2005 Ford Mustang

Introduction
2005 Ford Mustang

On April 17, 1964, a brand new car debuted at the New York's World Fair. A car that would change the automobile industry forever. On its first day of sales, over 20,000 of them were ordered, and in the first year of sales, more than 415,000 units were sold, which destroyed any other model lines yearly sales in the history of the auto industry. That car, was the 1964 Ford Mustang. That Mustang has changed physically eight times between then and 2004, with a variety of sizes, colors and performance measures, but with the ninth change, occurring in the 2005 model year, the physical appearance of the Ford Mustang has come nearly full circle.

The first few generations of the Mustang were a slow and subtle change, with the first dramatic physical change coming with the 1971 model, with the Mustang keeping the same general size. But, in 1974, the Mustang became the Mustang II, and was basically a completely different car. The next few generations of the Mustang were a bit more to original form, with the 1999-2004 model year having some of the original-looking features, such as the rounded looking version of the original tail lights, and especially the feature packages, such as "the Boss". The success of the 1999-2004 Mustang showed that some of the features of the older Mustangs would still be popular, so in 2005, they introduced the all new Mustang, which was, by far the closest in appearance, and in overall performance, relative to the time, to the Mustangs of old. The 2005 Mustang is, in effect, a 1964 and a half Mustang that has been hit with the modern day technology, put into a wind tunnel and rounded to enhance the aerodynamics, while still keeping the classic muscle car look. This styling offers points to be appreciated by both younger drivers who want a mean looking sports car, with classic styling; and the older driver who was around for the golden years of the muscle car, who wants their modern day muscle to resemble the classic Pony Cars. Inside and out a side-by-side comparison with the original Mustang will show the similarities, with a touch of rounding and modernization.

Engine
Throughout the many years of the Mustang, a six and eight cylinder engine have been offered, with a few years of the Mustang being offered in a 4 cylinder. The 2005, like the years before, offers both a 6 and 8 cylinder. This model year brings to us the most powerful base model V6 and V8 engines in Mustang history. The V6 standard in the new Mustang's base model is a 4.0 liter, 12 valve, 60-degree Single Over Head Camshaft engine, which replaces the previous V6 which was a 3.8 Liter, 90-degree pushrod engine. The 2005 V6 features 210 horsepower, (a 23 horsepower gain over the 3.8 liter) and 240 ft/lb of torque (a 15 ft/lb of torque increase over the 3.8 liter). The 210 horsepower V6 offers the buyer only 15 horsepower less than the V8 Mustang GT of 1998, with the convenience of V6 economy. For those Mustang buyers who have a bigger lust for speed than for economy, the 2005 Mustang GT come standard with a 4.6 Liter, 24 valve V8 which delivers a whopping 300 horsepower which is a 40 horsepower increase over 2004, and 320 ft/lb of torque. The 4.6 Liter V8 is an entirely aluminum engine, which saves about 75 pounds over a 4.6 liter cast iron engine. The largest engine available in the 1964� model was 289 cubic inches, and even though this retro styled 2005 mustang is only 281 cubic inches, it proves 90 more horsepower, a 43% increase. Both of the engines in the 2005 Mustangs feature hydraulic valve lifters with roller finger followers and sequential multi-port fuel injection, with both running on regular unleaded gasoline, as recommended by Ford Motor Company. The V6 engine exhaust through the single exit stainless steel exhaust system, with the V8 utilizing a dual stainless steel system.

Suspension / Brakes
The retro styled exterior and the extra horsepower are not the only newly developed features of the 2005 Mustang. The suspension of the 2005 Mustang is completely new, from front to rear. Both the V6 and V8 models use the same style suspension; with MacPherson Struts in the front, Reverse L Lower Control Arms and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension features a 3-link design with a panhard rod, Constant-Rate coil springs, and Tokico outboard-mounted hydraulic gas-pressurized. This new rear suspension, with the panhard rod, allows stabilization of the differential housing as force is applied, especially under high speed cornering. All of the Mustangs come equipped with power rack-and-pinion steering.

