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S197 Mustang: The Complete Breakdown

Mustang S197 The Complete Guide

There are few symbols of American culture as iconic as the Ford Mustang, so making changes to the country's favorite sports car is a serious undertaking.

"When you're designing a new Mustang, you're the steward of 40 years of automotive history," remarked then head of Ford design J. Mays in 2004 when the fifth-generation Mustang was launched. "If you don't get it right, you've got 8 million Mustang fans to answer to."


S197 Mustang History What Is An S197? Through The Years




S197 Mustang History

While keeping the old and embracing the new might seem like a paradox, it's something that every generation of Mustang creators has to contend with. For Mays, chief engineer Hau Thai-Tang, and designer Sid Ramnarace, the task ahead was considerable when plans began in 1999 for the fifth-generation S197 Mustang.

While the previous SN95/New Edge Mustang has a generation-specific body design, it was running on the long-in-tooth Fox Body platform that had been underneath a Mustang since 1979. With this in mind, Ford engineers looked at the DEW98 platform, which underpinned the Lincoln LS and the resurrected retro-style Thunderbird. At the same time, Ford sought to overcome the shortfalls of the Fox Body platform, which was mainly understeer caused by front-end favored weight distribution.

Eventually, engineers' intentions with the DEW98 platform gave way to an all-new, Mustang-exclusive chassis that only contained trace elements of the DEW98. Longer than its Fox Body predecessor, the new D2C platform offered increased length to help with weight distribution. D2C (D-class, 2-door coupe) offered MacPherson front struts and a solid rear axle. Ford's bean counters also didn't mind that the D2C platform was cheaper to produce than the DEW98.



What Is An S197 Mustang?

An S197 Mustang is the generational nickname denoting 2005-2014 Mustangs. With the fundamentals in the works, designers turned to the S197's outside. Seeking to capitalize on the lengthened platform, Mustang exterior focused on a long and lean look that could be traced back to its first-generation roots but still present a distinctive style. Dubbed a retro-futuristic approach, the fifth-generation "Stang showcased a muscular body thanks to the extended hood and subtly wide fenders. The short, horizontal grille and lower air intake also gave the S197 a wide and beefy stance.

Of course, what's a Mustang without some classic features? Designers created the S197 around the vertical tri-light taillights and a non-functioning gas cap in the rear decklid. The single headlights are reminiscent of the Mustangs from the early 1970s.

Inside, hints of the previous-gen dual-cockpit are present. However, the crisp and angular elements of the exterior are carried over into an all-new cabin.

For the first time since its inaugural generation, the Mustang was primarily based on an all-new design inside, outside, and underneath. Even the factory in Flat Rock, Michigan, was all-new for Mustang.



S197 Mustang: Through The Years

Beginning with its debut in 2005, let's check each model year of the S197 Ford Mustang.



2005 Mustang: Details

2005 Mustang Engine Bay4.6L 3V Engine Bay

Launched in 2004 for the 2005 model year, the first S197 Mustang specs include two powerplants. The base engine (for the Mustang V6 trim) is the all-new SOHC 4.0L Cologne V-6 making 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. An excellent performance bump from the previous year's 3.8L pushrod six-cylinder.

Available only on the GT, upgraded power comes from the modular 4.6L V-8, which was factory rated at 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Of particular note is that this engine uses a 3-valve setup for its overhead-cam configuration. With two intakes and one exhaust valve, a 3-valve engine could improve performance over a dual-cam V-8 while not having the engineering complexity (and expense) of a quad-valve powerplant. A unique effort in 3V Mustang history.

Ford's marketing of the day touted that both engines are "more than 50% cleaner than last year's." Also, these powerplants are equipped with electronic throttle control, a Mustang first. Other than limited-run variants for the San Diego area and the New York Yankees, 2005 Mustang specs include no special editions.



2006 Mustang: Details

Shelby GT-H MustangGT-H Hertz Edition

The S197's second year saw the same engines carried over. Ford did mix things up a bit by offering some exterior design upgrades with graphics and spoilers. Interestingly, buyers could add the Pony Package to a Mustang V-6 that added some GT performance equipment like a suspension upgrade, bigger wheels and tires, and some exterior treatments.

The year's sole special edition was the Ford Shelby GT-H that harkened back to the Rent-A-Racer promotion of the 1960s. Only 500 GT-H Mustangs were produced and available for rental through Hertz. Available only in black with a gold racing stripe, these Mustangs enjoyed a 25 hp increase above standard GT specs.



