Ford charges into 2008 as the one and only pony car producer available, and looks to stretch its segment leadership with new features for that personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts love. Ford looks to heighten its leadership in automobile production with new features for that personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts love.
The 2008 Mustang intends to hold its market dominance with new features for customers, including HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, 18-inch wheels on the V-6 coupe, and an interior ambient lighting system to give the 2008 Mustang a more sleek look and greater customer satisfaction than ever before.
Ford is releasing two new models of Shelby Mustangs for 2008, the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and 2008 Shelby GT500KR. The 2008 Mustang Shelby GT offers consumers the choice of coupe or convertible body styles, and a new Vista Blue exterior color with a silver stripe. Under the hood, the 2008 Shelby GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine is modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts to create 319 horsepower. Coil springs drop the overall ride height by 1.5 inches. Stiffer dampers and a front swaybar have been added to further enhance cornering feel and body control.
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang, 2008 sees the comeback of the Shelby GT500KR. Noted as the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever put into assembly, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack. Other specifications include 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning for optimum handling performance. Available in spring 2008, the exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features a unique carbon composite hood, Shelby-designed 18-inch wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.
Ford Mustang History:
First generation (1964-1973)
First conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and endorsed by Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca, the Mustang prototype was a mid-engine, two seat roadster. The car had a unitized platform-type frame, which was taken from the design of the 1964 Falcon, and welded box-section side rails, including welded crossmembers. The Mustang grew heavier and larger with each passing year, culminating with the 1971 to 1973 models that were far different in comparison to the original 1964 model.
Second Generation (1974-1978)
Pony cars were not popular by 1970, buyers preferred far cheaper, and more fuel-efficient compact cars. The newly called-for 1974 "Mustang II" model was significantly smaller than the 1973 cars. In December of 1970, Lee Iacocca ordered a smaller and more compact Mustang for 1974. Initial plans required basing the 1974 Mustang on the Ford Maverick, a compact car of similar size and power to the Falcon's, the Mustang's original base car.
Third Generation (1979-1993)
In 1979, the new Mustang was based on the larger Fox platform. The Mustang's interior was re-styled to comfortably accommodate up to four people, despite a smaller rear seat that could be found in previous models. The 1979 Mustang had a larger trunk and a larger motor bay, intended for better service access when requiring maintenance. The offered car-trim levels for these models included: "LX", "GT", the 1993 "Cobra", the 1984-86 turbocharged "SVO", and the 1993 "Cobra R".
Fourth Generation
In 1994, the Mustang underwent the first major redesign in over 15 years. The design, nick-named "SN-95" by Ford, was primarily based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive Fox model called "Fox-4." It featured a complete new styling by Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic designs similar to those on earlier Mustangs. The Mustang was given the title of Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for the third time in 1994.
Fifth generation (2005-Present)
The completely redesigned Mustang codenamed "S-197" was based on a all new D2C platform for the 2005 Mustang models. In 2004 this new Mustang was introduced to America at the North American International Auto Show. Developed under the management of Chief Engineer Hau Thai-Tang and exterior styling designer Sid Ramnarace, the fifth generation Mustang draws inspiration and influence from Mustangs of the 1960s, notably the 1969-70 models.
