mustang V6

The 2005-2009 base Mustang is powered by Ford's cast iron block 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6, replacing the 3.8 L Essex OHV V6 used in 2004 and older models. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) at 5300 rpm and 240 lb·ft (325 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm and is mated to a standard Tremec T-5 5-speed manual transmission with Ford's 5R55S 5-speed automatic transmission available as an option. A 3.31:1 final drive ratio is standard with either transmission. Though criticized for a lack of refinement, the standard V6 powertrain is capable of delivering competitive performance. In a comparison test with a Pontiac G6 Convertible conducted by Motor Trend magazine, a Mustang V6 Convertible equipped with an automatic transmission was able to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 7.3 seconds; 1.4 seconds better than its competitor.[4]

All models of the current Mustang make use of an independent MacPherson-strut front suspension with reverse "L" lower control arms. The rear suspension utilizes a new three-link system with a Panhard Rod which controls the vertical and lateral movements of the axle.[5] This live axle rear suspension provides the benefits of reduced cost and weight over heavier, more expensive independent rear suspensions. In spite of this, Ford has drawn heavy criticism from the automotive journalism community for the decision to equip the current Mustang with the live axle system. At a press conference, Ford stated that to include an independent rear suspension would have added $5,000 to the showroom price of the car.

Some of the standard features that the 2005 Mustang launched with include power windows, dual power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, front air bags, AM/FM stereo with CD player, 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, and larger brake discs than the previous generation Mustang with twin-piston calipers in the front. Some of the options available included Ford's MyColor (a color-configurable instrument cluster available as part of the Interior Upgrade Package), brushed aluminum panels (also part of the Interior Upgrade Package), Ford's Shaker 500 (500 watt peak output) or Shaker 1000 (1000 watt peak output) premium audio system with a 6-disc MP3-compatible CD changer, leather seating surfaces, a six-way power adjustable driver seat, and a four-channel anti-lock brake system with traction control (standard on GT models).[6]

As of 2008, all Mustangs have seats containing material derived from soy beans,[7] harking back to some of Henry Ford's ideals.

Ford Sync was available on the 2009 model only as a dealer-installed kit.

Several new options and standard features were introduced in the following years, including the Pony Package (2006; see below), a DVD-based GPS navigation system made by Pioneer (2007, late availability), a power passenger seat (2007), heated seats (2007), Sirius Satellite Radio (2007), standard side airbags (2008), HID headlamps (2008), and ambient interior lighting (2009), in addition to a variety of new wheel styles and exterior paint colors.

For 2009, Ford introduced a new option called the glass roof. This option ($1,995 at introduction) is in effect a full roof sunroof that splits the difference in price and purpose of the coupe and convertible models.