2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Ford Mustang

• Competes with: Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camaro
• Looks like: A mix of last year’s Mustang and the 1970s Mach 1 Mustang
• Drivetrain: 315-hp, 4.6-liter V-8
• Hits dealerships: 2009

Ford has done it again. Like the latest reimagining of the Ford Focus, the company has kept almost everything mechanical about the 2009 Mustang intact and created a new, stylized exterior and an improved interior. It’s a smart business move, and the looks are still striking. However, we don’t expect the 2010 version to drive a whole lot differently than the 2009.

That’s because Ford says it has taken the improvements it made to last year’s Bullit special edition — with its tweaked exhaust, suspension and other bits — and made it the basis for the 2010 Mustang. Ford says it has also added more sound-deadening for a quieter ride and moved the radio antenna to the rear so it creates less wind noise. We’re happier to see the addition of standard stability control and seat-mounted side airbags.

Inside, the Mustang’s interior gets improved materials and a new center stack of controls. The style, however, remains thoroughly retro, like the previous model. Still, Ford made a major leap with the Focus’ interior, and that should translate here as well.

Overall, the exterior is different enough to stand out, but it sure doesn’t overwhelm us, like the new designs Chevy and Dodge gave us with the new Camaro and Challenger, respectively. Many more photos below.

Interior