S615? Possibly it has to do with the 50th anniversary in 2015? Others claim all it is just a random platform code that doesn't mean anything. Also, notice that Ford stopped using the hyphen for this generation as well.
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