At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Ford introduced a
completely redesigned Mustang which was codenamed "S-197" and based on an
all-new D2C platform for the 2005 model year. Developed under the direction
of Chief Engineer Hau Thai-Tang and exterior styling designer Sid Ramnarace,
the fifth generation Mustang draws inspiration from Mustangs of the 1960s.
It was this redesigned aesthetic that inspired Ford's Senior Vice President
of Design, J Mays, to call it "retro-futurism." The 2005 Mustang's unique
retro coupe styling complements its muscle car status with an approximate
weight to power ratio of 11.5:1. The current Mustangs are manufactured at
the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.
2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H
The base Mustang, equipped with a 5-speed Tremec T-5 manual
transmission, is powered by a cast iron block 210 hp (156 kW) 4.0 L SOHC
Ford Cologne V6 engine, replacing the 3.8 L pushrod V6. The Mustang GT
features a more rugged Tremec TR-3650 transmission with an aluminum 300 hp
(224 kW) 4.6 L 3-valve Modular V8 with variable camshaft timing.
2007's Shelby GT, based on the standard GT model, is modified by Carroll
Shelby International to produce 319 hp (238 kW) by means of a Ford Racing
air intake, performance tune, and upgraded exhaust system.[9]
The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with the Tremec TR-6060 transmission,
sporting a durable cast iron block generating 500 hp (373 kW) from a
supercharged 5.4 L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine.[10]
2007 Shelby GT500
The 2006 Shelby Mustang GT is capable of performing a quarter-mile test
in 13.5 seconds, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.[11]
Added to the rear suspension is a three-linked system which controls the
vertical and lateral movements of the axle. All model years of the current
Mustang retain a live axle rear suspension providing the benefits of reduced
cost and weight over a heavier, more expensive and complicated independent
rear suspension, at the expense of handling. Ford has drawn heavy criticism
from the motoring journalism community for the decision to equip the current
Mustang with the live axle system, due to the poor handling that results. At
a press conference, Ford stated that to include a modern suspension system
would have added $5,000 to the showroom price of the car. The current
Mustang GT also comes equipped with a limited slip differential complete
with the same carbon-fiber clutch discs used in the 2003 to 2004 SVT Cobra
and the 2007 Shelby GT500. The differential is designed for the 31-spline
axles and the 8.8 inch ring gear. The basic V6 model (without the Pony
Package), unlike the V8 GT model, lacks a rear anti-sway bar to prevent
severe oversteer on hard cornering. The 2007 Mustang V6 and GT chassis,
suspension, and body shares many of the same construction designs as the
GT500. Thicker sheetmetal support and extra welds can be found on the 2007
chassis. Re-designed strut towers on the 2007 Mustang accommodate the wider
5.4 L 32-valve V8 engine in the GT500. The rear diffuser on the 2007 GT
California Special package (GT/CS) is also found on the Shelby GT and GT500.
The Pony Package for the V6 Mustang became available starting in 2006.
This option includes upgraded suspension, Bullitt-style wheels (originally
only available on the GT), wider tires, a unique grille design with fog
lamps, a rear deck spoiler, and unique door striping and emblems. Unlike
previous V6-powered Mustangs, the current V6 Mustang has drawn a large
aftermarket following. A notable example is Shelby Automobile's Shelby CS6
package for the V6 Mustang, specifically the Paxton supercharger, which
increases the power of the V6 up to 350 hp (261 kW).
The Mustang sports additional optional features including: MyColor (a
color-configurable instrument cluster available as part of the Interior
Upgrade Package), Shaker 500 (500 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio
system, Shaker 1000 (1,000 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio system,
and brushed aluminum panels (also part of the Interior Upgrade Package). In
2007, even more options were offered including a DVD-based GPS navigation
system made by Pioneer (late availability), power passenger seats, heated
seats, revised interior colors, and Sirius satellite radio. The GT
Appearance Package made its debut in 2007 as well. This package adds a
non-functional hood scoop, bright rolled exhaust tips and an engine cover
featuring the pony emblem.
