Ford's Mustang gets its first update since model-year 2005.

Though only a bit more solvent than its Detroit rivals, Ford Motor Company splurged on two L.A. press events: an evening bash for an updated Mustang ponycar and a next-day do for updated Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans. All will go on sale in the first half of 2009 as early-2010 models, assuming Ford's money holds out.

The 2010 Ford Mustang is a heavy makeover of the car we've known since late 2004. The changes are mainly cosmetic, starting with new exterior sheetmetal designed for a more-muscular look. The interior is considerably spruced up, gaining a new instrument panel, center console and higher-quality materials that include visibly better plastics and more soft-touch surfaces.

Powertrains and chassis hardware aren't drastically altered, but GTs get a retuned V8 with 315 horsepower, up 15 ponies, and 325 pound-feet of torque, up 5 pound-feet. The suspension is also retuned--for improved handling without sacrificing ride comfort, Ford says--and V6 'Stangs add the rear antiroll bar previously reserved for V8s. All models get a standard stability system with traction control, plus 1-inch-larger wheels--17s or 18s for V6s, 18s or 19s for V8s. GTs with the 19-inch rims offer a new "track pack" option that includes a crossbar brace on the front strut towers, a tighter rear-axle ratio for quicker takeoffs, upgraded brake pads, and performance tires.

Also newly available is a rearview camera that displays on the navigation screen or, on cars without that option, the inside rearview mirror. Note that the L.A. introduction involved only the V6 and GT convertible, coupe, and glass-roof coupe (the last returning from model-year '09). Details on the 2010 Shelby GT500 models are expected at Detroit in January or perhaps later in the year.

2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ

The Ford Fusion (top) and Mercury Milan (middle) welcome new hybrid powertrains for 2010. Lincoln's MKZ (bottom) gets styling tweaks and more equipment.

Dearborn's 2010 midsize sedans also get fresh styling and upgraded interiors, but the big news is first-time Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid models. Both use the same basic gas/electric drivetrain as the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUVs, but the original Toyota-licensed technology is now "more Ford," with the company claiming over 200 patents for its revised system. Headlining the improvements are a smaller, lighter and more powerful battery pack and an uprated regenerative-braking function.

Ford claims the Fusion/Milan Hybrids will offer class-leading fuel economy, with a margin of up to 5 mpg in EPA city/highway tests over the rival Toyota Camry Hybrid (which rates 33/34). In addition, both models include a reconfigurable "Smart Gauge" instrument panel with "EcoGuide" readouts designed to coach the driver toward best-possible mpg. We'll be interested to see how and if that works.

The non-hybrid 2010 Fusion and Milan swap a base 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine for a 2.5-liter version with 172 horsepower, up 12, and 172 pound-feet of torque vs. 156. The optional 3.0-liter V6 returns with few changes, but there's a new Fusion Sport model with the same 3.5-liter V6 that powers the related Lincoln MKZ, plus a firmer suspension, unique trim, and other specific standard content.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ adds an optional Sport Appearance Package with firmer suspension and standard 18-inch wheels. Also new is a Blind Spot Information System a la corporate sister Volvo's device. The BLIS option here uses a pair of multibeam radar sensors in the rear fenders to signal the presence of vehicles or other objects that might not be visible from the driver's seat. It also has a Cross Traffic Alert function that gives similar audio/visual warnings when backing out of, say, a driveway with limited sightlines.

Regardless of model, these midsize sedans seem more thoroughly revamped than a midcycle freshening requires. Then again, competitive targets keep moving, and Ford literally can't afford halfway measures when its sales and income are falling so fast. If nothing else, the 2010 Fusion, Milan, and MKZ are timely arrivals that should help stem the slide and maybe even help Ford turn itself around.

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