2005 Ford Mustang Review

Specifications

Mustang GT-R Concept Harks Back to Fords Legendary Trans-Am Days

Once again the worlds media decended upon Manhattans Jacob Javits conference center for New Yorks annual auto show, the last big North American event of the year, and Ford was first on stage with its go-green Escape Hybrid. While a very important vehicle, for blue oval sales as well as environmental kudos, its hardly anything to get the blood of true enthusiasts boiling.

That job fell on a specially modified version of Fords upcoming 2005 Mustang. Theyre tuning a Mustang that hasnt even hit the showroom yet? Sure. After all, the Mustang has always been about performance, at least those with V8 engines under the hood.

Of course if you trace the name back to its Falcon-based roots youll see that not all Mustangs were created equal. Some, like the legendary Boss 428 and more modern Cobra R were granted more muscle than others. Currently a Mustang buyer can option up to a GT, Mach 1 or Cobra if more performance is wanted, or even better buck up for a Saleen or Steeda tuned version, the companies that transform mere ponies into powerhouse stallions.

So, whats next in line for the all-new 2005 Mustang? Would it surprise you to hear that a future Mustang designation could end up being GT-R? Thats the nameplate Ford chose for their latest concept, a rolling parts showcase from the Ford Racing catalog. If you think youve heard the GT-R name before thats because its synonymous with the Nissan Skyline GT-R, legendary in the import performance scene?

Old-time Mustang fans might find the GT-Rs styling a bit too import-oriented, but thats OK as the blue oval brand has already shown more classic examples to woo the boomers. This one, however, is intended to attract a large percentage of the import-tuner crowd, a big-spending demographic. The GT-R does a good job of letting future Mustang owners know just how much aftermarket hardware is available right from the manufacturer.

The GT-R, on paper at least, seems to be the ultimate Mustang. The car, which is to be officially unveiled at the New York auto show this week, loses the 4.6-liter production V8 in favor of Fords new “Cammer” high-performance 5.0-liter aluminum V8. Featuring four-valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts, this “crate engine” develops “roughly” 440 horsepower at a screaming 7,000 rpm, and 400 lb-ft of maximum torque.

Power goes through a racing-spec six-speed manual gearbox before being sent out the rear differential to 315/30R20 performance tires (275/35R20s up front) on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Making use of the grippy rubber while countering the massive output levels are powerful brakes with 6-piston calipers clamping down on 370 mm (14.6 inch) discs up front and four-piston calipers that bite down on 335 mm (13.2 inch) discs in back.

Featuring a similar attitude and appearance as a late 1960s SCCA Trans-Am racer, the Mustang GT-R is a concept car thats ready for the track. The regular Mustang body is transformed with new fenders and panels, plus massive bulges to accommodate the larger wheels and tires. Side-exit exhaust tips poke out from in front of the cars rear wheel wells, while the bulged hood, complicated rear diffuser and rear spoiler are crafted from carbon fiber.

Race-style headlamps fill in the housings for the normal units. Finally the car is finished off in a jaw-dropping yellow. With the front grille mostly removed, a brawny radiator is in clear view further advertising the GT-Rs down to business attitude.

On the inside, the Mustang GT-R gets proper racing seats, a steel roll cage and window webbing, reflecting the glory days of the Mustangs past.

Those interested in the GT-R will be glad to know that the motor is available from Ford Racing for $14,995, as are the other add-on parts. Those a little more patient might eventually find it under the hood of a future production Cobra.

The nice thing about the GT-R is that a 2005 Mustang owner will be able to add any of its parts to their ride, a la carte. Just go for the suspension mods, or the brakes. Of course, its probably not a good idea to just go for the engine, at least without modifying the latter of those two upgrades.

Either way Ford shows prospective Mustang buyers that they get a lot more for thier investment than merely what rolls off of the showroom floor. Theyre buying into a rich history of motorsport, and with it the capability of turning their stock car into a rarified racer. Now thats something to get excited about.