New Mustang

[cuda]

New Mustang (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=996&e=1&u=/030106/168/2zcj9.html)

I was never a big fan of the Mustang, or Ford for that matter but, you gotta luv the direction that they're going with this. The Thunderbird redo was OK, even better the GT40 (way better!), but this Mustang concept is sweet.

I would luv to see GM and Chrysler jump on this trend. Pontiac is already reviving the GTO, but how cool would it look with some '69 design cues. *drools* Imagine a retro '68 Comaro/Firebird, or '70 Barracuda/Challenger!

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030106/capt.1041813459.auto_show_dt133.jpg

[Pistol Pete]

That is the best looking Mustang design I've seen since the 1969 Mach1. After that, they went weird and then ugly little 4-bolt wheel, plastic pieces of crap.

Have you seen the Ford GT-40? Go to www.ford.com and it's got the GT-40. Just like old times :love:

[shotglass]

Automotive retro is in! When does the new AMC Pacer hit the market? :D

Sure would like to see the Corvette get a little retro, they looked sharp in the early to mid 60's.

[Ty]

thought you might like this.


Performance from the Past
March 4, 2002


Since unveiling the new 2003 Cobra, Ford has gone deep into its past for two more performance vehicles for its lineup. The GT40, originally built to compete against Ferrari finish 1-2-3 at Le Mans in 1966, will be built in time for the 2003 100th Anniversary of Ford Motor Company and the Mach 1, which originally appeared as a Mustang model in 1969, will make its first appearance as a production vehicle at this year's New York Auto Show.

Motor Trend liked the GT40 so much that it gave it rave reviews and started a campaign to get it built. I originally thought that they should build the car as a vehicle to compete with the Viper and Corvette (click here for my original thoughts). It appears that this will be the case and its 500 horsepower and 500 foot/pounds of torque will match the Viper's performance. Its 60's styling is even more striking than the Viper, which itself is only gives hints to its '60s origins. I originally liked the car but was not totally overwhelmed, but now that I have seen it is growing on me more and more, especially now that I have seen it in other colors besides white. This is an extraordinary vehicle in that it is 60's style completely (not a modern interpretation) with 21st century technology.

The car was originally projected to have a price tag of $70,000, but estimates seem to push this number to closer to $100,000. This car is not going to save Ford with high sales and profits, but should bring some press and prestige in the same way as the Viper has done for Dodge in recent years. The Viper proved to many manufactures that a vehicle does not have to have many sales to have a profound affect on the product line as a whole. It is nice to see that in light of some of the negative press Ford has been getting and the significant financial downturn Ford has been experiencing in recent months that they are still willing to take some risks. It is quite nice to see that they are willing to come out fighting, even against the Corvette, a car that they last competed against in the 50's with the Thunderbird (whose original 50's style was also resurrected this year).

Ford will also build the Mach 1 (click here for an article from BlueOvalNews), which actually comes as no surprise but I would have thought that it would have been introduced before the 2003 Cobra. There are some rumors that are quite surprising about this vehicle. Its performance will be midway between the GT and the Cobra (probably about 320 horsepower), unlike past special edition vehicles (like the 35th Anniversary Limited Edition and the Bullitt) which recevied little or no performance enhancements. It will use the 320 horsepower 4-valve 5.4L former Cobra motor. Also, the Mach 1 (unlike past special editions) may be an optional trim level for several years and not just one. The vehicle will fill in some of the gap between the GT and the Cobra (which is quite large now).

Unfortunately, the increased performance of the vehicle is probably going to increase the price of the vehicle quite significantly. From most of the comments I read from possible future buyers of the Mach 1 previously, I don't think most of them will mind. Most wanted a Mach 1 true to the original in performance and not just in looks. It looks like they are going to have their wish. I liked the car originally (click here and here for my previous articles on the Mach 1) and the performance enhancements help me like it even more.

While I still like my Mustang and I am not trading it in for anything, it is nice to see that Ford is increasing the performance of its Ford product line and giving Mustang buyers a greater selection of performance and style to choose from.

http://www.mustang35th.com/news0221.html

[Eagle3]

I like the Merc Messenger too. (Gimme a GT-40 though!!!!)
Mercury Messenger Concept (http://forums.caranddriver.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=005854)

[cuda]

I like the GT40 also, but why not build one in the same price range as the Corvette? They could still offer a special suped up, limited version in the $80,000-100,000 range to those who can afford it and at the same time fight for bragging rights. Same with the Viper.

:sure:

[Eddy's Geist]

The mustang looks good.. LOVE the GT40.

But what I'd rather see.. a new Cobra. Light weight, two seat roadster with waaaaaay too much horsepower. yummy