2005 Mustang Promises Bang for the Buck
Press Releases
By: Mike O'Neill | Ford Communications Network
Through history, Mustang has combined performance, design and affordability. The 2005 model takes that formula to a new level. For more on the 2005 Mustang, visit fordvehicles.com.
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich -- Mustang is synonymous with performance. That was true in 1964. It is true in 2004 and it will be just as true in the next generation of the sport coupe, the 2005 Mustang. But it is not performance alone that has made Mustang an icon.
"America embraces the car and considers it their muscle car, their legend. And the reason for that is because it's always been attainable," said Paul Russell, Ford Division Mustang Marketing Manager. "Men and women have been able to purchase the car and release their unbridled spirit, but it's that accessibility to the product that's made it so successful for the last 40 years."
It is a combination of performance, design and affordability. Call it bang for the buck, and that is taken to a new level in the 2005 Mustang, which several key automotive journalists recently had the opportunity to drive for stories they will publish this fall when the new Mustang arrives at Ford dealerships.
"We've built on all the things that we've done well historically: great styling, American muscle car performance, a fantastic fun to drive, fun to own experience, and a very affordable price point," explained Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer for the Mustang program.
"In the 40 years that it has dominated the sports car segment in this country, with over 8 million of them sold, it really gets back to a pretty simple formula for the car," Russell said. "That formula is fast performance, great styling and attainability. And that bang for the buck is what really puts Mustang on a pedestal of its own in the business."
Russell points to the storied history of the Mustang as Ford division prepares for the next chapter.
"You can't get 300 horsepower for the money that you can get a new Mustang GT, or the true rear-wheel drive sports car performance that you get in the new Mustang V-6 for under $20,000. That bang for the buck has been there for the last 40 years and it is there again with this all-new version of the car."
In addition to value, the design and performance are still evident in the 2005 model.
"It's clearly shaped after the '67, '68 and '69 fastbacks, which I think were some of the best looking Mustangs we've ever done," said Phil Martens, group vice president, North America Product Creation.
"We've got a new V-8 that is a lot quicker than the original one, and the new V-6 is really an outstanding product," Martens said. "But to the consumer, the bottom line is the 2005 Mustang is going to be an exceptional value and that's what we really wanted."
Dealers are already terming it a success. Even as customers are snapping up the last of the 2004 Mustangs, many dealers have deposits from customers who want to be among the first to own the 2005 version of the pony car. In fact, some customers placed their orders right after first seeing the 2005 Mustang at last winter's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
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