Barbaro, Sea Biscuit, Secretariat. Along with those legendary thoroughbreds, one might include another steed famous for thrilling its fans for nearly half a century: the Ford Mustang. Through the decades, the Mustang has survived oil crises, ever-tougher emissions standards, corporate shake-ups and Americans’ diminished interest in sporty coupes thanks to an infatuation with SUVs and pickup trucks. While other so-called pony car rivals have been sent to the glue factory, the original has gotten stronger and more popular.

Ford celebrated the Mustang’s 40th birthday in 2004 by bringing out the popular V6 Mustang, a powerful GT Mustang, and of course, the jaw-dropping Cobra Mustang. Five years later is 2009, and Ford has some innovative technology to throw into the S-197 platform!

Many Ford Mustang enthusiasts are old school muscle car lovers who reject innovative technology in the simple, powerful, and stylish Mustang, but the technology age and new wave of consumers will love the 2009 model Mustangs. Remaining on the same S-197 platform, the 45th Anniversary edition Mustangs will have minor chassis modifications but major body modifications over the 2005-2008 models.

Inside, the popular “My Color” instrument cluster is more than likely not going to make a second appearance in the 2009 model Ford Mustangs. Outside, Ford will bring out even sharper body lines and styling that is more true to the 1960s and 1970s. Rumors have a notchback making a reappearance in the 2009 model Ford Mustang as well.

Will the Ford Mustang live through the aggressive competition being designed by several competitors? As a thriving pioneer in the muscle car game, there’s no doubt the Ford Mustang will remain a truly legendary thoroughbred.