2010 Mustang pricing will just undercut new Camaro, Challenger

The war for the title of the best new muscle car is about to get underway in earnest now that all three contenders have been revealed. The 2010 Ford Mustang, which debuted at last month's Los Angeles Auto Show, is already off to a head start with the lowest price of the trio, though it only slides under the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro's price by $1,150, with a starting price of $21,845.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is priced even more closely at $21,995 - $150 above the base Mustang - but its significantly heavier curb weight will keep it from being a competitor in anything but name. The 2010 Mustang and 2010 Camaro, on the other hand, are much more closely matched - on paper, at least.

While the Mustang continues to make do with its solid rear axle, the Camaro is a fully modern car, with four-wheel independent suspension. Weight and power are very closely matched between the two cars, however, and pricing graduations as features and options rise are similarly close. The new pricing information also lines up well with earlier information leaked ahead of the car's debut.

Some of the key options on the new Mustang include a $1,995 glass roof - a feature which debuted on the 2009 model, reviewed here - a $2,195 electronics package that features navigation and dual-zone climate control, and a range of exterior paint and stripe options priced between $300 and $400, reports Edmunds.

The base price of $21,845 for the 2010 Mustang includes the standard five-speed manual transmission. Stepping up to the five-speed auto bumps the price another $995, while 18in alloys add $495 to the tally, and 19in wheels raise the price by $1,095, though they are only available on the GT Premium trim.