What Is It?
Ford Mustang GT Concept
What's Special About It?
Forty years of American icon status? The first, last and only current pony car produced? The model's first complete redesign in 24 years? Take your pick, but suffice to say that the next all-new Mustang is going to be very special, and these concepts give us a clear look at what to expect.
Not surprisingly, when you combine a classic nameplate with Ford's vice president of design, J Mays, you get a heavily retro-influenced design. Yet this may be the most successful execution of Mays' "retrofuturism" style yet. The forward tilting front grille, the side scoops, the fastback roofline — if you were a fan of the late-'60s Mustangs, it will be impossible for you not to recognize, and idolize, these concept vehicles.
Both the coupe and convertible sport a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The coupe offers a six-speed manual while the convertible features a five-speed automatic. Inside there's only room for two, but we expect the production models to offer at least the potential for rear-passenger capacity (though full-size adults likely won't find it comfortable). There's also a full-length center console, billet-aluminum trim and aircraft-style toggle switches that continue the concepts' retro-future theme inside. The whole package rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels that frame 13.8-inch Brembo brake rotors.
Why Should You Care?
The Mustang is an undeniable American icon, but it's also unbelievably overdue for a redesign (the last full redesign happened in 1979, and that platform was based off of the Ford Grenada!). With the far superior DEW 98 platform, the same one that underpins Ford's new Thunderbird and the Lincoln LS, the next Mustang will finally cross over into the 21st century. And while some may be getting tired of the retro thing, there's no denying the modern translation of this pony's classic lines. It looks good! — Karl Brauer
Ford Mustang GT Concept
What's Special About It?
Forty years of American icon status? The first, last and only current pony car produced? The model's first complete redesign in 24 years? Take your pick, but suffice to say that the next all-new Mustang is going to be very special, and these concepts give us a clear look at what to expect.
Not surprisingly, when you combine a classic nameplate with Ford's vice president of design, J Mays, you get a heavily retro-influenced design. Yet this may be the most successful execution of Mays' "retrofuturism" style yet. The forward tilting front grille, the side scoops, the fastback roofline — if you were a fan of the late-'60s Mustangs, it will be impossible for you not to recognize, and idolize, these concept vehicles.
Both the coupe and convertible sport a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The coupe offers a six-speed manual while the convertible features a five-speed automatic. Inside there's only room for two, but we expect the production models to offer at least the potential for rear-passenger capacity (though full-size adults likely won't find it comfortable). There's also a full-length center console, billet-aluminum trim and aircraft-style toggle switches that continue the concepts' retro-future theme inside. The whole package rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels that frame 13.8-inch Brembo brake rotors.
Why Should You Care?
The Mustang is an undeniable American icon, but it's also unbelievably overdue for a redesign (the last full redesign happened in 1979, and that platform was based off of the Ford Grenada!). With the far superior DEW 98 platform, the same one that underpins Ford's new Thunderbird and the Lincoln LS, the next Mustang will finally cross over into the 21st century. And while some may be getting tired of the retro thing, there's no denying the modern translation of this pony's classic lines. It looks good! — Karl Brauer
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