2006 Ford Mustang Review

Specifications

A Real Italian Stallion

The Ford Mustang is one of the few affordable sports cars still on sale today. Its blend of performance and attractive, retro styling not only make it one of the most desirable American automobiles available, but it captures the spirit of the original. To keep the publics interest focused, Italian design house Italdesign has taken on a pony of their own for Fords display at the LA Auto Show. Replacing every single body panel and redesigning the interior, a brand new vehicle has been created off the current car, aptly named the Mustang Giugiaro Concept.

“When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best wed seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign - Giugiaro S.P.A. “We still believe its important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.”

ItalDesign has long had a connection to American sports cars. In 2003, the design house created the Corvette Moray concept, which put an undeniably modern Italian twist on the Corvette, much the same as what was done on this new Mustang. This isnt the first time that Fords pony has been subjected to a reworking by Italians. Fabrizios father, Giorgetto Giugiaro, the head designer and founder of ItalDesign, penned a one-off version of the 1965 Mustang when he was at the Bertone styling house, prior to departing the firm to start up ItalDesign. The modern concept was overseen by Fabrizio, the current styling director of the firm.

The Mustang Concept is much different than the current production car, yet shares many similar elements. Its easy to pinpoint the Mustang Concept as being a Mustang, as it shares the main, basic points with the production car, such as the circular headlamps inset within angular housings, the trapezoidal grille with pony logo and fastback roofline with its triangular side rear window. Other similarities that create a design lineage between the Italian car and the production car include the bulged fender flares, prominent logo on the rear deck plus the triple vertical tail lamps, though their shape has been changed.  Of course, there are some clever new additions, such as cameras, which replace the side view mirrors, the little peaks that form, flowing at the top edge of the rear fenders. They almost make the Mustang look like its got fins. The car also has odd, vertical-swinging doors, much like those featured on a Lamborghini Murcielago.

Putting the individual details aside and viewing the car as a whole, gives a very different perspective of the Italians viewpoint on this classic American nameplate. The first thing noticeable is that the shape of the carbon-fiber bodied car has evolved. Its not as drastic as other conversions, but the nose is visually softer, and more rounded than the production car. It also looks shorter. This is the biggest difference in profile, which gives the Mustang a tapered appearance, as opposed to the straight, almost rectangular-like footprint of the production car. The nose of the concept has been widened by 30 mm, while the tail is broader by 80 mm, to give it a more dynamic look.

From raised angles, the cars unique panoramic glass roof can be viewed. This is a true panoramic roof: the windshield, roof panel and rear screen are one single curved unit which allows for completely unobstructed views of the road, the sky and everything in between. The roof panel is treated to filter out 100-percent of all UVA rays and is tinted to reduce glare.

Looks may be a big part of this Mustangs appeal factor, but its whats underneath that will make the heart of true enthusiasts throb. Under the hood is a 4.6-liter V8 engine with the three-valve head, the same motor that can be found in the Mustang GT, but Ford Racing have upgraded its output by bolting on a twin-screw supercharger set at 11 psi, plus an intercooler system. To cope with the 500 horsepower that the engine now puts out, a great deal of the cars internals have been upgraded, from the aluminum racing radiator to a larger mass air meter, and a low-restriction X-Pipe exhaust system. It may have an Italian-designed body, Italian-crafted interior and a look thats sure to turn as many heads as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, but its the Mustangs heart that makes it truly American.

With enough power to equal that of the ultimate production Mustang, the Shelby GT500, Ford has upgraded the cars underpinnings. Consulting the Ford Racing catalog (once again), engineers selected the Handling Pack to install on the car. Included in the kit are dynamic-tuned dampers, springs that lower the cars ride height and improve its roll resistance, plus thicker anti-roll bars. These changes drop the car by an inch and a half compared to the standard Mustang GT, plus, they improve its response to steering input and stability. Owners of regular Mustang GTs can order this exact upgrade for their cars to boost its handling potential. The Italian-designed concepts high performance rubber also helps, which wrap the 20-inch chrome and orange five-spoke wheels.

While the exterior makeover is sure to win over attendees at the LA Auto Show, the interior is more likely to be a source of debate. The cabin was completely overhauled, sharing little in common with the production car. The dashboard stretches clear across the cabin, with chrome-finish air vents, and a new center console. A custom-made steering wheel with a flat-bottomed ring, plus bespoke shifter, which appears to be fashioned from a pair of connecting rods has been added. While these details are nothing less than cool, its the color scheme and upholstery we question. Italdesign has taken the Pony theme to a new level by trimming the seats in brown horsehide, with inserts that are made of furry, mottled horsehair. This natural color is sharply contrasted by lighter orange accent hides which have been dyed the same shade of vibrant orange as the exterior.

Earlier this year, the world got a good glimpse of American muscle to come in the form of the Dodge Challenger Concept and the Chevrolet Camaro Concept, both of which will be produced. Although the current Mustang is right down the alley of the other concepts in 1960s style, this Italian-designed concept would look at home amongst its on-road competitors. Its difficult to predict whether this is a sign of things to come for Ford or not, but concepts such as this are always taken into consideration. ItalDesign has shown that it can modify the look of the Mustang, all while keeping its retro-inspired appearance intact.