2012 Mustang Giugiaro
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Since its introduction in
1964, the Ford Mustang has undergone many transformations, both mechanically and physically. Starting off as a fairly low performance coupe or convertible, growing into a high performance, big block laden monster of the early 1970s, then the economy minded, 4 cylinder powered
Mustang II of the mid to late 70s, then to the performance car that we know today. The Mustang has withstood the test of time, fighting changes in new car buyer desires, as well as a fuel crisis, growing to be the best selling car in United States history.
The new challenge for the engineers and designers at Ford Motor Company is to work at keeping the Mustang fresh from year to year. While often criticized now, the Mustang II helped to keep the Mustang alive during fuel crisis years, and that evolved into the popular fox body. The SN95 model lead into the slightly retro styled New Edge models, although the retro cues were very subtle at best. Then, when the S197 Mustangs debuted in 2005, the full scale retro Mustang was a complete success and a tremendous hit with the public. Enthusiasts young and old could appreciate the sporty, now-rounded lines of the original, packed with modern day technology. However, as with every generation of the Mustang, once available to the public, that same public begins to question "what next".
Since the S197 platform hit the showrooms, there have been rumors of a redesign in 2009, and again in 2012. While there is no official word on the next generation of the Mustang, pictures taken earlier this year at an Italian gas station, accompanied by confirmation of the existence of this European designed Mustang concept by Ford, may give us a glimpse of what is in store for the Mustang over the next few years.
Keep in mind, there is no proof that this is going to be the 2009 or 2012 Mustang, it is confirmed that this sleek pony car is a Mustang, as designed by Italian design company Italdesign - Giugiaro S.P.A, who is lead by Fabrizio Giugiaro. Giugiaro contacted FMC early in 2006, pitching the idea of creating this European styled Mustang, and Ford jumped at the chance. The unique interior design and exterior shape is distinctly Mustang, based mostly on the badging and the sporty lines, but with the European flare, such as the glass roof. However, the engine of this Italian Mustang is 100% American Iron…and aluminum. Based off of the 4.6L, 3 valve per cylinder engine found in the current Mustang GT, the Giugiaro Mustang packs an estimated 500 horsepower, thanks in part to the Ford Racing twin screw supercharger, which shoves 11 pounds per square inch of boost pressure into the engine, helping to give this new pony car an extra 200 horsepower over the current Mustang GT. The undercarriage has not been forgotten in this design process either. Although the Giugiaro Mustang is based on the current S197 platform, it does not utilize the suspension of the Mustang GT. Instead, the Giugiaro Mustang uses a race ready suspension setup inspired by Ford's high performance FR500C race car, and when accompanied by the 500+ horsepower engine and the sleek aerodynamic lines, this new Mustang (if it ever sees production) could be one of the fastest cars to ever wear the Mustang badge.
Again, this new Giugiaro Mustang was constructed over the span of 30,000 hours of design and engineering just for the Los Angeles Auto Show, and there is no indication that this will ever see production as a high performance model, let alone the standard issue Mustang, but if Ford Motor Company is pleased enough to display this sexy new Mustang at a huge venue such as the LA Auto Show, one has to wonder if this isn't a hint at what is to come for the Ford Mustang lineup over the next 5 years.
