Catch a Glimpse of the 2010 Mustang: Week 5
The attention to detail and passion of everyone involved with the 2010 Mustang to make it the best ever are evident looking across the beautiful cockpit of America’s favorite muscle car. For 2010, for example, the genuine aluminum trim panels are precisely inset to and fully encapsulated by the soft-touch instrument panel. “The world-class fit and finish of the aluminum panels and soft-touch IP will be immediately apparent,” says Mustang Chief Designer Douglas Gaffka. “The instrument panel was carefully sculpted out and the genuine aluminum panels were placed within the shape, as opposed to just layed upon it,” says Mustang Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “This sculptural craftsmanship and inset location means the soft IP is the first touch-point.
“The new ‘dogbone' shape of the aluminum panels not only reinforces the double-brow design, a critical part of Mustang DNA, but also allows the centerstack display to be placed higher and closer to the driver.”
Incorporating a higher centerstack required a new air register design. “You'll see a definite family connection to our heritage Mustangs in the 2010 air register design,” says Mustang Design Manager Gary Morales. “The combination of circular and rectangular register shapes is well-represented in Mustang DNA,” adds Gelardi, “but the forms are definitely modern, inspired by exhaust outlets drilled into the aluminum, each capped off with a precisely located chrome ring.”
The genuine aluminum is also present on the modern, yet classic, steering wheel, which is wrapped in leather. “All three spokes are genuine aluminum,” adds Morales, “and there is a special focus on driver comfort. Both the spokes’ shapes and the audio controls have been ergonomically designed.” Even the steering-wheel badge received special attention. “This badge is genuine stamped aluminum, incorporating the new 2010 pony design,” says Gelardi. “We worked very closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to be certain the features of the pony were sharp and detailed, right down to the mane and eyes.”
“Incorporating both brushed and polished finishes meant achieving the small details was challenging,” adds Morales. “But like everything else on the 2010 Mustang, we wouldn't rest until it was right.”
Tags: 2010 Ford Mustang, dashboard, detail
