What Is An S197 Mustang?

What Is An S197 Mustang?

This Mustang is the fifth generation Mustang that was made between 2005-2014 and built on Ford's D2C platform. What is the Ford D2C? The Ford D2C stands for D-Class 2 Door Coupe and is one of Ford's rear-wheel-drive automobile platforms.

What Does S197 Mustang Mean?

This was the code name given to the 2005 Mustang body style when it was being produced. All 2005-2014 Mustangs are considered S197 Mustangs.

2003 S197 Concept To Reality

In 2003, Ford introduced the concept S197 Mustang at the North American International Auto Show. This new "retro-futurism" styled Mustang took cues from the 1964-1970 Mustangs thanks to exterior designer Sid Ramnarace and chief engineer Hau-Thai-Tang. In 2004, Mustang production started to take place at the Flat Rock assembly plant. In October 2004, Ford launched sales and started delivering pre-ordered cars.

Exterior

When this model was created, Ford engineers based the body off of the classic 1964-1970 Mustangs. The previous New Edge Mustang's sharp lines were traded in for a smoother, wider body. The front bumper was drastically changed and featured a rectangular mesh style grille with a large running pony emblem. The longer style headlights or previous years were redesigned to a bulkier, square headlight with a relocated side marker in the bumper below the headlight. Fog lights were added into the grille on GT models while the V6 did not receive fog lights standard but were an option for pony package equipped cars. The bumper also got a lower grille opening that complimented the upper grille. As for the hood, we did not see a return of the hood scoop on GT or V6 models but they did feature a few stylish body lines. Ford said goodbye to the side scoops that became a staple in the 1994-2004 Mustangs and replaced them with a "deleted" look that still kept the same body lines. This helped give the early S197 a stylish look while getting rid of the non-functional scoops. Modeled somewhat off of the 03-04 Cobra rear bumper, the 05-09 Mustang rear bumper kept the rounded rectangular look but also go an inset license plate mounting point. This paved way for the famous faux fuel door (styled after the classic) on the rear decklid between the two vertically rectangular taillights. A sporty spoiler was available as an additional option.

Keeping the same fastback style shape as the 2005-2009 model year Mustang, 2010-2012 received a new front end and a rear end. The revised front end brought the wider curves inward closer to the body which gave the car a more aerodynamic look and paved the way for the new grille and headlights. The rectangular grille of the early models was slimmed down and given slanted edges on each side which was wider on the bottom and thinner at the top. This allowed for a rounded-rhombus-shaped headlight with an integrated side marker that flowed perfectly against the grille. GT models were once again equipped with in-grille fog lights while both GT and V6 received the running pony in the grille. While most of the side features stayed the same, color-matched mirrors were added as an available option. The rear bumper on the 2010s featured a textured black rear valance that wrapped around the entire bottom of the bumper. The rear decklid featured the same faux gas cap as the 2005-2009 Mustangs but the taillights took a new shape. Keeping the same classic three vertical rectangles, the lamps contoured with the body and were wider on the inner sides giving the rear a sportier look. A rear spoiler was available as an additional option.

Taking most of the same cues as 2010-2012, the 2013-2014 Mustang got a redesigned front bumper and a slightly redesigned rear. The front bumper retained its shape but was now smaller and had a color-matched surround that contoured into the new beefier hood. In 2010-2012 Mustangs, the headlights had a halogen bulb on the outer side of the headlight while sporting two running lights on the inner side (with the upgrade option of HIDs). The 2013-2014 headlights reversed this order and featured HIDs and LED running lights. The redesign left the fog lights and the running pony in the grille but some models also featured small fog lights in the bottom of the bumper. In the middle of these fog lights was the classic lower grille but the shape of the bumper made the grille look "flipped" compare to the 10-12 (wider at the top than on the bottom). The rear got a redesign as well with a more open valance, wider license plate recess, a blacked-out decklid behind the faux gas cap, and new taillights. Optional spoilers were available as well.

