2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2010 Ford Mustang Revealed

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LOS ANGELES — After several months of teaser images and broad hints, the veil has finally been lifted on the heavily revised 2010 Mustang, debuting this week at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the new exterior design looks fresh and different, it is clearly an evolutionary move intended to reassure Mustang loyalists. All the familiar mechanical bits remain under the new skin, although some have been reworked and refined.

Ford also has upgraded the Mustang's cabin, retuned the chassis and boosted V8 output to 315 horsepower. In addition, it will offer such special editions as the Mustang Bullitt to reinforce the car's rich 45-year heritage.

Ford continues to offer the Mustang in coupe and convertible variants, with a choice of V6 and V8 engines. A glass-roof option is available.

Virtually all the exterior sheet metal has been redesigned, with new front and rear ends and a "powerdome" hood that recalls '60s-vintage Detroit muscle cars.

Ford has increased the size of the available wheel/tire combinations by one inch; they now range from 17 to 19 inches. Springs, shocks and stabilizer bars have been retuned and the brakes improved. Stability control is now standard.

Inside, Ford has redesigned the instrument panel, center stacks, console, seats and door panels. Ford's Sync communications system is an option.

Inside Line says: You don't mess with the Zohan — OR the Mustang. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent