2009 Ford Mustang
Officially celebrating 45 years of production in March 2009, the Mustang enjoys the distinction of being one of the longest running nameplates in automotive history, along with others such as the Chrysler Town & Country, Chevrolet Corvette and Chevrolet Suburban (to name a few). Long-avoiding the fate that befell most of its pony car competitors, 2009 does see the Ford Mustang's old rivals return for a 21st century rematch. While the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro go on sale as brand new cars, the Ford Mustang gallops with the advantage of familiarity.
Gaining lasting affection for the coupe and convertible versions of the Ford Mustang which continues into 2009, the basic V6 and GT trim levels returns with some added performance and appearance pizazz.
Ford Mustang Exterior
It is well-known that the hearts of many muscle car and pony car enthusiasts melted when the fifth generation reverted back to styling in keeping with the Mustang's ancestry. The 2009 model year will be the last year to celebrate this monumental design ethos before an exterior retuning will take place for the 2010 model year.
High intensity discharge headlamps are optional as well as a much-hyped glass roof on coupe models. Stretching in length from the windshield to rear window, the glass roof gives passengers the perfect illusion open air driving without having to accept the compromises of a convertible top. Granting the fact that some individuals will continue to refuse any alternative to the real thing, the prized Mustang convertibles return in their V6 and GT form for 2009.
Ford Mustang Interior
Never toying around the idea of a lavish luxury coupe, the 2009 Mustang controls and dashboard is the pinnacle of a simple, driver-oriented cockpit. To achieve this functional design, Ford needed only to look back at the Mustang's first generation interior layout. The classic dual pod driver gauges along with the racing-inspired steering wheel are bolstered with modern safety features such as front passenger and side impact airbags.
The Mustang Premium edition (available on both the V6 and GT models) adds additional brawn to the interior. Crossing over to the standard features list is ambient lighting and illuminated cup holders customizable with seven lighting colors. The premium upgrading also allows buyers access to the optional Shaker 1000 stereo system with 6-disc CD charger and two 500-watt subwoofers. Aluminum trimmed panels and luxury seating advertises to the occupants what the muscle car area was about and how the modern Mustang believes that era can still endure.
Ford Mustang Performance
The more affordable Mustang V6 trim sports the 4.0 liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V6. Not necessarily a race horse, the six cylinder Mustang does feature either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission as well as four-wheel disc brakes and a sport-tuned suspension. Propelling this thoroughbred under ideal performance conditions remains the work of a SOHC modular V8 with 300 horsepower and 315 pounds feet of torque. On Mustang GT V8 cars, anti-lock brakes are standard along with traction control to assure a 0-60 run lasting just 4.9 seconds in coupe form.
2009 Ford Mustang Special Editions
One of the more potent Mustangs rolling out of Ford's factory is the Mustang Bullitt. With only 3,000 examples to be sold in 2009 (less than half of 2008 Mustang Bullitt), look forward to Ford Racing Technology suspension modifications and 15 extra engine horsepower.
Two limited edition appearance packages are also available in 2009 for the V6 as well as the GT model. Tributing a 1968 special edition of the Mustang GT, the California Special adds a lowered, sportier front fascia, more prevalent side scoops, and exclusive side stripes to either a V8-equipped coupe or Convertible. Inside, fashionable two-tone leather sport seats blends black with either white or parchment colours. Another option on automatic-equipped Ford Mustang V6 coupe and convertible is the Warriors in Pink Mustang. Pink touches include exterior stripping adorns the middle and the rocker panel as well as pink stitching on the leather seating. Faithfully supporting the cause of breast cancer research and the search for an eventual cure, the Warriors in Pink Mustangs exists as more than a typical dress up. For every Warriors in Pink Mustang sold, Ford donates $500 to the Susan G Komen for the Cure campaign for Breast Cancer.
Last but certainly not least, the most power members of the herd are the the Mustang-based Shelby GT500 and GT500KR editions, which return for 2009. Supercharged V8s provide a steroid injection to conventional Mustang horses to 500 and 540 respectively.