The cockpit is dramatic for the driver and passenger with lush red and charcoal leather accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Inside, there’s no mistaking the no-holds-barred Mustang classic cues. The coupe conjures images of 19 Fastbacks while the convertible brings back cues of the early Shelby Mustangs, especially in its “show bar” and wide-element tail lamps. The concept design execution was done exclusively at the California Design Center. In concert with plans for the all-new Mustang, due in 2004, the exterior and interior designs of the Mustang GT concepts were penned by designers in Ford’s Living Legends Studio in Dearborn, Mich., and Ford’s California Design Center in Southern California. The front-end geometry is all original – customized to accommodate the signature Mustang MOD 4.6-liter V-8. The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion.
Both cars started out with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture. Like the Mustang 1 concept, the GT concepts are two-place sportscars: one a coupe and the other a convertible. The Mustang GT concepts are instantly recognizable as Mustangs, yet they stretch the design far into the future with a distinctly modern look. Much like the Mustang 1 and the later Mustang Mach 1 show car in 1968, the Mustang GT concepts are rare, radical designs that will appeal to everyone. The design team looked beyond production models to the Mustang 1 concept for modern inspiration. After reviewing archived files, Mustang’s modern-day crafters were struck by how the original design embraced the same inspirational cues that communicate performance. The original 1964½ Mustang actually evolved from the racing-inspired, two-seat concept car called the Mustang 1. The designs are modern, crisp and reveal the true character of what Mustang means to so many people. They emerge as a bold testament to the timeless value that automotive enthusiasts hold for the original American pony car. Presented as a two-seat fastback coupe and convertible, the Mustang GT concepts are strong indicators of the next-generation Mustang’s design direction.
Adorning the legendary shape are classic design cues that define Mustang: C-scoops in the sides, three-element tail lamps and the galloping pony in the center of the grille.
With its signature long hood and short rear deck, Mustang’s design has endured for 39 years. The new concepts give a strong indication of the design direction of the next-generation Mustang, due to debut in 2004. That silhouette is taking on a striking new definition with the introduction of the Mustang GT coupe and convertible concept cars.
0 kommentar(er)
