I think it's kinda cool, but hey, it's just a concept... who knows what impact it'll have on future models.
Here's the official press release (for those who can't read the one on the other site that lost the formatting)...
VIVA LA MUSTANG! GIUGIAROS INTERPRET FORD ICON
Los Angeles, Nov. 28, 2006 – The 2005 Ford Mustang captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans and future owners when the all-new model debuted. But the proportions and design of Ford’s first purpose-built muscle car in 30-plus years caught the eyes and sparked the imaginations of a pair of the world’s leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.
“When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we’d seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. “We still believe it’s important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.”
So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched J Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, on his idea to do an Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang by Giugiaro – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder’s first reveal at the inaugural November Los Angeles Auto Show.
“It seemed only fitting,” said Mays. “This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it’s right at home in L.A. – America’s most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, design icon Giorgetto Giugairo’s offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford’s most iconic car.”
Design aficionados will remember that the senior Giugiaro – who last year celebrated his 50 th anniversary in the business by designing a custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 – created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which was unmistakably Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of
World War II.
The senior Giugiaro’s portfolio includes concept and production designs for nearly every automaker in the world – from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen to Mazda, Lotus and Bugatti. Since joining ItalDesign, the family firm, in 1990, Fabrizio Giugiaro has helped deliver key global designs as well, but American automotive icons have long captured his attention.
He designed the Chevrolet Corvette Moray, unveiled in early 2003, and was eager to expand the collection of Giugiaro-interpreted American metal.
Fabrizio Giugiaro led the 2-D design process on the Mustang by Giugiaro concept, allowing him to deliver a complete exterior model from the family’s Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.
Visually, the Mustang by Giugiaro appears more compact than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro “trick” of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.
Still, the Italian version of America’s most popular muscle car hasn’t lost any of its swagger.
The vibrant orange concept is wider than the production version. The Giugiaros added 30 millimeters to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design.
With its longer hood and the trunk barely visible, the car looks more of a fastback in side view. But details throughout reinforce the freedom and rebellion synonymous with Mustang. Fabrizio Giugiaro’s favorites include:
* The interior – featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides. * The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept’s roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views. * Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button. * Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows. * The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept’s carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the ‘50s. * The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.
As its wheels and tires suggest, the Mustang by Giugiaro is more than just a tribute to Mustang design. It also is an exclamation of the car’s heritage of performance.
The concept features a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing – which is responsible for Ford Motor Company motorsports development and operations.
Ford Racing’s efforts include the development and sale of a race-prepared version of the Mustang, called the FR500C, for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series. In its first season alone, the FR500C scored five wins in the 2005 GS Class, including the manufacturers’ championship, in which Mustang bested other production-based sports cars, including the BMW M3 and Porsche 911.
This Mustang, a turn-key race car sold to privateers, provided the inspiration for the Mustang by Giugiaro concept’s performance and handling attributes.
Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger for the new concept. Additional improvements include fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake is increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe.
The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger. A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to accompany the extra 200 horsepower provided under hood.
Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.
“The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro. “After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic.”
I like the 'concept' of the inward taper of the fastback, integrated louvers, and the hips on the rear quarters. I don't like the execution on this car but the general concept could be worked on and integrated into the current platform.
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2007 Mustang GT/CS coupe, 5 spd C&L Intake, Steeda UDP's, Brenspeed tune,Violator axle back, off rd H pipe,Hurst shifter, Steeda steel LCA's, Steeda Sport Springs, Tokico D-Spec's, Spohn F&R sway bar's, BMR panhard bar, Spohn UCA, GT-500 rear spoiler.
I'm not diggin' it. Not bad. Just not a Mustang. I think I'm glad I have what I have. Kinda like how I felt when the classic 60's cars gave way to the mid-70's. Just not my cup of tea.
............yep............no trunk? I have a friend who recently sold her 350z. Impractical for her what with the lack of any trunk room and all. I LOVE my '06 GT and the fact that it is fast and somewhat practical. The trunk area and rear seats really add to its functionality. That concept seems too much like a 350. An excellent play car but not really that good a gig for guys like me who cant afford a "play car" YET!!! Im sure it will be changed 5 times over before it is released but those pics............not the car for me. Too much like a 350z, and a "ricey" one at that.
Just my honest opinion,
Joel
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2006 GT Premium, Vista Blue, 5 Speed.
-Rear Spoiler Delete -Hurst Shifter -Meter4it Chase Sequentials -CDC Rear Blackout -To be Continued
Discovery Channel - Daily Planet had an interview with the designer tonight. I think it look pretty good, there will be changes but it still should have the 500 HP engine in it.
this is a one off car, a concept yes, but not for the next mustang, the rendition of the next one is on autoblog, check it out, its got intakes where the headlights were, and slight humps above the rear wheel wells like the camaro
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Let me tell you what Melba Toast is packin'''' right here, all right. We got 4:11 Positrac outback, 750 double pumper, Edelbrock intake, bored over 30, 11 to 1 pop-up pistons, turbo-jet 390 horsepower. We''''re talkin'''' some f**kin'''' . . . muscle.
this is a one off car, a concept yes, but not for the next mustang, the rendition of the next one is on autoblog, check it out, its got intakes where the headlights were, and slight humps above the rear wheel wells like the camaro
I think its one slick car, of course everyones gonna hate on the new model, deep down inside everyone thinks thier model of mustang is the shisnit , besides im supposed to get a new decade mustang when i graduate from high school and go to college. I heard something about the '09 and 2010 mustang coming with a 350hp 24-valve DOHC 5.0L and the 2012s coming with a option for a 5.7L.
Since when does the Mustang look like a Z4?! ...Like Andrew said, Ford needs to concentrate either on weight reduction and/or aerodynamics...that is the only thing holding us back from vette performance figures
Posts: 1143
Joined: 12/8/2007 From: Pacific Palisades, CA Status: offline
yeah weight reduction should definitely be a top priority list. the lambo doors would make for lots of uneccessary weight.
for a grocery getter, i could PROBABLY get used to it. i mean to be honest, when the concept for the 05's came out, i was a little impartial to it. takes a while to warm up to the idea. seeing as how saleen, roush, and shelby did such amazing jobs with the 05's you kinda start to like them and then it grows on you. especially with the additional aftermarket parts.
when the s197 first came out, i was still obsessed with the 03-04 cobra and the 94-04 saleen verts (with tonneau and sports bar of course)
Printable Version
RE: New Concept Mustang Pics in todays paper - 
Do you really think that wing on the back of your Mustang is functional? 
, besides im supposed to get a new decade mustang when i graduate from high school and go to college. 
...Like Andrew said, Ford needs to concentrate either on weight reduction and/or aerodynamics...that is the only thing holding us back from vette performance figures
