The persistent paparazzi lead so many trends, and the legend of the Ford Mustang is not one to be left alone.  Just this week, the 2010 Ford Mustang has been snapped under wraps by the folks at Priddy & Co.  From what we can tell, it appears to hold pretty strongly to the current S197 Ford Mustang platform, but just might have some influential applications from the Giugiaro Ford Mustang feature a bit ago in Los Angeles.

One minor thing before we go much further…these shots appear to be the incarnation of the 2010 Ford Mustang, equipped with the EcoBoost V6 powerplant.  CAFE standards are continuing to pinch the muscle cars of today, with the 35mpg standard set to take effect by 2020.  Ford's definitely been at the draftsman table figuring out ways to milk more from less.  Some vicious rumors hint at the future of the Mustang losing association with certain popular characteristics.  Maybe it's a good thing.  Then again, if the phrase “V8” falls away from being a solid concept in the Mustang's future, what will it mean for the culture of the car that's been alive since the '60s?

 

Sound crazy?  Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  The EcoBoost engine is set to make its debut in a new performance-oriented Ford Fusion—a seemingly gentle method to introduce the powerplant to the public.  Now, it might look just fine in a FWD sedan, but how would it look driving one of the world's most famous pony cars?  Well, it won't look too odd, being as how today's S197 Ford Mustang has the 4.0 liter OHV V6 in play.  The one difference we'll likely see is the fact that the EcoBoost has the capability to deliver up to 415hp, with torque figures directly comparable to that of the 4.6 liter 3-valve 4.6 V8 of today.

While there is much speculation about the deployment longevity for the V8, many reputable sources claim that the EcoBoost powerplant will just be an alternate offering to the V8.  Let's hope so.

So where does this leave us for now?  Well, we can plan on a coupe with a glass roof offering, an alternate V6 engine to pick from, and styling influenced by the Italian-spun Giugiaro Ford Mustang.  Is the future of the Ford Mustang promising….or scary?  The fantastic Ford will have to pave the way; as only time will tell.