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2005-2014 Ford MustangFifth Generation (S197)

2005–2014 60+ on the wall 244 documents ↓

The fifth-generation Ford Mustang (2005-2014) used the new S197 platform, the first Mustang chassis not derived from the Fox architecture since the 1978 Mustang II. Ford styled it with retro cues drawn from the 1967-1968 fastback, including a long hood, short deck, and tri-bar taillamps. Underneath, the S197 kept a solid live rear axle located by a three-link setup with a Panhard rod, where the previous SVT Cobra had offered independent rear suspension. The 2005 launch paired a 4.0L SOHC V6 making 210 hp with a 4.6L 3-valve modular V8 rated at 300 hp. Over the run the line gained the supercharged Shelby GT500, the Bullitt, the 5.0L Coyote DOHC V8 that revived the 5.0 badge in 2011, the road-race Boss 302, and a 662 hp GT500. A 2010 restyle sharpened the shemetal but kept the S197 platform underneath through the final 2014 model year.

Other Ford Mustang generations

1964-1973 Ford Mustang 1974-1978 Ford Mustang 1979-1993 Ford Mustang 1994-1998 Ford Mustang 1999-2004 Ford Mustang 2015-2023 Ford Mustang 2024-2026 Ford Mustang

At a glance

  • Years: 2005-2014 (fifth generation, S197)
  • Platform: Ford S197, the first non-Fox-derived Mustang chassis since the Mustang II; solid live rear axle (three-link with Panhard rod) throughout
  • Body styles: coupe and convertible
  • Engines: 4.0L SOHC V6 (2005-2010), 3.7L DOHC V6 (2011+), 4.6L 3-valve modular V8 (2005-2010), 5.0L "Coyote" DOHC V8 (2011+), 5.4L then 5.8L supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500), road-race 5.0L (Boss 302)
  • Performance models: GT, Shelby GT500 (from 2007), Bullitt (2008), Boss 302 (2012-2013)
  • Horsepower basis: SAE net

Year-by-year changes

YearKey engines (SAE net)Notable changes
20054.0L SOHC V6 (210 hp); 4.6L 3-valve modular V8 (300 hp)All-new S197 platform launches; retro 1967-1968 styling; solid live rear axle (three-link, Panhard rod); 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
20064.0L V6 (210 hp); 4.6L V8 (300 hp)Carryover year; Pony Package added for V6 cars; convertible body style continued from the 2005 mid-year launch.
20074.0L V6 (210 hp); 4.6L V8 (300 hp); Shelby GT500 5.4L supercharged DOHC V8 (500 hp)Shelby GT500 returns as the range-topper with an Eaton-blown 5.4L and a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed; California Special (GT/CS) appearance package offered.
20084.0L V6 (210 hp); 4.6L V8 (300 hp); Bullitt 4.6L V8 (315 hp); GT500 5.4L supercharged (500 hp)Bullitt returns with 315 hp, dark exterior trim, and no rear spoiler; Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) added with about 540 hp.
20094.0L V6 (210 hp); 4.6L V8 (300 hp); GT500 5.4L supercharged (500 hp)Glass-roof option added; final year of the 2005-2009 first S197 body before the restyle; GT500 carried over.
20104.0L V6 (210 hp); 4.6L V8 (315 hp); GT500 5.4L supercharged (540 hp)Major restyle (still S197); GT 4.6L raised to 315 hp; GT500 5.4L raised to 540 hp; revised interior and electronics.
20113.7L "Cyclone" DOHC V6 (305 hp); 5.0L "Coyote" DOHC V8 (412 hp); GT500 5.4L aluminum-block supercharged (550 hp)New 5.0L Coyote revives the 5.0 badge; 3.7L V6 replaces the 4.0L; 6-speed manuals across the line; GT500 gets an aluminum block (550 hp).
20123.7L V6 (305 hp); 5.0L Coyote V8 (412 hp); Boss 302 5.0L (444 hp); GT500 5.4L supercharged (550 hp)Boss 302 returns as a road-race model with a 444 hp version of the 5.0L; Boss 302 Laguna Seca added with track hardware.
20133.7L V6 (305 hp); 5.0L Coyote V8 (420 hp); Boss 302 5.0L (444 hp); GT500 5.8L supercharged (662 hp)Front-end refresh; GT 5.0L raised to 420 hp; new GT500 5.8L supercharged V8 makes 662 hp, the most powerful factory V8 of its time.
20143.7L V6 (305 hp); 5.0L Coyote V8 (420 hp); GT500 5.8L supercharged (662 hp)Final S197 model year; Boss 302 discontinued after 2013; carryover 3.7L V6, 5.0L GT, and Shelby GT500; replaced for 2015 by the S550 with standard independent rear suspension.

