In 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 muscle cars main purpose-built in 30 years took a pair of eyes and imagination to create the world's leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.
"When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: The best thing we've seen since the beginning, and we have to get their hands on one," said Fabrizio Giugiaro, Italdesign Design Director - Giugiaro SPA "We still believe it is important to indicate the year in the automotive world pure in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands. "
Thus, in early 2005, Giugiaro acute J Mays, group vice president of Ford Motor Company, Design and Chief Creative Officer, on his idea of the Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang by Giugiaro - a unique concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder's first reveal at the inauguration Salon in November Los Angeles Auto Show.
"It seems normal," said Mays. "This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, but that's just at home in Los Angeles -. The performance of the most enthusiastic of the American muscle car market and many more, offer a design icon Giorgetto Giugairo to work his magic on Mustang with children underscores the lasting appeal Ford's most iconic car. "
Design lovers will remember that the main Giugiaro - who last year celebrated its 50th anniversary in business by designing custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 - created in 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which certainly Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-style car to make his international debut in America after the end of World War II.
Giugiaro's senior portfolio that includes concept drawings and production of nearly every car manufacturer in the world - from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen to Mazda, Lotus and Bugatti. Since joining Italdesign, the family business in 1990, Fabrizio Giugiaro has helped deliver key global designs as well, but the iconic American cars have long captured his attention.
He designed the Chevrolet Corvette Moray, unveiled in early 2003, and wants to expand the collection of Giugiaro-interpreted American metal.
Fabrizio Giugiaro led the design process to 2-D on the Giugiaro Mustang concept by allowing it to deliver a complete exterior model of the family in Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.
Visually, the Mustang Giugiaro appears more compact than the production car, thanks to the reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro "trick" from a tight angle on the car to the limit of the mechanical line.
However, the Italian version of American muscle cars of the most popular, has lost none of arrogance.
Orange concept is wider dynamic of 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 of Italian design.
With a long 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 favorites include:
The interior - with a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car, circular gauges that project from behind the wheel, dark brown horse covered headrests with horse logo accents, and cushions and the back a dark brown leather with a careful look at the horses.Curved glass panel that connects the windshield and rear window, roof serves as a concept. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made of a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered views of Vista.Drama door, hinged at the base of an upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.Custom lighting, which includes three distinct elements that are found on the 1964 Mustang - but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the panel that replaces the rear side window blinds.The circle looks rushed to the defense of the concept of carbon fiber, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars 50's.Unique sports-but-elegant 20-inch wheels, with 275/40 tires in front and larger 315/35 tires on the back.Such as wheels and tires suggest, the Mustang by Giugiaro is more than just a tribute to Mustang design. It was an exclamation point performance car heritage.
The concept features powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing - which is responsible for the development of the Ford Motor Company and Motorsports operation.
Ford Racing efforts include the development and sale of a race-ready version of the Mustang, called the FR500C, for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge. In his first season alone, GS FR500C scored five wins in 2005, including the manufacturers championship, defeating the Mustang where other production-based sports cars, including the BMW M3 and Porsche 911.
This Mustang, a key race car sold to privateers, providing inspiration for the Mustang 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 by more than 95 meters of air masses mm and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe.
Powertrain improvements to deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, with a level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger increases. A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator offers increased cooling capacity to 200 additional horsepower provided accompany.
Under the car, setting the FR500C-inspired chassis is achieved with Ford Racing Handling Package adjusted. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-roll bar. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rose to about 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.
"The Mustang Giugiaro drives as good as it looks," said Fabrizio Giugiaro. "After taking the limit in the streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car is well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic."
