Well we knew Ford was not making a 4-door Mustang sedan after they came out and denied any such news but there was a 4-door sedan in the works and that my friends is the Interceptor Concept. The Ford Interceptor is the latest concept that is being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. The Interceptor concept is what Ford brass hopes will be the wow car of the show. The Interceptor while not a Mustang technically is based on a stretched Mustang platform that will come equipped with a Ford Racing 5.0-liter V8 Cammer engine mated to a manual six-speed transmission delivering somewhere in the range of 400 horsepower.
Looks like Ford may have themselves a winner here but are they to late to the game. Let me know in the comments. Full press release is below with more information.
Press Release:
Ford Interceptor Concept - Keeping Mustang momentum accelerating
Ford is committed to deliver fresh Mustang news every year. In 2007, good news comes early as America’s favorite muscle car debuts as a grown-up four-door sedan.
The Ford Interceptor concept – based on a stretched Mustang platform – comes equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox mated to a Ford Racing 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine that delivers 400 horsepower and runs on E-85 ethanol.
Modern muscle
“The Ford Interceptor concept has the soul of Mustang but combines ‘Built Ford Tough’ attitude with the sporty elegance of ’60s Ford sedans,” said Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. “This concept celebrates the best of American muscle. And if it looks familiar, it should. That’s because we’ve translated the design language of last year’s F-250 Super Chief pickup concept onto a car.”
In terms of exterior design, the Ford Interceptor concept features substantial, sometimes brutish, surfaces and sections and the traditional rear-wheel drive proportion that includes a short front overhang, extended dash-to-axle ratio, low cabin and higher beltline.
As a nod to performance purists, the ultimate muscle lies under the powered clamshell “shaker” hood, which caps a thoroughly detailed engine compartment.
Making this a Ford are signature design touches, including the horizontal three-bar grille that is structurally integrated into the bumper beam as well as professionally applied “squircles” – or professionally square circles – inside and out.
Inside, for instance, squircles finished with Titan Metal painted inserts accent the Ford Interceptor concept’s instrument panel, door trims, console, floor and four seats.
Its low-back seats, finished in thick black leather with exposed-edge seams and contrasting stitching, modernize muscle car seats through their design – along with clever touches, including headrests that deploy from the roof.
The concept’s minimalist interior is sleek, focusing the driver’s attention on the speedometer and tachometer, whose needles start at center and move opposite each other.
The audio control panel and climate controls are hidden – but deployable. And the gated six-speed shifter is exposed, just waiting to be thrown into gear.
For safety, the Interceptor concept incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” safety belt design in all four seats. This showcases a possible next-generation safety belt that is more comfortable and easier to use than traditional three-point belts. Additionally, inflatable belts have been included in the rear seat of the concept.
Legendary performance
The Interceptor concept’s 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine is an upgraded variant of the 4.6-liter engine under the hood of the current production Mustang GT. The Cammer modular engine has powered Ford Racing’s FR500C race car to the top of the Grand Am Cup’s GS class, achieving 5 victories on its way to the Drivers, Manufacturers and Team Championships in its first season of competition.
Ford Interceptor concept shows new Mustang-inspired design possibilities – complete with two more doors and a “Built Ford Tough” design attitude.
Powertrain
5.0-liter Cammer V-8
Chassis lengths
Overall length…………………………………….201.6 in.
Wheelbase………………………………………….120.8 in.
Overall width……………………………………….76.4 in.
Overall height at curb…………………………….54.8 in.
Track width
Front…………………………………………………..66.5 in.
Rear……………………………………………………67.8 in.
Suspension
Front………………….. Double wishbone-independent
Rear…………………….3-Link Design with Panhard Rod
Headroom
Front………………………………………………….37.5 in.
Second Row…………………………………………35.9 in.
Legroom
Front………………………………………………….42.3 in.
Second Row…………………………………………35.6 in.
With the end of 2006 upon us in a few days and the lack of Mustang news why not reflect back on what a glorious year this was for the Ford Mustang community. I went back through all my entries for the year and came up with some of the most popular and interesting stories of 2006. The entries are in no particular order. I hope everybody has a happy New Year!
Inside Shelby Automobiles Inc facility in Las Vegas, Nevada Carroll Shelby stands next to the first 2007 Ford Shelby GT CSM No. 07SGT0001 that rolled off the production line at SAI sometime this month. That vehicle will go across the auction block at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on January 20th to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
The Shelby GT is the third Shelby Mustang model produced this year through a joint collaberation with Ford Motor Company and SAI. The Shelby GT features a 4.6-liter V8 pumping out 325 horsepower that is pretty much an exact copy of the Shelby GT-H that was produced for Hertz to be used as rental cars across the country.
The Shelby GT starts out life as a typical Ford Mustang coming off the assembly line at AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, it is then shipped cross-country to SAI’s Las Vegas production facility where it undergoes a transformation of sorts. While at SAI it gets fitted with a Ford Racing Power pack that includes a 90 millimeter cold air intake, engine calibration, high-flow exhaust with X-pipe, 3:55 gears, for manual transmissions they get Hurst short-throw shifter. Also included is a Ford Racing Handling Pack that includes coil springs, stiffer dampers, front swaybar and front strut-tower brace. All Handling pack parts are very recognizable because they are painted Ford Racing Blue.
Exterior enhancements include over the top Shelby Racing stripes and side stripes, 18″ wheels, hood pins, custom front fascia and more. For a full list of options and information on the 2007 Shelby GT click here.