The S197 platform and the return of the solid rear axle

The 2005 Mustang introduced the S197 platform, Ford's first Mustang chassis not derived from the Fox architecture that had underpinned the 1979-2004 cars. The S197 used a hydroformed front frame, MacPherson struts up front, and a solid live rear axle located by a three-link arrangement with a Panhard rod. Ford chose the live axle over independent rear suspension for cost and drag-strip traction, even though the 1999-2004 SVT Cobra had used IRS. This live-axle layout defined the entire 2005-2014 fifth generation; independent rear suspension did not become standard on the Mustang until the S550 arrived for 2015. The 2005 Mustang rode on a 107.1 in wheelbase, longer than the 101.3 in of the preceding SN95 cars.

The 2005-2010 4.0L V6 and 4.6L modular V8

At launch the 2005 Mustang base car used a 4.0L (245 cu in) SOHC V6, a Cologne-family engine rated at 210 hp. The 2005 Mustang GT used a 4.6L (281 cu in) 3-valve modular V8 making 300 hp and 320 lb-ft, the first 3-valve head on a modular Mustang engine and a step up from the 2-valve and DOHC 4.6L units of the SN95 era. The 2008 Bullitt used a tuned version of this 4.6L rated at 315 hp, fitted with an open-element cold-air intake, a revised calibration, and a freer-flowing exhaust, and wore dark trim with no rear spoiler in the manner of the 2001 Bullitt and the original 1968 Highland Green car. After the 2010 restyle, the 2010 Mustang GT 4.6L was raised to 315 hp.

The 2010 restyle and the 2011 Coyote 5.0L

The 2010 Mustang received a major exterior and interior restyle while keeping the S197 platform. The larger change came for 2011, when the Mustang GT adopted the new 5.0L (302 cu in) "Coyote" DOHC V8 rated at 412 hp and 390 lb-ft, reviving the 5.0 badge that had last appeared on the pushrod 302 of the Fox era. In the same year the base car replaced its 4.0L with a 3.7L (227 cu in) "Cyclone" DOHC V6 making 305 hp, and 6-speed manual transmissions arrived across the line. For 2013 the Coyote 5.0L was raised to 420 hp. The 2011-2014 5.0L cars paired the engine with a Getrag MT82 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Shelby GT500, Bullitt, and Boss 302

The 2007 Mustang Shelby GT500 returned the GT500 name with a 5.4L (330 cu in) supercharged DOHC modular V8 rated at 500 hp, fed by an Eaton blower and backed by a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual. The 2008 Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) raised output to about 540 hp. The 2010 GT500 5.4L was rated at 540 hp, and for 2011 the GT500 switched to an aluminum block that cut weight and raised output to 550 hp. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 returned as a road-race model, using a high-revving 444 hp cross-plane-crank version of the 5.0L Coyote (the "RoadRunner" engine) with CNC-ported heads, revised cams, and a short-runner intake (sometimes called a "runners-in-the-box" manifold), and a Laguna Seca trim added stiffer suspension and a cross-car brace. For 2013 the Shelby GT500 received a 5.8L (351 cu in) supercharged V8 rated at 662 hp, the most powerful factory V8 of its time and the high-water mark of the S197 generation.

Known characteristics and weak points

The 2005-2010 4.6L 3-valve Mustang V8 is known for occasional spark-plug seizing and two-piece plug breakage on early modular 3-valve heads, a service concern Ford addressed with revised plug designs. The 2011-2014 5.0L Coyote cars paired with the Getrag MT82 manual drew complaints of notchy or balky shift quality in early examples. The solid live rear axle across the whole 2005-2014 run gives the fifth-generation Mustang strong straight-line traction but less compliant ride and handling over rough surfaces than the independent rear suspension that followed on the 2015 S550. Convertible bodies, offered throughout the generation, add weight and reduce structural rigidity relative to the coupe.

Frequently asked questions

What platform is the 2005-2014 Mustang built on?