With the addition of extra horsepower comes the need for added braking capabilities. To aide in the braking needs, the four-wheel disc braking system features the largest rotors and calipers ever mounted on a regular factory production Mustang. The V6 Mustang comes with a set of 11.4 inch diameter, 30mm thick vented rotors, pinned between double piston aluminum calipers; with 11.8 solid rotors with single piston calipers in the rear. The GT V8 Mustang comes with 12.4 inch diameter, 30mm thick vented rotors in the front, between aluminum double piston calipers, and in the rear, 11.8 inch diameter vented rotors with single piston calipers. All models of the 2005 Mustang offer an optional 4-channel electric Anti-Lock Braking System from TRW (standard on the GT models). Also available on all of the 2005 Mustangs is an electric traction control system, operational at all speeds, which can be disengaged in the event the driver wants to show off the Mustang's power while sitting still, such as laying down some rubber strips while doing a burnout. This traction control, coupled with the ABS system helps the driver negotiate sudden changes in driving conditions or high speed emergency maneuvers.

Performance Numbers
The retro styled exterior and the extra horsepower are not the only newly developed features of the 2005 Mustang. The suspension of the 2005 Mustang is completely new, from front to rear. Both the V6 and V8 models use the same style suspension; with MacPherson Struts in the front, Reverse L Lower Control Arms and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension features a 3-link design with a panhard rod, Constant-Rate coil springs, and Tokico outboard-mounted hydraulic gas-pressurized. This new rear suspension, with the panhard rod, allows stabilization of the differential housing as force is applied, especially under high speed cornering. All of the Mustangs come equipped with power rack-and-pinion steering.

(4.6 Liter V8)
ACCELERATION in Seconds
Zero to:
30 mph: 1.9
40 mph: 2.9
50 mph: 4.0
60 mph: 5.2
70 mph: 6.8
80 mph: 8.7
90 mph: 10.6
100 mph: 13.2
110 mph: 16.5
120 mph: 20.1
130 mph: 26.1
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.9
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph:10.2
50-70 mph: 9.5
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.8 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 149 mph

BRAKING
70-0 mph @ impending lockup: 183 ft

HANDLING
300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
Understeer: moderate

FUEL ECONOMY
EPA city driving: 17 mpg
EPA highway driving: 25 mpg

INTERIOR SOUND LEVEL
Idle: 53 dBA
Full-throttle acceleration: 82 dBA
70-mph cruising: 73 dBA
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(4.0 Liter V6)
0 to 60 mph: 6.9 sec
0 to 100 mph: 19.0 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 7.2 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 15.3 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 189 ft
300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
EPA fuel economy, city driving: 19 mpg

STEERING
Type: rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assist
Steering ratio: 15.7:1
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Turning circle curb-to-curb: 38.0 ft

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Track, front/rear: 62.3/62.5 in
Length/width/height: 188/73.9/55.4 in
Ground clearance: 5.7 in
Curb weight: 3523 lb
Weight distribution, F/R: 53.6/46.4%
Curb weight per horsepower: 11.7 lb
Fuel capacity: 16.0 gal

CHASSIS/BODY
Body material: welded steel and aluminum stampings Interior
The interior of the new Mustang, like the rest of the car, has a hint of vintage style mixed with modern technology. The dashboard is adorned with brushed aluminum trim rings around the 4 blower vents and around the tachometer and the speedometer, which run in a horizontal line across the dash. All of the 2005 Mustangs come with the vintage-look three spoke steering wheel which meet at a center horn button bearing the Mustang logo and tricolor bars. Other atandard features on the 2005 Mustang are: one-touch power up/down windows, electronic speed control, tilt steering, interval windshield wipers, center console with full armrest/storage bin, battery saver feature, drivers footrest, rear window defroster, day/night mirror, driver and passenger outside mirrors, cup holders, front door map pockets, dual 12-volt power sockets, front floor mats with keeper hooks, power locks and windows.

