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Amid auto industry crisis, Ford introduces 2010 Mustang muscle car at LA Auto Show

Associated Press

8:12 AM EST, November 18, 2008

2010 Ford Mustang (Ford)

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Co. tries to revive its classic Mustang muscle car with a makeover for the 2010 model year that debuts at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show.

Tuesday's introduction comes as the Dearborn automaker and U.S. rivals General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC struggle with plunging sales and a severe financial crisis.

Ford sold 83,557 Mustangs in the U.S. in the first 10 months of the year, down 30 percent from 118,959 in the same period of 2007. Overall company sales fell 18 percent in the period to 1.66 million.

The 2010 Mustang has what the company calls a "new muscular, sculptured exterior," along with larger wheels, adjusted suspension and more power. Ford says the V-6 engine has 210 horsepower and the V-8 version has 315 horsepower.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times — and the 2010 does exactly that," J Mays, Ford's vice president for design, said in a news release. He said it has "the swagger you'd expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you've never seen in a muscle car."

Ford also plans to use the show to unveil new versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, including Fusion and Milan models with hybrid gas-electric powertrains.

Chrysler shows its electric vehicle concepts, including a Jeep and a minivan that can go 40 miles on battery power before a small engine extends their range.

Other show highlights will include the North American debut of an updated Mazda 3 sedan, the Japanese automaker's top seller. Nissan Motor Co. will debut three new vehicles, while Toyota Motor Corp., Kia Motors Corp. and others have unveilings of their own.