The 2008 Mustang is a carryover design from 2007. For 2008, there are ten models starting with the V6 powered Mustang Deluxe Coupe and going all the way up to The Shelby GT500 coupes and convertibles.
The Mustang GT, shown here, is available in both Deluxe and Premium packages. It is powered by Ford's 4.6 liter V8 that generates 300 horsepower and 320 pounds feet of torque, thanks in part to variable-valve timing with three valves per cylinder. The Mustang GT sends power to the rear wheels via a Tremec 5 speed manual transmission. A five speed automatic is optional. Like all Mustangs, the GT is equipped with McPherson Struts up front, coil springs in back, four wheel disc brakes and power rack and pinion steering. The GT adds a stabilizer bar in the rear.
The GT Deluxe comes standard with fog lamps, 17" painted cast aluminum wheels with performance all-season tires and a rear deck spoiler.
The GT Premium adds 18" aluminum wheels, leather surfaced sport bucket seats and a Shaker 500 audio system.
Significant options added for 2008 include Ambient interior lighting (95M), HID headlamps (51H) and V6 Mustang Coupes will have the option of 18? Premium Polished Forged Wheels. There is a new V6 Safety & Security Package that includes Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, Active Anti-Theft System and a wheel locking kit.
With a manual transmission, the Mustang GT's get EPA mileage of 17 city and 25 highway. The automatic drops highway mileage down to 23 miles per gallon.
All of the new Mustangs have a nostalgic profile that borrows heavily from several different years of Mustangs from the past. The large grill and singular round headlights are reflective of the 1967-1969 Mustangs while the triangular rear quarter windows are a direct reference to the 1966 Shelby GT350 Mustangs. You'll feel the retro flavor of early Mustangs in the cabin where the dual-hooded dash and large diameter speedometer and tachometer look tastefully vintage without looking dated. Even the typestyle used for the numbers is purposely old school.
Perhaps the best news on the 2008 Mustang is its price range. The V6 coupe in the deluxe package carries an MSRP of just $19,250. Convertibles start at an MSRP of $24,075 for the V6 deluxe convertible.
There's no debate that the new Mustangs are almost as big a hit as their 1964 and a half ancestor, which single-handedly created a whole new genre of "personal" automobiles. For 2008 Ford continues to grow the Mustang herd as it did so successfully over 40 years ago, offering a Mustang for just about any taste...whether mild...or wild.