S-Tune_S1
Mar 08, 2006, 2:18 PM
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/uploads/2009mustangconcept_rs.jpg
With the 45th anniversary of the Mustang fast approaching and the Camaro and Challenger due to be resurrected, there have been rumors circulating that Fords (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) engineering team has been testing the 2009 Mustang in the Arizona desert.
This has created a lot of excitement throughout the Mustang community, as enthusiasts now want a peek at what will be available in 2009. Many wonder will the new Mustang have the styling, power and handling to dominate the much anticipated revivals of the Camaro and Challenger?
Well, no reason to wait any longer, lets have look at some of the things you expect for 2009:
The new Mustang will be based on the current S197 platform and will not be completely redesigned from the ground up. A complete redesign would prove too costly, so Ford (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) intends to make any necessary improvements with the current platform to compete with the Camaro and Challenger.
When it comes to appearance, the 2009 Mustang will not disappoint. While, the wheelbase and overall dimensions of the car probably won’t change much, the 2009 Mustang will be more aggressive and audacious in its styling. With modern body lines, more pronounced front and rear flanks and a proportionally smaller glass area, the 2009 Mustang will have a sleek, yet aggressive appearance. It’s expected that retro styling will continue to dominate the theme of the car, but there are certainly going to be some modern details included, such as projector beam headlights in its newly designed front facia.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/uploads/2009mustangconcept_rs02.jpg
The heart of 2009 Mustang GT will most likely beat through Fords new 3-valve 4.6L V8, although there has been some speculation that it could see either the 4-valve 4.6L V-8 or the 3-valve 5.4L V-8. Whichever engine Ford decides to plant under the hood of the 2009 Mustang, one thing is for sure, displacement on demand (DOD) technology will be used. This feature allows the engine to shut off four of the 8 cylinders to improve fuel economy (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) when the engine is lightly loaded. By using the DOD technology, a more aggressive engine tune may be possible which could give the Mustang a potent 325-340hp. All this power will likely be harnessed through a 5 speed gearbox, unless the competition forces Ford to do drop a six-speed in.
Although it’s expected that the 2009 Mustang will ride on a refined version of the “DEW-lite” chassis which is currently used in the S197 Mustang, one possible change could be an independent rear suspension (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) in place of the solid rear axle. The Camaro and Challenger are both expected to sport an IRS, so Ford may be forced to follow suit.
The interior of the 2009 Mustang will likely be just as bold as the exterior. Look for improvements such as a new steering wheel (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#), instrument cluster and door panels which will continue to give the Mustang a retro look, yet modern feel. One feature that will surely be dropped from the 2009 Mustang is the “My-Color” instruments, which allows the color of the instrument panel to be changed to suit the drivers styling needs. This option has proven costly for Ford and removing it should help keep production costs down.
With the Camaro and Challenger hitting the streets in the near future, the 2009 Mustang Concept certainly proves that Ford is not waiting around for the competition to catch up. As we can see, the Mustang once again aims to be a leader and not a follower.
With the 45th anniversary of the Mustang fast approaching and the Camaro and Challenger due to be resurrected, there have been rumors circulating that Fords (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) engineering team has been testing the 2009 Mustang in the Arizona desert.
This has created a lot of excitement throughout the Mustang community, as enthusiasts now want a peek at what will be available in 2009. Many wonder will the new Mustang have the styling, power and handling to dominate the much anticipated revivals of the Camaro and Challenger?
Well, no reason to wait any longer, lets have look at some of the things you expect for 2009:
The new Mustang will be based on the current S197 platform and will not be completely redesigned from the ground up. A complete redesign would prove too costly, so Ford (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) intends to make any necessary improvements with the current platform to compete with the Camaro and Challenger.
When it comes to appearance, the 2009 Mustang will not disappoint. While, the wheelbase and overall dimensions of the car probably won’t change much, the 2009 Mustang will be more aggressive and audacious in its styling. With modern body lines, more pronounced front and rear flanks and a proportionally smaller glass area, the 2009 Mustang will have a sleek, yet aggressive appearance. It’s expected that retro styling will continue to dominate the theme of the car, but there are certainly going to be some modern details included, such as projector beam headlights in its newly designed front facia.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/uploads/2009mustangconcept_rs02.jpg
The heart of 2009 Mustang GT will most likely beat through Fords new 3-valve 4.6L V8, although there has been some speculation that it could see either the 4-valve 4.6L V-8 or the 3-valve 5.4L V-8. Whichever engine Ford decides to plant under the hood of the 2009 Mustang, one thing is for sure, displacement on demand (DOD) technology will be used. This feature allows the engine to shut off four of the 8 cylinders to improve fuel economy (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) when the engine is lightly loaded. By using the DOD technology, a more aggressive engine tune may be possible which could give the Mustang a potent 325-340hp. All this power will likely be harnessed through a 5 speed gearbox, unless the competition forces Ford to do drop a six-speed in.
Although it’s expected that the 2009 Mustang will ride on a refined version of the “DEW-lite” chassis which is currently used in the S197 Mustang, one possible change could be an independent rear suspension (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#) in place of the solid rear axle. The Camaro and Challenger are both expected to sport an IRS, so Ford may be forced to follow suit.
The interior of the 2009 Mustang will likely be just as bold as the exterior. Look for improvements such as a new steering wheel (http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articles/article_00683.shtml#), instrument cluster and door panels which will continue to give the Mustang a retro look, yet modern feel. One feature that will surely be dropped from the 2009 Mustang is the “My-Color” instruments, which allows the color of the instrument panel to be changed to suit the drivers styling needs. This option has proven costly for Ford and removing it should help keep production costs down.
With the Camaro and Challenger hitting the streets in the near future, the 2009 Mustang Concept certainly proves that Ford is not waiting around for the competition to catch up. As we can see, the Mustang once again aims to be a leader and not a follower.