THE 2010 MUSTANG IS HERE

Enough with all of the bad news, it’s time to celebrate with some good news. At this writing, the Dow is up more than 900 points in three days, and Ford has launched the next generation of its signature car, the Mustang. Their Web site (http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/index.asp) sets the tone with aggressive styling, polished interior details, and it screams of fun.

Mustang has a long history of growing (and surviving) through a variety of incarnations, some good, and some rather bad. Its rejuvenation came with its current design which hit the streets as a 2005. That Mustang’s retro features reflected 1968 when Mustang was at its best, but updated it with current technology. Now the next generation is ready for its launch in the spring of 2009.

Take a look and see what you think. While the 2005 demanded attention, this one continues the legacy in a more polished manner. I have not seen one in person, but the pictures show that the Ford designers were interested in refinement. Exterior edges are now rounded. Curves are everywhere; from the wheel wells, to the hood and grill, to the new tapered tail lights whose turn signals illuminate progressively (remember the Thunderbird of the mid-1960s?). The Mustang still shows aggressive styling, but it feels softer. Ford did not ruin the fine design achievement of the 2005, it just looks different now.

From a first impression, the car appears to be basically the same. Look deeper, and you do find changes. Ford claims that every exterior panel is new, aside from the roof. While the 2010 is now a few pounds heavier on both the GT and V6 models, performance does not suffer as the GT adds 15 hp to 315 hp, and torque increases from 320 lb/ft. to 325 lb/ft. The GT’s power comes from its tried and true 24 valve, SOHC 4.6 liter V8. The V6 continues with its reliable 4 liter at 210 hp.

Beyond its visual stance, this 2010 Mustang improves itself in variety of areas. Ford says that it has reduced squeaks and rattles by 33%, decreased wind noise by 12%, and has decreased the wind drag by 4% for the V6, 7% for the GT. While there are new wheel sizes and tire choices available, the major accomplishment seems to come with the new interior.

The 2005 Mustang looked great from the outside, but the inside was a different story. There were too many glaring surfaces and too much cheap plastic. Ford heard the feedback and has revamped the interior significantly. The interior is now much less harsh, with quality materials and no annoying reflections.

Ford’s redesign of the Mustang comes just in time, as it now faces competition. Amongst much fanfare, the Dodge Challenger is now on the street, and the Chevy Camaro is soon to follow. With refined edges, more horsepower (on the GT), and its much improved interior, Mustang continues to live on as the others just hit the ground. Now, with gas prices plummeting, the muscle car is back, and is hopefully here to stay.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Stills:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-ford-mustang-live-unveiling/1168351/

Video:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/index.asp
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=134729

TO BUY, OR NOT TO BUY

Everyone is waiting desperately for the economy to stabilize, not to mention turn around. No one is more anxious for that good news than the auto manufacturers, and their dealers. While everyone waits, it raises the question, “When is it time to buy a car?”


Buying a car is a major, life event. For a consumer to take the plunge and make such an expensive purchase, needs and/or wants must outweigh the expense. In these shaky economic times, those parameters are hard to satisfy. Eventually, a thaw will occur. The “needs” of the buyer will hit first, and allow them to buy first. These needs may include:

- When a vehicle becomes unsafe, or unreliable due to aging components, or rusting parts.
- When fixing the vehicle is taking more time and energy than the driving.
- When repairs become ridiculously expensive; repeated engine work, chronic electrical problems, transmission work.
- When there is a change of life such as kids being born (or leaving an empty nest), retirement, etc.
- When transportation needs change to provide for construction hauling, commuting, car pooling, etc.
- When the vehicle is just plain cursed. A genuine lemon.
- When it starts making noises you never heard before.
- When the price of gas exceeds $4 per gallon, or plummets below $1 per gallon (dream on).


As the economy recovers and confidence begins to return, the “needs” buyer is followed by the more emotional “wants” buyer. These “wants” may include:

- When love is lost, and the owner is no longer getting back what they are putting into the relationship with the vehicle i.e. too many breakdowns.
- When they have drifted apart, and have nothing more in common.
- When the owner is just plain bored, and is ready for a dramatic change.
- When the seductive commercials convince the buyer that they deserve to be that individual.


Everyone has their own individual needs and wants, all within different time frames. Some people buy cars every three years, some every twenty years. In my case, I have tried to limit such a major purchase until there was a genuine need. My Dodge Colt rusted to the point of no longer being safe (or passing inspection). My Mazda RX7 only had two seats, and was no longer practical with children. The Thunderbird was too hard to pull out car seats, the Taurus wagon was not big enough for hockey bags, and the list will continue.


As for wants, they entice me daily. Every time I see an exotic design drive by, I want to drop my boring discipline, and volunteer to do my part to reinvigorate the economy; to make an impulse purchase. Then I wake up and continue to be boring. People will “need” to replace unsafe or costly vehicles. The emotional passion of “wants” will eventually lead to purchases. The economic thaw will come, hopefully sooner rather than later.