Ford Mustang through the decade (2010 – 2019)
Ford Mustang was introduced to the world on April 17th, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Since then, it has persevered through time for 55 years. December 31st, 2019 will close out the current decade. I thought it would be an awesome way to close out 2019 by highlighting some acheivements, advancements and events that happened this past decade (2010 – 2019). Before we roll into 2020, I wanted to summarize some acheivements, advancements and events that happened this past decade (2010 – 2019). A lot has happened, the S197 got a redesign, our beloved 5.0L Coyote engine was introduced, we celebrated the 50th and 55th anniversary and much much more.
2010 – New body, old powertrain
In 2010, the S197 chassis received a beautifully redesigned exterior, while still using the old powertrain. At the time, the two engine options were a SOHC 4.0L V6 or SOHC 4.6L V8, mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. A few other updates included:
- Standard sequential taillights
- Standard traction and stability control
- New spring and damper rates
- New wheel sizes ( larger than 2005-2009 models)
- Easy Fuel capless fuel filler was introduced
If you had a 2010 Mustang GT model beside a 2011-2012 Mustang GT, the easiest way to tell the difference between them is to look at the side fender badges. 2010 Mustang GT’s have a “GT” badge while the 2011-2012 have “5.0” badges.
There is a way to differentiate the V6 models also. But for the V6’s you need to look at the rear diffuser or pop the hood. Base models in 2010, had a single exhaust outlet while 2011+ base models were all dual exhaust.
2010 Shelby GT500’s produced 540HP thanks to a supercharged 5.4L V8.
Grabber Blue graces the Mustang chassis for the first time since the 70’s!
2010 took the S197 to a whole new level. Ford and the Mustang team really trimmed the fat off the Mustang and created a more redefined chassis.
2011 – The year of the 5.0L Coyote motor
The 5.0L engine makes a return in 2011. The last time a 5.0L engine was found tucked under the hood of a Mustang was in 1995. The Generation 1 Coyote engine produced 412HP and 390TQ. Another notable feature that debuted on the new Coyote engine was Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT). This allowed the exhaust and intake cams to independetly adjust timing.
The base engine for Mustang in 2011 was the all new 3.7L “Cyclone” V6 which created 305HP and 285TQ.
All Mustangs received new 6-speed powertrains. Manual Mustangs were equipped with the 6-speed GETRAG MT-82 and automatics had the 6R80 transmission.
Three new colors made their debut: Ingot Silver, Yellow Blaze and Race Red.
Mustang GT came equipped with electric power assisted steering and an available Brembo Brake package which borrowed 4-piston brakes from the Shelby GT500.
Shelby GT500 received an aluminum 5.4L, supcercharged, V8 engine and utilized plasma transferred wire arc coatings on the cylinder bores to add strength to the block. Horsepower was bumped from 54oHP to 550HP.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. introduces his Mustang RTR (Ready to Rock)
Mustang GT/CS (California Special) is available as a trim option. The last time it was available was 2009.
2012 – The Boss is back!
The Boss 302 and Boss 302 Laguna Seca were available to order in 2012. Boss 302 Mustangs were an option between a Base Mustang GT and the Shelby GT500. Boss’ were equipped with the 5.0L “Roadrunner” V8 engine which included a Boss 302 intake manifold, available track key option, higher rev limiter of 7,400 rpm, track oriented suspension and a unique exhaust system with side pipes! Boss 302 Mustangs produced 444HP and 380TQ.
Boss 302 Laguna Seca includes a rear seat delete with rear x-brace, gauge pod, Recaro Seats, front air splitter, TORSEN rear differential with 3.73 gears, R-compound tires, 5-way adjustable shocks and unique graphics / color options.
- Lava Red was produced for only year
- Glass Roof option available on Mustang
- TwinTurbo Cobra Jet Concept unveiled at SEMA
- ROUSH HyperSeries Mustangs
2013 – Flat Rock Assembly Plant Produces 1 Millionth Mustang
April 17th, 2013 — On the Ford Mustang’s 49th birthday, Flat Rock Assembly Plant produced its 1 millionth Mustang. The 1 millionth Mustang was a Ruby Red Mustang GT convertible. Mustang began productin at the River Rouge Assembly Plant in Dearborn and continued production for 40 years. In 2004, Ford decided to move Mustang production to Flat Rock Assembly Plant located in Flat Rock, Michigan.
S197 gets a re-design. New headlights, taillights, front fascia and rear fascia give the Mustang a new aggressive look.
Shelby GT500 not only receives a new look but also a new powerplant. A new 5.8L “Trinity” supercharged V8 engine that produces 662HP and 631TQ. 2013 Shelby GT500 is also the first production Mustang to reach a top speed of 200+ mph (202mph to be exact).
GT500 receives a carbon fiber driveshaft, 6-piston Brembo Brakes, upgraded clutch, launch control system and optional Performance Package.
Mustang GT borrows some performance components from the Boss 302 when owners chose the GT Track Package. Owners received the same TORSEN differential as the Boss 302, plus upgraded radiator, engine oil cooler and everything in the available Brembo Brake Package including 14″ front rotors and unique 19″ dark stainless-painted aluminum wheels.
Ford TrackApps makes its first appearance which allowed drivers to monitor on-track performance including g-forces, braking times and acceleration times in quarter-mile and 0–60 increments. The Gauge Mode offers advanced features that provide the car’s air/fuel ratio, boost/vacuum, cylinder head temperature, and inlet air temperature.
Recaro Seats were an available option on the Base V6 and Mustang GT.
Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green are new color options.
