2005 Ford Mustang

According to automotive illustrator Mark Stehrenberger, Ford's all-new 2005 Mustang GT will feature styling details that recall the '67 Mustang GT, with that model's rally lamps framing a horizontal chrome trim bar. This differs from the base Mustang V-6 that, as we've reported earlier, features a grille similar to the '68 ponycar's.

Note the fastback roofline and '66 Shelby GT350-like quarter-window built into the side. Tomorrow's Mustang will employ a revised version of the Thunderbird/Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type platform and an all-new roster of overhead-cam V-6 and V-8 engines.

The 2005 Mustang features the shark nose that recalls the '69-'70 Mustang, with the egg-crate grille of the '67-'68. (Click image to enlarge.)

The new Mustang was to be introduced in late 2003 as an '04 model, then a delay pushed launch to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first car, which debuted in April 1964. Now, it looks like the new Mustang will be ready in time for a traditional fall 2004 launch, although we'll probably see an official unveiling earlier in 2004, possibly at the New York Auto Show and in time for that 40th anniversary.

The new Mustang will be available in V-6- and V-8-powered GT versions, plus an SVT Cobra with enough power to rival Chevrolet's Corvette Z06. Building on the '02 Bullitt Mustang, '03 Mach I, and '04 Boss 302, Ford will continue to offer special limited-edition theme models each year.