After a long 25-year long stint, Ford finally said goodbye to the Fox platform as a basis for the Mustang. Instead, the 2005 was built upon an all-new platform codenamed D2C.
The front end still consisted of MacPherson strut suspension, but with reverse “L” lower control arms. Out back, the rear suspension was a three-link system with a panhard rod controlling the lateral and vertical movements of the axle, meaning it’s a live rear axle.
Ford faced harsh criticism for this decision because the negative handling characteristics that come with a live rear axle, but quickly stated utilizing an independent rear suspension system would bump up the cost of the Mustang considerably—as much as $5,000.
Replacing the unimpressive 3.8L V6 powerplant from the New Edge line was a 4.0L Cologne V6, which produced 210 HP. The braking components were also changed to help slow the Mustang’s newfound speed. Larger 11.4” discs were fitted to the front end and clamped on by twin-piston calipers.
The S197 also took on a completely new look inside and out. Ford engineers based its exterior looks off of the 1964-1970 Mustangs, meaning they ditched narrow, sharp edges for a wider and smooth-shaped body.
The front bumper took on a radically-changed design and came equipped with mesh-style grille and pony emblem. Inside, the Mustang received a much more modern-looking cockpit than the outgoing New Edge, but came with a retro-styled steering wheel for a promising blend of classic and modern.
- New 4.0L Cologne V6 base-model engine
- All-new D2C platform
- Larger braking components
- Restyled body with cues from the classic era