Italian design meets American muscle once again to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang concept making its world premiere this week at the Los Angeles auto show. Called the Mustang by Giugiaro, the vehicle is a styling exercise penned by famed design house and coachbuilder Italdesign - Giugiaro S.P.A. and tuned by Ford Racing technologies.
Automotive icons have long captured the attention of Fabrizio Giugiaro, Italdesign's styling director. So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched his idea to work his magic on a Mustang with the help of his legendary father Giorgetto Giugairo.
"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. "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."
Ford group vice president, Design and chief creative officer J Mays was only too happy to oblige.
"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 Giugiaro's offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford's most iconic car."
Design aficionados may remember the senior Giugiaro, who recently celebrated 50 years in the automotive business, created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of World War II.
Fabrizio Giugiaro led the 2-D design process on the concept and delivered a complete exterior model in four months. Visually, the concept appears more compact than the production Mustang, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro design que of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.
The bright orange concept is wider than the production version and its longer hood and barely visible trunk lend it a fastback look at the side view angle. Among the notable exterior and interior design touches outlined by Fabrizio Giugiaro:
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. Doors 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 unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.
While the exterior design is clearly much of the concept's story, this Mustang is all business beneath its Italian exterior thanks to a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing - the outfit responsible for Ford Motor Company motorsports development and operations.
Ford Racing's race-prepared version of the Mustang, the FR500C, a turn-key race car sold to privateers, provided the inspiration for the Mustang by Giugiaro concept's performance and handling.
For the concept, Ford Racing added an intercooled twin-screw supercharger to the all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT. Additional improvements included fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. The engine's air intake was increased and its exhaust performance enhanced by new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe. An upgraded radiator was also added. The upgrades helped the concept's powerplant to reach an estimated 500 horsepower.
Under the car, the chassis tuning was accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT. The package adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the concept a lower stance and help sharpen its 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."