Ford Mustang 2005 2006 2007( )

The redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang and the 2006 Mustang and 2007 Mustang models it has spawned showcase everything that's best about America's favorite pony car. Perhaps best of all, they look and perform like Mustangs should.

The links below take you behind the scenes to explore the creation and launch of the 2005 Ford Mustang and the changes it's undergone for 2006 and 2007.

The shape of these cars was ordained by a superstar stylist with a European pedigree. J Mays decreed the clean-sheet 2005 design would recapture the style that established Mustang as a classic, and that's what he delivered.

Their engineering was directed by a man who as a child in war torn Vietnam idolized Mustang as a symbol of freedom. Hau Thai-Tang idealized the little Ford as an American icon that put sporty-car fun within reach of nearly everyone, and that's what he delivered.

The 2005 Ford Mustang launched the newest generation of America's favorite sporty car. It boasted classic styling and the first chassis designed expressly for the Mustang. The 2006 and 2007 models expanded on its performance potential.

The personality of these new cars was inspired by the most charismatic Mustangs ever. Designers and engineers plastered their workshop walls with photos of Steve McQueen's '68 Bullitt fastback, parked prototypes next to a '70 Boss 302, and made sure never to even look at a '74 Mustang II.

The original was reborn for 2005, newer than ever, familiar as always. For the first time, Ford had created a car from the ground up to be a Mustang. No sedan chassis compromised its shape or occupant packaging, no economy car powertrain had to be accommodated. This was the Mustang lover's Mustang.

That is not to say it didn't suffer some compromises. Its solid rear axle seemed an anachronism; cabin plastics were embarrassingly low budget. And what did the future hold for that "retro" styling?

This is the story of the creation of the newest Mustang, told here in unprecedented depth and breadth. Here's a preview:

• The 2005 Ford Mustang
  Go behind the scenes to learn how Ford designers and engineers brought to life the newest generation of an icon. See prototypes they rejected, learn about solutions to vexing design challenges, and discover why the 2005 Mustang looks and performs the way it does.
  

• The 2006 Ford Mustang and Ford Shelby GT-H
  The redesigned Mustang was a showroom hit, and Ford spread its excitement to the car-rental lot, of all places. Explore the hot Hertz Shelby GT-H and the other 2006 Mustangs.
  

• The 2007 Ford Mustang and Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT
  Two terrific new models, the Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT, showcase the performance potential of the 2007 Ford Mustang. Find out how they turn up the wick, and learn about Mustang's other changes for 2007.
  
  
• 2005, 2006, 2007 Ford Mustang specifications
  Words and pictures tell only part of the Mustang story. For vehicle dimensions, engine data, sales figures, prices and other information, check out these specifications.
  

For more great Mustang stories, photos, and information, try these articles:

• Saddle up for the complete story of America's best-loved sporty car. How the Ford Mustang Works chronicles the legend from its inception in the early 1960s to today's all-new Mustang.

• For dimensions, prices, horsepower and other cool information on Mustangs from today and years past, dive into Ford Mustang specifications.

• Ford muscle cars, including some very quick Mustangs, were among the top performers of the muscle car era. Check out profiles, photos, and specifications of some tough Ford muscle cars.
  
  
• Leading to the all-new 2005 Mustang was the 1999-2004 generation. Discover how it honored the Mustang legend with such fantastic cars as the Mustang SVT Cobra, Bullitt Mustang, and the retun of the Mach 1. 1