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The Ford Mustang is all-new for 2010. Everything but the roof on the 2010 Mustang is new. And it's all good, all improved over the superb 2004-2009 version of America's pony car.

We found the 2010 Mustangs quieter and more refined than the previous models. More important, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is an absolute blast to drive, quick off the mark with a brawny sound. The clutch pedal is light and easy to use in heavy traffic and the manual shifts smoothly. The handling is crisp, the suspension feels tight, and the brakes work better in this latest generation.

The Ford Mustang has been in continuous production for 45 straight years, and more than 9 million Mustangs have been built and sold to date. That gives the Mustang the longest production run of any single model in Ford history.

The 2010 Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles. Each is available in both the traditional V6 model, the V8-powered Mustang GT, and the high-performance Shelby GT500 powered by a supercharged V8. Previous special editions like the Shelby GT, GT500 KR, and Ford Mustang Bullitt are discontinued for 2010, but might find their way back into the lineup again in the future.

The Ford Mustang V6 coupe and convertible feature an upgraded 4.0-liter V6 engine rated at 210 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. The V6 model comes standard with 17-inch wheels and tires, with 18-inch wheels optional. A rear stabilizer bar now comes standard on the V6 models, and the entire suspension system has been retuned for more performance feel.

The Ford Mustang GT gets a more powerful V8 for 2010, producing 315 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque from 4.6 liters.

Shelby GT500 features a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 540 hp and 510 foot-pounds of torque.

Ford's Sync electronics, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link and a rear-facing camera are among the options never before available on the Mustang.

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The Ford Mustang is available in three trim levels, all available in coupe and convertible bodystyles: Mustang V6, Mustang GT, and Shelby GT500.

The base Ford Mustang V6 coupe ($20,995) and convertible ($25,995) come powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard features on the V6 include air conditioning, cloth seat-upholstery, cruise control, a lockable glove box, power windows, and 17-in alloy wheels. Coupes also get 50/50 split-folding rear seats.

The Ford Mustang GT coupe ($27,995) and convertible ($32,995) come powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 5-speed manual. Mustang GT models add 18-in alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, automatic headlights, fog lights, body-color mirrors, a rear spoiler, and unique bumpers.

Options include the five-speed automatic transmission ($995), the glass roof option ($1,995), and a navigation package ($2,195).

A premium package ($3,000) upgrades with leather six-way power driver seat with power lumbar and two-way adjustable head restraint, bright shift knob, door trim panel inserts, leather wrapped steering-wheel with aluminum spokes, six-gauge cluster w/MyColor, gloss paint center stack and console, satin door speaker surrounds, Ambient lighting, Bright aluminum accent dash appliques, pedal covers, scuff plates and shifter knob, special wheels, and a Shaker 500 AM/FM/6CD MP3 audio system, eight speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Sync communications system.

An optional Track Package includes upgraded front brakes, a recalibrated AdvanceTrac system that allows later intervention, and the 3.73:1 axle ratio. Track Package II will include Pirelli 19-inch tires and wheels, upgraded front and rear brakes and heavier springs, shock absorbers and brakes along with recalibrated traction and yaw control systems designed for weekend racing. Ford Racing Performance Parts will offer a wide array of performance and appearance options for the new Mustang, up to and including a complete bolt-on supercharger kit.

The Shelby GT500 coupe (46,325) and convertible (51,225) feature a supercharged V8 engine borrowed from the Ford GT supercar. The Shelby GT500 deploys its 540 hp through a six-speed manual transmission and 19-in wheels. Standard features in addition to those on the Mustang GT include leather seats, a Shaker 500 AM/FM/6CD MP3 audio system with eight speakers and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Sync communications system, and unique floor mats. On the outside, the Shelby GT500 receives unique bumpers, a dual exhaust system, and a unique rear spoiler.

The safety package includes six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, the Ford Personal Safety System that controls the level of airbag deployment according to impact speed, and a new SOS post-crash alert system that unlocks the doors, turns on the four-way flashers, and sounds the horn if an airbag is deployed.