Preview: 1999 Ford Mustang
09/21/1998
Greg A. Godsell
Ford chose a very appropriate venue to unveil the 1999 Mustang. The wraps were taken off at a Mustang Club of America rally over the Labor Day weekend. A fitting place to launch a car that has a loyal following spanning both decades and generations. It is this loyal following and comparatively strong sales that continue to differentiate Mustang from others in the segment.
1999 marks the 35th anniversary of the pony car and Ford has chosen to commemorate the occasion with an updated look, more performance, and handling improvements.
The eye will first be drawn to the styling changes. While the basic shape and feel of the previous model has been retained the overall appearance has been freshened with new styling cues. Ford stylists were going after a blend of classic Mustang design cues and geometric new-edge lines which are most evident in the profile. The small C-shaped side scoops have given way to strong angular lines that continue through to the front fascia. The hood has been given a chiseled scoop with strong lines running down towards the grille that contains the classic corralled pony emblem. Rounded edges in the headlights and taillights have been squared off to match other details. Commemorative touches include special badging on the sides and embossed pony logos on the backs of the front seats.
The seat of your pants will discover the other big area of change for the 1999 Mustang. Both powerplants are the welcome recipients of more horsepower and torque. The base model's 3.8-liter V-6 has a new manifold and reworked cylinder head that provides a 40 horsepower improvement to 190hp at 5,250 RPM. Torque is increased by 5 foot-pounds to 220 at 2,750 RPM. The 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 has been reworked with high-lift camshafts, larger valve openings and revised intake manifold runners boost the horsepower by 35 horsepower up to 260hp at 5,250RPM. Torque increases by 10 foot-pounds to 300 at 4000 RPM.
To match the power increases, Ford has made available for the first time in the Mustang an all-speed traction control system. Mustang's traction control works through brake application and engine power adjustments. Other handling concerns have been addressed with steering improvements, ride changes and rigidity improvements in the convertible model.
In general, the Mustang continues on with its successful formula. Oft criticized as too much of a compromise, the Mustang is one of the few sports cars left that continues to sell well and its future seems sound. The modifications for this its 35th year only prove to make it a more viable and valuable option.