Ford Mustang variants
Ford Mustang variants are the various versions of the Ford Mustang car, modified either by its manufacturer Ford Motor Company or by third-party companies. Ford and several third-party companies have offered many modified versions of the highly popular Mustang since its creation in 1964 in order to cater to specific portions of the marketplace outside of the mainstream. High-performance enthusiasts seek more powerful, sharper handling, sports cars such as the Shelby Mustang, the Ford Mustang Mach 1, and variants made by Roush Performance and Saleen, while collectors and purists seek limited production and alternate or nostalgic styling, such as is commonly found on many commemorative editions. Still, others were made purely for experimental concepts such as the McLaren M81 and the Ford Mustang SVO, which later influenced production model design. Most variants include both performance upgrades, and unique cosmetic treatments that are typically minimal to maintain the familiar appearance of a stock Mustang. Although most of these Mustang variants were aimed at enthusiasts, an exception was the Special Service Package which was designed specifically for law enforcement. Race variants include the FR500, Boss 302 and Boss 429.
Ford
Concepts
1962 Ford Mustang I concept
The Ford Mustang I was a small, mid-engined, open two-seater with aluminum body work, that began life as a design exercise and eventually became the progenitor of the famed Ford Mustang. Although it shared few design elements with the final production vehicle, it did lend its name to the line.1963 Ford Mustang II
The Ford Mustang II is a small, front-engined, open "two-plus-two" concept car built by the Ford Motor Company in 1963. Although bearing the same name as the first generation production Mustang, the four-seater Mustang II which closely resembled the final production variant that would appear in 1964, was intended primarily for the auto show circuit. After debuting at the 1963 Watkins Glen Grand Prix, the Mustang II had a short lifespan as a show car before being relegated to the task of "test mule". The sole example still exists, albeit in storage at the Detroit Historical Museum.1993 Ford Mustang Mach III concept
Unveiled in 1993 at the Detroit International Auto Show, this concept gave us a peek into the Mustang's near future. Although not all that close in design to the actual 1994 production model, it did offer Mustang fanatics some insight and hints on where Ford was going with their flagship. It was powered by a supercharged 4.6L DOHC V-8 supplying.2004 Ford Mustang GT concept
The concept 2004 Mustang GT coupe and convertible were debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. They were designed after the production 2004 Mustang was finalized to gauge public reaction to the design.The design of the 2004 Mustang was created from scratch, the first in 23 years. However, the latest version draws heavily on the design both the 1967–1968 Mustang and Shelby GT 350/GT500. Ironically, the original Mustang was an American interpretation of European design aimed at the youngest, fastest-growing segment of the market – Baby Boomers – while the latest version interprets American design through a European lens for aging Baby Boomers.
The 2-seater Mustang GT was powered by a supercharged 4.6L V-8, mated to a 6-speed manual in the coupe and a 5-speed automatic transmission in the convertible. The hood has twin scoops sitting in a U-shaped channel, topped by separate body color panels. This elongates the hood section, creates tailored character lines that flow into the instrument panel's twin cowl upper section, and provides cold air ducting the supercharged V8.
Notable features on the Mustang GT include 20-inch wheels, a nose which leans forward, and a side scoop. For the first time in the Mustang's nearly 40-year existence, the scoop is a fully integrated design element that creates a triangular opening, and flows forward along the chamfered lower body line.
The interior is trimmed in red leather, black accents, brushed aluminum, and borders on parody with red leather racing style seats draped over black forms atop aluminum pedestals. Similarly, the dash pad "eyebrows" overlook a metal band containing the gauges and vents, and the red lower section.
The tail section divides lights into three units on either side of a large badge reminiscent of early Mustang filler caps. There is a similarity of the tail lamps' angled upper section to that of the Australian-built Capri convertible of the early 1990s.
2005 Mustang GT-R Concept
The GT-R was a concept by Ford to signal a focus on the racing market. The concept car had a new 5.0 "Cammer" V8 engine with and a wider body. Its Valencia Orange color was inspired by Grabber Orange 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans-Am race cars. Notable design changes from the base model included GT-R wheels, Brembo brakes, Pirelli slick tires and a more aggressive look.Giugiaro Mustang concept
At the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford debuted the Giugiaro Mustang concept car. It was designed by the Italian car design firm, Italdesign, and led by Fabrizio Giugiaro. Italdesign, led by senior Giorgetto Giugiaro, is famous for designing the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Moray concept as well as the Ferrari GG50 concept and the 1965 Bertone Mustang, becoming the first European-styled car to debut internationally in America following World War II. The Italian design firm has a long history of car designs ranging from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Mazda, to Lotus, Maserati and Bugatti."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, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. ''"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."''
Production
Ford T-5
In addition to selling the Mustang in North America, Ford saw the importance of marketing the sporty car overseas as well, especially to American military personnel. However, the name "Mustang" was copyrighted by German manufacturing conglomerate Krupp which prevented Ford from using the name there. Therefore, Ford re-badged Mustangs bound for export to Germany with the T-5 name. All references to the Mustang name, including the steering wheel hub, side nameplates, the grille, and rear fuel filler, were blanked out, replaced by the words "FORD" only. The "T-5" emblem graced the front fender behind the wheel well, where the "Mustang" nameplate were located on other Mustangs.Other than this, they were exactly the same as Mustangs elsewhere. Virtually all models and packages for the Mustang were available for the T-5 including the GT. After 1979 Krupp's brand rights on the Mustang name expired, so all Mustangs imported to Germany after 1980 kept the name Mustang.
The T-5 designation also applied to the 13 prototypes that were built before the first generation Mustang went into production. The 1963 Ford Mustang II concept car also briefly bore the T-5 designation. In 1962, Ford Vice-president Lee Iacocca leading the Fairlane Group began to work on a front-engine, four-seater design, known as the T-5 in company parlance, and later, the Mustang. To speed development, Ford Falcon and Fairlane components were used. Nearly the only design element that remained from the original Mustang I were the fake louvers that recreated the radiator scoops of the two-seater, and its name, emblazoned on its side panels as the "galloping Mustang" logo.