Interior

Ditching the curved dash of the 94-04 Mustang era, Ford mixed classic styling with a touch of modern in the 2005-2009 interior. The gauge cluster got a complete overhaul and featured retro-styled numbers as an ode to the classic Mustangs. If you upgraded to the interior upgrade package, you also got Ford's MyColor option. Ford MyColor allows you to mix and match the lighting of your gauge cluster at the touch of a button. In 2008, you could choose an interior ambient lighting package that allowed you to choose the color (7 preset colors) of your now illuminated front and rear footwells and front cup holders. The steering wheel featured a three-bar look similar to the classic-styled steering wheel. The previous rectangular air vents now took on a circular look which compliments the retro theme perfectly. For the most part, the new model's dash was a pretty simple layout that would lay the framework out for future improvements.

The 2010 exterior changes brought similar changes to the interior as well. Keeping the same basic layout and retro styling, there were only a few differences to point out. The formerly rounded A/C vents in the center of the dash were now rectangular to flow with the new dash shape. What was previously a flat, simple design is now a two-tone stylishly shaped centerpiece that contoured around the larger radio and A/C bezel. Various leather and cloth options were available to choose from to get the perfect look. 2013-2014 featured the same layout and most of the same features of the 2010 minus a few upgrades.

Suspension

Unlike the 1979-2004 Mustang, the 2005-2014 Mustang S197 used a MacPherson-strut front suspension that featured the coils built onto the shocks instead of sitting in the control arms. They also had reverse "L" control arms and a new three-link rear suspension that included a Panhard bar. A Mustang Panhard bar controls the vertical and lateral movements of the rear axle and is thoroughly explained in ourWhat Is A Mustang Panhard Bar article. While Ford kept the live axle setup, they received backlash over not using a better handling independent rear suspension. Ford made a statement that addressed the criticism adding that the heavier, IRS would have added $5,000 to the showroom price.

Engine Options

Throughout the 2005-2014 Mustang lifetime, a few various V6 and V8 options were available including a supercharged V8! Here we lay out the various engine options for the S197.

With a new body style came a new version of the 4.6L motor for the Mustang. Unlike the previous 96-04 2 valve motors, the new 4.6 was outfitted with 3 valve heads. These 3 valve heads featured 2 intake valves and 1 exhaust valve to help push the V8 to 300 horsepower and 320 lb ft torque. This motor was used from 2005-to 2010 and was replaced in 2011 by the 5.0 Coyote motor. Replacing the wimpy V6 of the early 2000s was a stout 4.0 V6 introduced in 2005. This new motor made 210 horsepower and 240 torque making it a competitor for earlier V8 models.

The 2011 Mustang was the second year of the new body style but the first year of the new Coyote 5.0 motor. This 4 valve V8 put down 412 horsepower and 390 ft/lbs of torque making it a huge upgrade from the previous 4.6L motor. Along with the more powerful V8, there was also the debut of the "Cyclone" motor, a 305 horsepower 3.7L V6 engine. Putting down more horsepower from the factory than previous year's V8 motors, this V6 was not one to be underestimated!

S197 Shelby GT-H

Playing off of the 1966 "Rent A Racer" Shelby GT350H, Ford engineers brought back the Hertz Rental Car agency Mustang in 2006. The 2006 Mustang Shelby GT-H was a black and gold Mustang that featured a special hood with hood pins, aluminum grille, California special front fascia, exclusive wheels, and Shelby GT-H & Hertz badges. But they didn't stop at just “sports car” aesthetics, they added performance as well. Under the hood was the same 4.6L 3 valve motor that came in GT models but they also featured a cold air intake, mufflers, and an X-pipe that netted an additional 25 horsepower and 10 extra foot lbs of torque. These models were built and distributed to Hertz agencies to be added to their "Fun Collection".

Shelby GT500

In 2005, Shelby and Ford teamed up once again and introduced the new Shelby GT500 at the New York International Auto Show. This first time showing of this new Mustang featured a 5.4L 500hp modular motor that was equipped with a factory supercharger and was backed up by a Tremec TR-6060. Deliveries started in May 2006 and owners got to see the new redesigned S197 in person. The GT500 featured an exclusive from and rear bumper, heat extractor hood, Cobra badging, Shelby decals, and reshaped headlights. SVT and Shelby produced the GT500s for three years at Flat Rock, Michigan before returning in 2010.