Customers can also chose from the Interior Upgrade Package, Interior Color Accent Package, or the Interior Sport Appearance Package. Should the customer chose the Interior Upgrade Package, the car will be fitted with satin aluminum-finish instrument panel appliqu, leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin aluminum spokes, satin aluminum-plated shift lever with automatic transmission, bright polished register rings and leather-wrapped sport shift knob for manual transmission, satin aluminum-plated door handles, satin aluminum door sill scuff plate with bright Mustang lettering insert, special bright polished 6-gauge cluster with MyColor feature, which thanks to a series of six light-tubes, it allows the driver to color-configurable cluster with up to 125 color choices, and Dark Charcoal Aberdeen pattern front door panel inserts. On top of the Interior Upgrade Package, if the Interior Color Accent Package is chosen, the car is equipped with red leather front and rear seating surfaces with red front door trim inserts and floor mats. The customer can also chose the Interior Sport Appearance, which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin aluminum spokes, satin aluminum-plated shifter lever with automatic or leather-wrapped sport shift knob with manual transmission. The V6 Mustang comes standard with reclining cloth front bucket seats with 4-way adjustable driver seat and 2-way adjustable passenger seat, with a 50/50 rear folding seat available in the V6 coupes, with the option of leather seats available for those who like a bit more luxury in their Mustang. The V8 GT Mustang comes standard with reclining cloth front bucket seats with 6-way power adjustable driver seat and 2-way adjustable head restraint and power lumbar, and also have a 50/50 rear folding seat available in the V8 GT coupes, with leather seating available in the V8 GT and the special packages featuring the upgrade leather packages.

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All of the 2005 Mustangs include electronic climate control, including air conditioning. The 2005 Mustang comes standard with an AM/FM premium stereo with single CD player, in both the V6 and GT models, with an optional Shaker 500 Stereo System, which includes AM/FM stereo with 6-CD changer, MP3 capability and 8 speakers. For the Mustang driver who is also an audio aficionado, the Shaker 1000 Audio System is the way to go. It includes an AM/FM stereo with 6-CD changer, MP3 capability and 10 Audiophile speakers. In the convertible Mustang, full electronic roof control is offered in both the V6 and V8 GT models. The final added point of interior comfort is thanks, in part, to the lengthening of six inches of the 2005 Mustang. It allows for 38.6 inches of headroom in the front, with 34.7 inches in the rear; 55.4 inches of shoulder room in the front and 53.4 inches in the rear; 53.6 inches of hip room in the front with 46.8 inches in the rear; and 42.7 inches of leg room in the front and 30.3 inches in the rear. The Mustang comfortably seats four adults, offering 97.9 cubic feet of passenger space in the coupe, and 91.3 cubic feet in the0 convertible, with 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space in the coupe, and 9.7 cubic feet in the convertible.

Exterior
The exterior of the 2005 Mustang is what may catch the eye of today's sports car buyer, and even with the vintage styling, there are some options and appearance differences between the V6 and V8 version, without losing that classic styling. The egg-crate style forward angled grille, and complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral parking/turn signals, are standard on all of the new Mustangs. A back-sweeping lower front fascia is standard on the V6 Mustang, with an upright lower front fascia with air dam and grille-mounted fog lamps standard in the V8 GT models. A decklid spoiler is standard on the V8 GT, and it is available on the V6 Mustang, with the upgrade package. Since the spoiler comes standard on the V8 GT models, a spoiler delete option is available for those who do not care for the "winged" look. When the V6 exterior sport package is ordered, a sport tape stripe can be included on the lower rocker panels. Tinted glass is standard on all of the 2005 Mustang models. Ten exterior colors are offered on the 2005 Mustang; Black, Legend Lime, Mineral Grey, Performance White, Redfire, Satin Silver, Screaming Yellow, Sonic Blue, Torch Red, and Windveil Blue. The V6 Mustang comes standard with 16 inch painted cast aluminum wheels, with an option of 16 inch bright machined cast aluminum with chrome spinner, and all V6 models come with a P215-65-R16 All-Season tire. The V8 GT Mustang comes standard with 17 inch premium painted cast aluminum wheels and 17 inch bright machined cast aluminum wheels are offered as an option; with 235-55-ZR17 Performance All-Season tires coming on the GT regardless of the wheel choice. An optional wheel lock kit is available on all of the new Mustang, and all of the 2005s come with a standard "donut" pre-inflated spare tire.

