Welcome to your reserved seat in the new 2010 Mustang. A fresh and modern cockpit amplifies the high-performance driving experience with upgraded, luxurious materials and driver-focused ergonomics. “The console is a key element to the new interior design,” says Mustang Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “It’s defined by a single dramatic arc sweeping from the IP up to the padded armrest. Besides creating a clean appearance, it also gives you unobstructed arm movement when shifting gears.”
“It’s a clean, modern evolution of the classic Mustang console that is also very functional,” adds Mustang Chief Designer Doug Gaffka. “You’ll definitely see the heritage connection in the shapes and surfaces,” says Gelardi. “Every element on the console was re-thought and upgraded in design and materials.” For example, the cupholders and armrest have a few surprise features. “Dual cup holders, concealed beneath a flip door, are deeper for increased capacity,” said Design Manager Gary Morales. “The console stowage bin under the armrest features a discrete key lock.”
“The door armrest shape is the same arc as the console,” continued Morales. “It underscores the cockpit design and also improves ergonomics - your desk chair has the same armrest shape on both sides, so it made sense to do the same thing in your car.” The cupholders and door panels are also part of the available Ambient Lighting option, which coordinates with the MyColor cluster in the new Mustang.
The seats also have received special design attention for 2010, with upgraded leather and contrasting stitching for the Premier and Color Accent Packages. “We worked to create the perfect combination of form, material and detail,” says Mustang Color & Materials Designer Jennifer Atanasovski Schultz. “It’s not only about the kinds of materials we used, but how we used them in conjunction with the sculpted forms that completes the Mustang experience.”
“This was a CAD–led design process,” says Gelardi. “Defining and confirming shapes and surfaces early allowed plenty of time to engineer robust construction and locate sound insulation so the signature Mustang exhaust roar is the primary sound you’ll hear.”