Dissecting the design of the Ford Mustang

Despite having all manner of models from small cars, to large SUVs, and over-sized pickup trucks, the Ford Mustang remains to be the Detroit automaker’s longest-produced nameplate and is its fifth best-selling, all time.

We take stock of its body shape, which has virtually remained the same with its long hood and short deck styling, and its enhancements that have evolved over the last 56 years.

The sixth-generation body takes inspiration from both the very first model in 1964 and the 1968 Shelby Fastback. The designers aimed to re-proportion the entire car by making it wider, more aggressive, and sportier.

While it may not be noticeable, the grille on the shark nose is now canted forward and is flanked by thinner LED (light emitting diode) low- and high-beam headlamps that are set a few millimeters back and come with “shark gill” LED daytime running lamps.

LED turn signals are optional.

New dimensions place the Mustang hood 32mm lower, the A-pillar 32mm further back, dash to axle length is close to 100mm, roof height is down 30mm, the rear track is 70mm wider, body extends over the rear wheels by 40mm, and decklid is also lower by 70mm. This makes the Mustang longer, lower, and wider than the previous generation.

Today, the Mustang comes in a fastback and a convertible body.

The hood vents have been redesigned and are more discreet now to match the new look.

Standard on all Mustangs are LED fog lamps, LED tail lamps with blacked-out background, an acoustic-laminate windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, body-color power sideview mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum wheels in Sparkle Silver color.

The 2.3L EcoBoost Premium AT (automatic transmission) offers dual bright exhaust with rolled tips while the 5.0L V8 GT Premium (Fastback and Convertible) come with dual exhaust with quad tips.

Standard body colors for the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium AT are Shadow Black, Oxford White, Magnetic Metallic and Race Red. The 5.0L V8 GT Premium (Fastback and Convertible) gets those same colors plus Triple Yellow Tri-Coat, Orange Fury Metallic, and Kona Blue.

Customers can also choose to add stripes to their Mustang in the following colors:

• Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat
• Oxford White
• Ingot Silver
• Triple Yellow Tri-Coat
• Race Red
• Lightning Blue
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Kona Blue
• Magnetic
• Shadow Black
• Royal Crimson Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

The 5.0L V8 GT Premium Convertible come with a slightly altered body. It comes with a higher, straighter muscle line across its haunches, a distinctively contoured trunk lid, and tonneau caps that slide neatly in place for a sleek, top-down finish.

The cloth convertible top on 5.0L V8 GT Premium is lined, insulated, and includes a glass rear window. The electric drive system to lower the top operates not only quickly, but quietly as well.

Want larger wheels? The Performance Package for the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium AT will change it up to 19 by 9-inch low-gloss Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels that pair with 255/40R19 tires. In the 5.0L V8 GT Premium (Fastback and Convertible) Performance Package are 19-inch by 9-inch front and 19-inch by 9.5-inch rear Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels that will fit 255/40R19 front and 275/40R19 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer-only tires.

Other wheels styles include:

• 18-inch by 8-inch Machined-Face Aluminum with High-Gloss Ebony Black-Painted Pockets,
• 18-inch by 8-inch Machined-Face Aluminum with Low-Gloss Ebony Black-Painted Pockets,
• 19-inch by 9-inch Low-Gloss Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum,
• 19-inch by 8.5-inch Polished Aluminum,
• 19-inch by 9-inch front and 19-inch by 9.5-inch rear Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum wheels,
• 19-inch by 8.5-inch Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum ,
• 19-inch by 8.5-inch Polished Aluminum,
• 19-inch by 8.5-inch Machined-Face Aluminum with Dark Tarnish Stainless-Painted Pockets,
• 19-inch by 9-inch Luster Nickel-Painted Forged Aluminum,
• 19-inch by 9-inch Front and 19-inch by 9.5-inch rear Luster Nickel-Painted Forged Aluminum wheels
• 20-inch by 9-inch Premium Painted Aluminum
• 19-inch by 10.5-inch front and 19-inch by 11-inch rear Dark Tarnish Stainless-Painted Aluminum wheels

Ford also offers packages that enhances the body color and provides additional equipment.

The Black Accent Package not only comes with 19-inch by 8.5-inch ebony black-painted aluminum wheels, it also provides black-painted exterior badging, and black-painted blade-style decklid spoiler (requires painted black roof.

Exterior Ford accessories include a lighted pony emblem front trim, full vehicle cover, graphics, grille insert, hood protector, quarter window scoops, rear spoilers, and side scoops.

Other optional features are a choice between five new instrument panel finishes, a performance rear wing, a “pulsing” start button that glows red from the moment the door is unlocked until the engine roars to life.

Photos from Ford Philippines