Transmission/ Differential
The base model V6 Mustang comes standard with a T5 5-speed manual transmission, with an all-new 5R55S 5-speed automatic as an option. The V8 GT comes standard with a TR3650 5-speed manual transmission, and the GT also comes with the all-new 5R55S 5-speed automatic transmission available. The final drive ratio of all of the V6 base model Mustangs and the automatic V8 GT Mustang is 3.31, with the V8 GT equipped with the manual transmission coming with a 3.55 final drive ratio. All of the 2005 Mustangs are equipped with limited slip differentials.

Safety
To protect the driver in the event of an accident, all of the new Mustang models come equipped with side intrusion door beams to protect both the driver and passengers in the event of a side impact; 3-point lap and shoulder mount safety belts for all 4 passengers; 2nd generation driver and passenger side airbags, with the option of front side mounted airbags; and the LATCH system, (which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for Children). LATCH works to keep the little ones safe in the event of an accident from any side or angle. As previously mentioned, 4-wheel power disc brakes and anti-lock brakes are available on all of the 2005 Mustangs (standard on the V8 GTs). The frame and external shell-like design of the Mustang is so rigid that an impact equivalent of over fifteen thousand pounds will only bend the frame by one degree, with a frontal frame section designed to divert impact energy away from the passenger compartment. Along with the airbag system comes the seating sensors which automatically turn off passenger side airbags in the event of an accident if there is no passenger present. Four more of the other special features offered by the Mustang are: Beltminder, SecuriLock Passive Anti Theft System, Battery Saver, and Fail-Safe Cooling. Beltminder has been in all Ford vehicles since 1999, and it is a system which deploys a soft chime to remind the driver, and passenger that their seatbelt is not buckled. SecuriLock Passive Anti Theft System prevents the engine from starting thanks to an electronically programmed ignition, which communicates the a microchip and antenna embedded in the ignition key. The Battery Saver System recognizes when the ignition cylinder is in the Off position, and when a door or the trunk lid remains open, thus keeping the interior lights on for 10 minutes or more, the interior lights become deactivated. One of the most innovative safety and convenience features of the 2005 Mustang is the Fail-Safe Cooling System. In the event that engine coolant becomes dangerously low, the engine computer recognizes this, and the engine is reduced to half of its power output, with only half of the cylinders firing, thus greatly reducing heat generated by the engine.

To assist in keeping insurance rates lower for the powerful Mustang, 6 new features have been added to the vehicles factory alarm system. The separate alarm sounder is a remote sound dispenser, which works in conjunction with the factory horn, thus making it harder to disable the alarm once set off. The anti-tow sensor helps to prevent against tow away theft by sensing a sudden change in the vehicle angle, when the angle changes, the alarm is set off. An ultrasonic interior motion sensor is included to set off the alarm incase someone should reach inside to tamper with, or steal the contents of the Mustang. Perimeter anti theft protection causes the horn to go off in the event that the doors, hood, or trunk are opened while the alarm is armed. Global window operation allows the owner of the Mustang to open or close the windows from the keyless entry remote. A high capacity battery is installed in the new Mustang to ensure that the needed power is there to run the security system or alarm in the event of a break in attempt.

Discuss the 2005 Mustang in our 2005 Mustang Forums or visit Ford's official Mustang site.