The upcoming 2015 S550 Mustang is released globally on December 5, 2013.
2014 – The last year of the S197 Mustang (2005-2014)
2014 marked the end of the S197 chassis which ushered in an entirely new Mustang platform, the S550. There were no major changes to the chassis itself but Mustang did make a few apperances on the big screen during this time. Need for Speed’s hero car was a custom 2014 Mustang GT. At the end of Need for Speed, a Race Red 2015 Mustang made an apperance to tease all of the Mustang fans before it’s official release. Another feature film was John Wick. John Wick drove a 1969 Mach 1.
The 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang was celebrated on April 17th, 2014.
Ford unveiled a 50th anniversary edition Mustang at the 50th anniversary celebration.
2015 Shelby GT350 spy photos were leaked from a track testing session.
Oxford White replaces Performance White as an available exterior color option.
2015 – S550 | Ford Mustang is sold globally
2015 was a huge year for the Mustang. The S550 chassis is the first Mustang to be sold around the world. It is a completely redesigned exterior and interior. In my opinion, the most refined Mustang to date! With the announcment of the new body design, there were also some new models available such as the GT350 and GT350R. There was a lot happening this year so I’ll touch base on a few of them.
All new 5.2L “Voodoo” V8 engine. The Voodoo motor utilized a flat plane crank which allowed the GT350 and GT350R models to 8250.
Wimbledon White is an available color option on the limited 50th Anniversary Edition models. Only 1,964 were produced.
Line lock is a standard feature on all 2015 Mustangs.
A 2.3L EcoBoost engine is added into the Mustang powertrain options.
The 5.0L Coyote motor gets some revisions and is referred to as the Generation 2 Coyote.
All 2015+ Mustangs receive an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).
ROUSH Performance release their Mustangs that come standard with coilover suspension.
Competition Orange makes a comeback. The last time it appeared on a Mustang was in 2003 on the SVT Cobra.
Guard Metallic and Triple Yellow are new color options available on the S550 chassis.
Ford introduces MagneRide on Shelby GT350 models.
2016 – California Special and Pony Package pay homage to Mustang heritage
Magnetic Metallic is a new available exterior color option.
Hood vent turn signals are an available option. (Heritage cue from ’67 Mustangs)
GT/CS (California Special) makes a return.
Avalanche Grey is a new exterior color option available on Shelby GT350 and GT350R model Mustangs.
Mustang GT convertibles can be optioned with the Performance Package.
Pony Package available on EcoBoost models.
Black Accent Package availble as an option, this was last seen on the Boss 302.
Mustangs equipped with the Premium Package come with SYNC 3.
2017 – RIP 3.7L V6 Engine
The 3.7L V6 had a six year lifespan and it was eventually replaced with the smaller displacement 2.3L EcoBoost engine. 2017, was the last year you could select the V6 engine in a Mustang. One quick way to tell the difference between a EcoBoost equipped Mustang and a V6 equipped Mustang is the rear decklid badge. All EcoBoost Mustangs have the running pony and V6 Mustangs and the runny pony w/ tri-bar badge.
January 17th, 2017 – The re-designed 2018 Mustang is announced.
2019 Bullitt is leaked before official release. Some sketches of the Bullitt appeared in an official Ford promo video with Dwayne Johnson.
Images of the Bullitt surfaced on social media from a promotional photoshoot.
A camo’d out “Shelby GT350” is spotted with a large bulge on the hood. Mustang enthusiasts specualate about an upcoming GT500.
Lightning Blue is a new exterior color option.
2018 – S550 Re-design and new powertrain
Just like the S197 re-design, the S550 re-design happened 3 short years after its initial introduction. The re-design includes a host of changes including more aggressive styling cues. The headlights and taillights are angular and more aggressive. A re-designed front / rear bumper gives the S550 Mustang a sleeker look. The hood has also been shortened.
Three new exterior color options include: Need for Green, Orange Fury Metallic and Royal Crimson.
The 6R80 transmission is replaced by the new 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission.
Generation 3 of the 5.0L Coyote engine is placed inside 2018 Mustang GT models which includes direct and port fuel injection.
Cobra Jet celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special edition Cobra Jet Mustang.
The 10 millionth Ford Mustang was produced on August 8th, 2018. It was a special Wimbledon White Mustang GT Convertible.
Mustang GT gets a Performance Package Level 2 (PP2) option.
VIN 001 Bullitt sells at Barrett Jackson for $300,000.
Bullitt ‘558 makes an appeareance during the official reveal of the 2019 Bullitt.
12-inch digital instrument cluster is an available option on Mustang models.
MagneRide is now an option on Mustang GT Performance Package equipped vehicles.
2019 – The fastest production Mustang wears the GT500 nameplate
The Mustang turned 55 in 2019! As always, National Mustang Day is celebrated on April 17th of each year. The Mustang Owner’s Museum hosted a 55th Anniversary Event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The fastest and quite possibly the quietest Mustang was released in 2019. Shelby GT500 and Mustang Mach E were officially released during this time.
’20 Shelby GT500 is one of the first Ford production vehicles to have a 3D printed part assembled on the vehicle during production.
Mustang Mach E is an all electric 4-door vehicle that wears the Mustang badge.
Ford announces a 2.3L HiPo (High Performance Package) EcoBoost.
The Shelby GT350 and GT350R get refined with new tech, mechanics and exterior styling.
California Special makes a return.
Need for Green and Velocity Blue are new exterior color options.
Automatic rev-matching technology is available on certain Mustang models.
August 15, 2019 – Ford reveals the all-new 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Mustang race car.