Following the same muscle car trends as the earlier Shelby Mustangs, the 2010 GT500s got the same redesigned features made specifically for the new body style. The 5.4L got bumped from 500hp specs to 540hp and actually gained 2 miles per gallon. The new 19" wheels were forged to reduce unsprung weight for optimal performance. In 2011, Ford introduced a new 5.4L aluminum block that was 102lbs lighter than previous cast-iron engines. There were many other upgrades to this GT500 that we will address in a separate article.

Wanting to push the boundaries even further, Ford upgraded the 2013 GT500 to a 5.8L V8 Supercharged motor that put down a whopping 662 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. Although the GT/V6 Mustangs got a facelift in the 2012-2013 period, the Shelby kept the body mostly the same with the exception of HID headlights and LED taillights. Upgrade to the 2013-2014 GT500 included a beefed-up Tremec 6060 six-speed transmission, single piece carbon fiber driveshaft, larger fuel injectors, twin fuel pumps, 6 piston calipers, and more!

2008 Mustang Bullitt Mustang

Following the same cues as the 2001 New Edge Mustang Bullitt, Ford engineers gave the S197 a Mustang Bullitt of their own. In the 2008 model year, the Bullitt was brought back with the same dark highland green and black paint schemes. The Bullitt got a factory spoiler delete, custom interior, big brakes, better suspension, a unique Bullitt grille, and a few more unique parts. One of the most popular aspects of the 2008 Bullitt was the retro muscle car S197 styling that closely resembled the original first-generation 1968 Fastback Mustang used in the movie "Bullitt".

California Special Edition

Taking yet another cue from the classic era, Ford engineers brought back the famous California Special edition Mustang in 2007. Spanning from 2007-2017, the California Special was a package available when ordering your S197 that retailed for a couple of thousand dollars. GT/CS packages usually include unique exterior parts such as GT/CS bumpers, grilles, decals, as well as specifically colored seats and floor mats. Each body style change brought new changes and specific upgrades.

2012-2013 Mustang Boss 302

Most likely one of the most popular models was the 2012-2013 Boss 302. The original Boss 302 was introduced by Ford in 1969 and was a little brother to the more powerful Boss 429. Ford engineers brought back the Boss 302 in 2012 with both looks and power. Receiving an engine code-named "Road Runner", the Boss' 5.0 motor was similar to the Coyote but featured a forged rotating assembly, ported heads, revised camshafts, and a Boss 302 intake manifold. This motor put down a healthy 440 horsepower, a 32 horsepower difference over the standard GT. It also got a full suspension kit, side exhaust, unique front grille, Boss 302 decals, and a unique interior. A Boss 302 Leguna Seca edition was also offered that was an even more race-inspired package than the original Boss that featured a rear seat delete that included a cross brace, Recaro sport seats, Torsen limited-slip differential in the rear end, revised suspension tuning, a bigger rear stabilizer bar, and specific Leguna Seca edition badging and wheels.

2005-2014 Saleen Mustang

Starting with the new body style in 2005, you could get 3 different Saleen Mustang conversion models; the base S-281, S-281 S/C supercharged version, and the S-281 E “extreme” model. The first two options could be purchased in a coupe or convertible, but the extreme version only came in a coupe.

In 2008, the Saleen came out with 5 different engine options as well as the 25th-anniversary model. This model was the SA-25 Sterling Edition and was stated that this high-performance vehicle played an integral role in what was known as “the reawakening of the company”. This reawakening was all due to the S197 Ford Mustang models.

Another key Mustang with this year's range was the SMS 25A. This marked the first time that Saleen designed and built a Mustang from the ground up instead of using Ford’s initial design. Lastly, the SMS 302 was an idea from Steve Saleen himself and the design took a base 2011 Mustang GT and added many modifications including increased HP, torque, specific Saleen-style exterior components, improved suspension, and a full interior makeover. All this made the starting price of this Mustang $54,990.

2005-2014 Roush Mustang

Debuting in 2005, this generation lasted until 2014 and came out with a wide variety of Roush Mustang models! The codename for this year range was called "S197" and on top of the different stages that Roush normally offers, this was a time in which they came out with many different special-edition Mustangs.

Some of the most popular S197 Roush models are highlighted within our What Is A Roush Mustang article. This covers all of the Roush special-edition Mustangs.