Edmunds Inside Line has published spy photos and video of the 2010 Ford Mustang in heavy camouflage.  They report, "You have to look closely to see the changes."  There are a few "some visible changes to the 2010 Mustang's grille," and a little added chrome around the headlights, but "It doesn't appear as though heavy sheet metal changes are in the works for the rest of the car."  Most of the significant alterations "are expected to come under the hood. A 5.0-liter V8 will replace the current 4.6-liter V8, which should result in a decent bump in horsepower."  Ford will also introduce its EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 to the Mustang lineup, which should produce "more than 300 hp while delivering superior mileage compared to the 5.0-liter V8."

StangNet adds, "Facing contenders, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, Ford has to do something progressive to keep the fire burning inside every Mustang fan." 

Ford isn't worried about the competition, however.  Executive Vice President Mark Fields told USA Today, "f you look at the history of the sports segment, when new products come into the marketplace, it actually expands the whole segment. So clearly we're going to have more competition, but the good news is the segment is going to expand."

The Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Cole Smith sees problems for all three companies investing heavily in retro-muscle cars.  He writes, "Serious devotees of the brands -- largely those who owned an original 1971 Challenger or 1969 Camaro, or wish they had -- won't be swayed by the economy or gas prices. But for both cars to be a mainstream success, they must tap into that Mustang market.  Which, suddenly diluted three ways, could get painfully thin."

Some analysts have said that the sudden resurgence of Detroit muscle is actually a last gasp, with fuel prices about to kill the muscle car.  Detroit is fighting to keep it alive, with that EcoBoost Mustang and rumors of a four-cylinder Camaro on the way.

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