The 2005-2014 Mustang uses the S197 platform, Ford's first Mustang chassis not derived from the Fox architecture since the 1974-1978 Mustang II. The S197 carried a solid live rear axle on a three-link setup with a Panhard rod for the entire fifth generation. Independent rear suspension did not become standard until the 2015 S550.

When did the 5.0L Coyote V8 return to the Mustang?

The 5.0L "Coyote" DOHC V8 arrived in the 2011 Mustang GT, rated at 412 hp and 390 lb-ft, and reviving the 5.0 badge last used on the Fox-era pushrod 302. The 2011 model year also replaced the 4.0L V6 with a 3.7L "Cyclone" V6 (305 hp) and added 6-speed manuals. The Coyote 5.0L was raised to 420 hp for 2013.

How much power did the 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 make?

The 2013-2014 Mustang Shelby GT500 used a 5.8L (351 cu in) supercharged DOHC V8 rated at 662 hp, the most powerful factory V8 of its time. Earlier S197 GT500 cars used a 5.4L supercharged V8 making 500 hp (2007-2009), then 540 hp (2010), then 550 hp with an aluminum block (2011-2012).

What was the 2012 Boss 302?

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 returned the Boss 302 name as a road-race model, using a 444 hp cross-plane-crank version of the 5.0L Coyote V8 (the "RoadRunner" engine) with CNC-ported heads, revised cams, and a short-runner intake (sometimes called a "runners-in-the-box" manifold). A Boss 302 Laguna Seca variant added stiffer suspension, a cross-car brace, and track-focused hardware. The Boss 302 was offered for 2012 and 2013 only.

Why does the fifth-generation Mustang use a solid rear axle?

Ford fitted the 2005-2014 S197 Mustang with a solid live rear axle, located by a three-link and Panhard rod, for cost and drag-strip traction rather than the independent rear suspension the 1999-2004 SVT Cobra had used. The trade-off is less ride compliance over rough roads. The Mustang did not get standard independent rear suspension until the 2015 S550 generation.

Sources

  • Ford Motor Company factory specifications, press materials, and model-year brochures (2005-2014 Mustang, GT, Bullitt, Shelby GT500, Boss 302).
  • Period road tests and technical reviews from automotive enthusiast publications.
  • Shelby American and Ford SVT documentation for GT500, GT500KR, and Boss 302 variants.
  • Mustang owner and marque-club reference material for service notes and known weak points.
By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

What platform is the 2005-2014 Mustang built on?

The 2005-2014 Mustang uses the S197 platform, Ford's first Mustang chassis not derived from the Fox architecture since the 1974-1978 Mustang II. The S197 carried a solid live rear axle on a three-link setup with a Panhard rod for the entire fifth generation. Independent rear suspension did not become standard until the 2015 S550.

When did the 5.0L Coyote V8 return to the Mustang?

The 5.0L "Coyote" DOHC V8 arrived in the 2011 Mustang GT, rated at 412 hp and 390 lb-ft, reviving the 5.0 badge last used on the Fox-era pushrod 302. The 2011 model year also replaced the 4.0L V6 with a 3.7L "Cyclone" V6 (305 hp) and added 6-speed manuals. The Coyote 5.0L was raised to 420 hp for 2013.

How much power did the 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 make?

The 2013-2014 Mustang Shelby GT500 used a 5.8L (351 cu in) supercharged DOHC V8 rated at 662 hp, the most powerful factory V8 of its time. Earlier S197 GT500 cars used a 5.4L supercharged V8 making 500 hp (2007-2009), then 540 hp (2010), then 550 hp with an aluminum block (2011-2012).

What was the 2012 Boss 302?

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 returned the Boss 302 name as a road-race model, using a 444 hp cross-plane-crank version of the 5.0L Coyote V8 (the "RoadRunner" engine) with CNC-ported heads, revised cams, and a short-runner intake (sometimes called a "runners-in-the-box" manifold). A Boss 302 Laguna Seca variant added stiffer suspension, a cross-car brace, and track-focused hardware. The Boss 302 was offered for 2012 and 2013 only.

Why does the fifth-generation Mustang use a solid rear axle?

Ford fitted the 2005-2014 S197 Mustang with a solid live rear axle, located by a three-link and Panhard rod, for cost and drag-strip traction rather than the independent rear suspension the 1999-2004 SVT Cobra had used. The trade-off is less ride compliance over rough roads. The Mustang did not get standard independent rear suspension until the 2015 S550 generation.