MSRP for the 2007 Shelby GT will be $36, 970 including taxes and destination and delivery charges.
I came across a bunch of videos featuring the 2007 Saleen Parnelli Jones limited-edition Mustang that have been added to the Motor Trend site for your viewing pleasure. The videos include information about the 2007 Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang including commentary from Steve Saleen and Parnelli Jones on how the limited-edition Mustang came about. The videos also include Saleen and Jones getting in some track time on both the current Saleen along with an old school Boss 302 Mustang. I have added the links below to all the videos.
If you have not already picked up the latest issue of Motor Trend you may want to snag a copy to read all about the two new special edition Mustangs coming in 2007 or for all you lazy types like myself I will just give you a rundown of whats in the article.
According to Motor Trend a Bullitt and Boss Mustang are due in the 2007 model year. The 2007 Bullitt Mustang is said to feature a plain painted black grille just like McQueen’s 1968 Bullitt with no pony badge or lights of any kind on the grille. No motor modifications have been released but I would expect something to be on tap for this limited-edition Mustang. Only color choice said to be available are Highland Green but you never know we might see others like we did in 2001 to give consumers more choices.
The Boss Mustang is probably the more anticipated of the two models being it has not been produced since it’s hay day in the late 60’s early 70’s. Ford is said to be stuffing the engine bay with the all-new 5.0-liter Hurricane V8. Not due out till late in the model year the limited-edition Boss will get somewhere in the ballpark of 425 horsepower with a stripped down interior and a limited run of only 1000 cars. Looks like we will have another MSRP markup war with this baby, oh I cannot wait!
The article goes on to say the 2008 Mustang GT will be getting a slightly de-tuned version of the 5.o Hurricane engine. Also the 2008 Mustang will be getting a major face-lift of sorts and according to Motor Trend insiders they have been saying every body panel will be changed and updated. An update already, I was just getting use to the look of the current Mustang.
This video starts out with Brit Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear fame talking about the 1968 390 Mustang and all it’s glory. The video continues with him doing some hot laps around a track in a Shelby GT500 Convertible and a Stage 3 Supercharged Roush Mustang. With the cameras rolling inside the vehicle and out he is commentating as he maneuvers through the tracks twists and turns with his driving ability being top notch. You have to love his brash no holds bar review of both cars, although he does kinda seem like a homer for the Roush Mustang.
The Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction takes place every year in the middle of January in Scottsdale, Arizona and for car collectors it’s like the Super Bowl of auto auctions. This auction brings out collectors and celebrities from all over the world. This years auction is being held on January 13 - 21st and will encompass special events, displays and activites for everybody that attends. A schedule of events can be found at Barrett-Jackson.com along with ticket and other information.
Some of you might know that I attended last years event and took over 150 photos. I am almost 85% sure I will attending the 2007 event with a few friends to cover the event, so expect more pictures and info from the 2007 event. Unlike last time I will have my laptop with me to blog the event each day and provide pictures. The days I should be their are tenative but I am guessing it will be January 18-21st. I will give more information as the event nears.
The list below includes around 100 Mustangs and Shelbys that will go on the auction block for the 2007 show with live auctions starting January 16 and carrying through the 21st.
Some of the Mustangs on the auction block this year include two Mustangs from Paul Sr and Paul Jr. of Orange County Choppers, a 2007 Shelby GT Serial # 001, Several Shelby GT500’s, BOSS 429’s and Mach I Mustangs.
Speed Channel will be covering the whole event from January 13th through the final auction on January 21st. Live coverage of auctions will take place just like last year. More news to follow on exact times and dates.
A few days after AutoWeek and Autocar reported a 4-door Mustang was in the works Ford responded saying it’s completely not true. It was pretty much as I stated in my previous entry that a Mustang Sedan or Wagon was total BS and I could not see Ford going through with any such model. According to Ford the Mustang is an icon and will continue in it’s current form as a unique 2 door, 2+2 performance car. Read the whole press release from Ford below.
Press Release:
Ford Motor Company today made clear that recent media speculation concerning an expanded Mustang line – including a sedan and wagon model to be sold in global markets – is not true. Mustang is an icon and will continue in its current form: a unique, two-door, rear-wheel drive, 2+2 performance car.
At the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Ford will unveil a four-door, rear-wheel-drive concept car. The concept, known as “The Interceptor”, is based on the Mustang’s rear-wheel-drive architecture but it is not a Mustang and no production plans have been announced. Additional information on the Ford rear-drive concept will be available December 31, 2006.
I am leaning toward BS in this case but AutoWeek and Autocar are reporting from some deap throat informant that a 4-door Mustang sedan and/or wagon is in the works. I could be wrong and it would not be the first time but my opinion is if you believe this kind of stuff I have some swamp land in Florida I would like to sell you. Please tell me they are not trying to do what Chrysler has done with the Charger. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Looks like everybody is jumping on the “We Have A Spy Photo” bandwagon these days even if it’s just a rendering to get some free pub. This time Brenda Priddy and company have come up with their own rendering of what the next generation Mustang will look like and I have to say while the changes are simple it’s probably going to be close to what the actually Mustang will look like. The most signifigant area that pops out to me in the illustration is the front fascia with it being more sleek and Shelby like. For some reason the stance looks a bit wider and the wheels seem to be at least 18″ and possible 19″. Other then that not much can be had from this illustration and remember it’s just that an illustration so you have to take it for what it’s worth.
