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by: Matthew C. Keegan
When Ford decided to
redesign the Mustang, they opted to incorporate
a retro look, much like what was done previously
with the Thunderbird. Fortunately, Ford didn’t
look at the ghastly Ford Mustang II series from the
1970s for a template, instead the US automaker
drew upon the second generation Ford Mustangs of the
late 1960s for their inspiration. Let’s just say
that the redesigned Ford Mustang has been nothing
short of a sell out hit.
Introduced as a 2005
model, the retro Ford Mustang for 2006 offers only
one change: the introduction of a Pony package
which is meant to give the car a GT look and
feel. Borrowing from the fastback design of the
late 1960s, the 2005 model was such a hit that
Ford could not keep up with production.
Buyers have a choice
between a 4.0L V6 and a 4.6L V8 engine to power
the Mustang. With 2+2 seating, 107 inch wheelbase,
and a curb weight of just under 3500 pounds, the
car cruises down the highway with 210 and 300
horses respectively.
Each engine is mated with
a 5 speed manual transmission and a 5 speed
automatic transmission is optional for both. 4
wheel disc brakes and optional traction control
[standard with the V8] help keep the Mustang
under control.
Clothe bucket seats are
standard with leather seats optional. All models
come with tilt steering wheel, cruise control,
power locks and windows, power side mirrors, and
air conditioning.
Ford gives buyers a choice
between 5 coupe and 5 convertible models with
base MSRP starting at $19,810 for the coupe and
$24,635 for the convertible.
First year sales of the
Ford Mustang were so good that the car sold out by
early Spring. In fact, the Ford Mustang dethroned the
Chrysler 300 as the hottest car on the market
with more than 15,000 Mustangs sold per month.
All of this production is from just one factory.
Production for 2006 is
certain to be tight and with little incentives
available – they certainly aren’t needed – the
Mustang is likely to continue to have a long
waiting list of customers desiring the sporty
coupe. Considering that sales across the Ford
division are flat, this is good news for an
automaker desperately needing a hot seller. |
