Designing the New Ford Mustang
Of Horses and Ponies
From the earliest pictures of these Mustang concepts, it appears the new car is inspired more by Larry Shinoda's Boss Mustang designs from the late '60s and early '70s than the original mid-'60s Mustangs, forever locked in our memory by Steve McQueen's GT in the 1968 film "Bullitt" and by Carroll Shelby's GT-350s. The current Mustang seems to have become almost as wide as it is long and carries a large inventory of extraneous trim. The '05 design abandons the "some of everything" look of the '02 model in favor of a far smoother, tastier, and less-cluttered concept.
Discussions around the Motor Trend offices have been divided. A few editors expressed an uncomfortable feeling that what we've seen so far may be too minimalist and rectilinear. Others have been enamored with the concepts' square-shouldered, well-proportioned look. Nonetheless, the front end is pure Mustang, but the hooplike rollbar and the slab sides are reminiscent of the latest Viper. We worried the car might be too simple, too straight edged, and that it needed some hips. But then a subsequent conversation with J Mays reassured us. The shape is still under development, and we can expect the '05 Mustang, as presently drawn, to become a bit more voluptuous.
The interior, as shown in early drawings, is merely sensational and in no way retro. The seats alone would be enough to turn thousands of enthusiasts into Mustang intenders. Only time and personal experience can answer questions about visibility and comfort and control relationships, but the early glimpses of the interior are quite promising.
The engine compartments of the concepts, being absolutely state of the art, hide almost everything under anonymous plastic covers. But one thing stands out, and it may be the best piece of design on the whole car: The supercharger lies in wait between the banks of the modular V-8 engine for all to see. It tells us what we're looking at here will be a truly worthwhile driving experience. --David E. Davis, Jr.