2007 Mustang: Details

2007 Shelby GT500Shelby GT500 Returns For 2007

While the main Mustang line soldiered on with minimal changes, 2007 was noteworthy for the number of special editions. These efforts begin with the Shelby GT500 and its supercharged 5.4L V-8 making 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. These were better numbers than what was offered by the same-year Ferrari F430. Ford beats Ferrari again! This Shelby could be ordered (in white or black) with a unique Red Stripe Appearance Package.

Ford also offers a Shelby GT variant which adds 25 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque to the standard 2007 Mustang specs for the GT's 4.6L V-8. The GT-H, this time in convertible form, is made available through select Hertz locations, while a California Special offers an appearance package for the GT.



2008 Mustang: Details

2008 Mustang BullittMustang Bullitt Returns In 2008

A new model year brings High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights to the Mustang, and 18-inch wheels are now standard on the V-6 model. For special editions, the brutish GT500 continues for 2008, along with the Shelby GT slotting above the GT and below the GT500. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the King of the Road Mustang, Ford offers the Shelby GT500KR and its 540 hp.

Significantly, the Bullitt Mustang returns for 2008 with performance upgrades above the GT that include a reworked engine and suspension. Engine output is 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The California Special carries on for another year, and Ford offers the Warriors in Pink special edition appearance package that benefits breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen for the Cure.



2009 Mustang: Details

HID Headlights on Mustang OEMHID Headlights Available On Mustang

Despite 2009 marking the Mustang's 45th anniversary, no models or variants were part of S197 Mustang specs. The same special editions from 2008 were also available for 2009: GT500KR, GT500, Shelby GT, Bullitt Mustang, California Special, and Warrior in Pink.



2010 Mustang: Details

Mustang entered the new decade with a refreshed exterior and upgraded interior. The blunter nose of the earlier S197s gave way to a more sculpted front end and more modern headlight assembly. The backend received an update with reshaped vertical tri-taillights. Inside, Ford upgraded the cabin with softer touch materials, and electronic features like a backup camera were available. The GT's 4.6L V-8 received a performance bump to 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque--incorporating the engine upgrades from the '09 Bullitt.

The Shelby GT500 was the sole special edition for 2010. The supercharged beast could now produce 540 hp and 510 hp and do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, a respectable time even by today’s standards.



2011 Mustang: Details

Coyote Engine BayCoyote Engine Bay on 2011 Mustang

Fresh on the heels of an updated body, the 2011 Mustang was a pivotal year for one reason: a new V-8 powerplant. Mustangs could once again be fitted with a 5.0L engine, but this time with OHC architecture and impressive output. Dubbed the Coyote, after AJ Foyt's Indy racer, this quad-valve V-8 offered power that was once unthinkable in a standard GT, let alone some older Mustangs. Horsepower could hit 412, and torque could reach 390 lb-ft.

It's easy to overlook that the base V-6 engine was replaced with a more robust and sophisticated 3.7L V-6 featuring quad valves and variable valve timing. Base S197 Mustang specs now offer 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, suddenly even the cheapest Mustang had more oomph than GT pony cars from just a few years earlier.

The year's main special edition was the Shelby GT500 which featured an all-new supercharged aluminum-block 5.4L V-8 capable of making 550 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. A net gain of 10 hp over the previous year. Appearance package special editions included the California Special GT and Mustang Club of America variants. Ford also produced 50 copies of the Mustang GT Pace Car, including one used in the 2010 Daytona 500.



2012 Mustang: Details

Boss 302 Mustang 20122012 Boss 302

2012 Mustang specs continued essentially unchanged from the previous year with one significant exception: the Boss 302 special edition reintroduction. Offering 444 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, the Boss 302 offered an excellent performance alternative for someone who wanted more than a Mustang GT but did not want to go the full Shelby GT500 route.



2013 Mustang: Details

2013 Mustang Refresh Front EndRevised GT Front End For 2013

As the S197 begins to enter its final phase, Ford sought to keep the Mustang relevant with a mild refresh and commitment to more power. A tweaked front end reinforces the car's muscular appearance will new taillights help sharpen up the rear. Breakthrough news comes in the form of the Shelby GT500, which now makes a neck-snapping 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. No doubt there were chants of "take that Camaro and Challenger" at Ford's HQ when the GT500's specs went public. While almost seeming like an afterthought, GTs received an 8 hp bump to 420. 2013 was also the last year for the Boss 302.



2014 Mustang: Details

2014 Shelby GT500662 HP for 2013-14 GT500

A ten-year run is great for any car model, but 2014, the last year of the S197, recognizes the important milestones this Mustang created in automotive history. The first genuinely 21st century Ford pony car, a modern vehicle platform, and remarkable engine designs even with base model powerplants. 2014 Mustangs carried over unchanged from the previous year.




Source: Mustangs & Fords, Mustang Specs, Ford





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