While Car & Driver recently teased enthusiasts with a rendering of the Ford’s
redesign of the 2010 Mustang, we still have hardly any idea what to expect until its anticipated unveiling next year. This frightens many Stangers who want to know what edge the Mustang will have in the battle of the pony cars with the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro.
Fortunately, Ford MoCo’s design chief and North American design director, Peter Horbury, gave
Automotive News a few hints that the body may turn out to be a bit smaller, following the current market trends of appealing to environmentally savvy consumers.
"We have a car which I think is more suitable for the times than the Challenger and the Camaro," Horbury told
Automotive News. "Especially the Challenger--it is a huge car when you see it on the road."
The smaller look will certainly suit “the times,” when
gas economy is everything. Even if the 2010 model’s V8 is said to
sport a 5.0L powerhouse, Ford MoCo is doing its best to appeal to fuel thrifty consumers.
And when it comes down to looks and appeal, the Mustang’s stance beside its two major competitors is relative. But when you read “smaller,” don’t think “wimpier” – think “refined,” “muscular,” and even “athletic.” – perhaps the feeling you had when you first spotted the Giugiaro concept Mustang, pictured above.
"By cleverness in design, we've been able to make it look like the wheels are further out, further forward and further rearward," Horbury said. "The center line is the longest part" of the next Mustang, he said, "and the widest part of the car is the middle. From there on, you can tuck it in and bring the apparent size down."
Again, the 2010 Mustang will not be any smaller by its dimensions. But the new look will emphasize the Mustang’s lean build next to the beefy Challenger, which extends 10.1 inches longer and 1.8 inches wider than the Mustang and boasts over 500lbs more. The
Camaro’s specs have not yet been released, but are anticipated to run in the heavier ranks with the Challenger, although its concept ran 1.4 inches shorter and 5.7 inches wider than the current Mustang.
Perhaps consumers will crave the beefier look of the Mustang’s bulky contenders. But this clever marketing move by Ford’s design team will certainly make the decision for consumers that much easier next year.
Check out more hints at what the 2010 Mustang may look like in the reply below.
[Source] Automotive News
) looks nice
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