Ford Mustang Giugiaro � LA Show Concept

Holy prancing horses! A few days after we got a glimpse of it in a spy pic, Ford came out officially with its LA Show star, the Mustang Giugiaro. This one-of-a-kind Mustang, designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro gives an overwhelming Italian flair to Ford�s retro muscle car. Ford on its part contributed by dropping a few more �ponies� under the hood, adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger to the standard 300Hp 4.6 V8 which now delivers 500 Hp

"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.

Practically, Giugiaro changed every exterior panel in the Mustang which appears more compact than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro "trick" of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines. Giugiaro also added 30 mm to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 mm toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design. And we better not forget about the extravagant A-pillar hinged doors.

Distinct Features:

• The interior � featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.
• The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept's roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.
• Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.
• Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang � but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.
• The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept's carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the '50s.
• The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.

Powertrain: Ford Racing improved the 300Hp 4.6 V8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger. Additional improvements include fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake is increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe. The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger.

Chassis: Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5� lower than the production Mustang GT.

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