Technical Reference

Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.

Data/Spec Plates (10)

Brochures & Literature (42)

Exploded Parts (43)

Service Procedures (38)

Wiring Diagrams (41)

Schematics (10)

Manual Pages (5)

Torque Specs (8)

Fuse & Relay Charts (2)

Blueprints (1)

The wall · registered 2005–2014 Mustangs

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White Ford Mustang GT/CS parked in a lot. It has black racing stripes on the side and a hood scoop“SHELBY GT500”2007 Mustang · torkum4,877 photos Black 2007 Ford Mustang GT with aftermarket hood scoop parked on a driveway2007 Mustang2007 Mustang · Kyle lewis195 photos 2005 Ford Mustang rear with trunk open, showing license plate and spoiler“WFC8”2005 Mustang · 1320lane189 photos Gray 2013 Ford Mustang with black rims parked in front of a house2013 Mustang2013 Mustang · sauceboss183 photos Red 2005 Ford Mustang GT500 with white racing stripes on hood and sides, displayed indoors“NY Auto Show 2005”2005 Mustang · NJ2000R105 photos Yellow convertible with doors open, parked by the ocean at dusk“Magazine”2009 Mustang · Fiero546 photos Black Ford Mustang GT coupe, 3/4 front view, on pavement with bare trees behind.“Black Pony”2007 Mustang · E. Long46 photos Red Ford Mustang GT 500 with white racing stripes, convertible top up, parked in a garage“The Mustang”2007 Mustang · cdc6942 photos Silver 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with black racing stripes parked in driveway“2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - SOLD!”2008 Mustang · NJ2000R41 photos Black Ford Mustang, front view, showing grille with horse emblem and headlights. Hood has a slight bulge“Cayenne”2012 Mustang · powrstrkr40 photos Red Ford Mustang front view, showing grille and headlights“08Mach”2008 Mustang · EdsonBronco38 photos Close-up of a 2013 Ford Mustang's silver five-spoke wheel and tire. The car is black“New Cars”2013 Mustang · sauceboss37 photos Lit Ford Mustang GT-R show banner with yellow concept car photos“Mustang GT-R Concept”2005 Mustang · NJ2000R34 photos Black convertible Mustang with gold stripes, parked in a lot“Hertz Shelby”2007 Mustang · ntrcptr9932 photos 2005 Mustang2005 Mustang · PPR2STP28 photos Orange coupe with black stripes and wheels driving on a road under blue sky“Boss 302”2012 Mustang · SeattleFSB27 photos Black 2008 Ford Mustang GT coupe side view2008 Mustang2008 Mustang · Master_Pain25 photos White Ford Mustang GT coupe, driver-side profile, aftermarket wheels, parked outdoors.“2007 Ford Mustang GT - FRPP enhanced - SOLD!!!!”2007 Mustang · NJ2000R25 photos Close-up of a chrome five-spoke wheel with a Mustang logo on a white car. The car is on a green trailer2007 Mustang2007 Mustang · FiveO24 photos Red Ford Mustang coupe parked on grass with trees and water in background“RBadPny”2005 Mustang · Bill & Diane Johnson23 photos Dark blue 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang with hood open, white stripes on hood and trunk, parked outside“Mosi”2006 Mustang · dragoncvpi21 photos Black Ford Mustang GT convertible, top down, three-quarter rear view on a brick house driveway2005 Mustang2005 Mustang · Brian Clarke21 photos Black 2006 Ford Mustang with gold racing stripes and driver's door open“Hertz Shelby Coupe”2006 Mustang · ntrcptr9917 photos Blue 2007 Ford Mustang GT/CS with aftermarket hood scoop parked outside2007 Mustang2007 Mustang · pilatti116 photos Black 2011 Ford Mustang parked in driveway“2001CS”2011 Mustang · EdsonBronco15 photos Rear of a gray 2006 Ford Mustang with black stripe and Roush exhaust“Linda's Roush Stage 3”2006 Mustang · Stan Hill13 photos Red 2006 Ford Mustang parked on street in front of a house“06 Torch Red GT”2006 Mustang · Stan Hill12 photos Red 2014 Ford Mustang front 3/4 view“Bing”2014 Mustang · Zen-Dragon11 photos Silver 2006 Ford Mustang rear view with racing stripes and Roush badging“Sally”2006 Mustang · 94broncobeast11 photos Red 2006 Ford Mustang convertible with black top and red interior2006 Mustang2006 Mustang · crrambo10 photos Red Mustang coupe with black hood stripe and scoop, 3/4 front view in parking lot“"Phil"”2010 Mustang · superbronco10 photos Light blue Ford Mustang GT coupe with chrome wheels, front 3/4 view in a parking lot“The Mustang”2006 Mustang · chebbykiller9 photos Grabber Blue Mustang Boss 302 with black stripes and wheels inside a dealer showroom“Grabber Blue Boss 302”2013 Mustang · NJ2000R9 photos Red 2007 Shelby GT500 Mustang with white stripes, 3q-front view“McQuik”2007 Mustang · McQuik8 photos Silver Ford Mustang coupe with red interior, 3/4 front studio view“2005 Ford Mustang”2005 Mustang · SuperFord.org Staff8 photos 2005 Ford Mustang GT parked in driveway next to a red Ford Bronco2005 Mustang2005 Mustang · AbandonedBronco7 photos White 2007 Ford Mustang GT 500 convertible parked in front of a Shelby trailer with graphics“Garage Queen”2007 Mustang · gofastturnleft6 photos White Ford Mustang on a track, looks like it's drifting“Ghost”2005 Mustang · DJ Jacobsen6 photos Blue Ford Mustang with black racing stripes and hood scoop2012 Mustang2012 Mustang · pfun416 photos Red 2005 Ford Mustang front end with honeycomb grille and horse emblem“FIREPNY”2006 Mustang · cammer6 photos Silver 2005 Ford Mustang parked outside with trees in the background“Layla”2005 Mustang · KevoBronco5 photos Several cars parked at night, illuminated by blue lights. Some have American flags on the back“Orlando Bullitt gathering”2006 Mustang · dragoncvpi5 photos Red convertible sports car with black top, tan interior, and chrome wheels. Hood has two black vents2006 Mustang2006 Mustang · Mr_Clean4 photos Silver 2006 Ford Mustang coupe, front 3/4 view“GT”2006 Mustang · BigRob4 photos White Shelby GT500 Mustang coupe with blue stripes, side view“Light'n Bolt”2014 Mustang · Hinckley4 photos Blue Ford Mustang with white stripes parked in front of a large concrete structure with a closed garage door“Blue Thunder II”2010 Mustang · RR92Custom4 photos Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe parked by the ocean, front three-quarter view, with 2006 date stamp.“Boss Steeda”2006 Mustang · rickbrau4 photos Red 2006 Ford Mustang GT coupe2006 Mustang2006 Mustang · davenbham4 photos Blue 2005 Ford Mustang GT parked on driveway“Linda's 05 Sonic Blue GT”2005 Mustang · Stan Hill4 photos Two white Ford Mustang race cars cornering at Laguna Seca road course“GAC”2005 Mustang · 95CobraR4 photos White shift knob and gold bushing on wooden surface2011 Mustang2011 Mustang · Kyle lewis3 photos Black 2013 Ford Mustang front view, parked on driveway, with trees in background2013 Mustang2013 Mustang · Gryzzl3 photos Red Saleen Mustang front view with black grille and intercooler visible“Saleen”2006 Mustang · AcidRaiN3 photos Blue Mustang GT convertible, top down, chrome wheels, parked in a strip mall lot.2007 Mustang2007 Mustang · lanceo3 photos Yellow Ford Mustang GT 500 with black racing stripes parked on a driveway2008 Mustang2008 Mustang · luvgun743 photos Black 2005 Ford Mustang GT parked outdoors with trees in the background2006 Mustang2006 Mustang · trin3 photos Black Ford Mustang GT parked in driveway“The GT”2005 Mustang · Roystere3 photos Black Ford Mustang coupe, 3/4 front view, with chrome wheels and hood scoop, parked outdoors“Jack”2008 Mustang · TN472R2 photos Black Ford Mustang GT coupe in side profile parked on asphalt near a field.2006 Mustang2006 Mustang · Threeheadedtoad2 photos White 2005 Ford Mustang parked on a driveway, front view2005 Mustang2005 Mustang · bronco_chow2 photos
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