We think it looks too much like the new Camaro concept. But here is what Ford and the designer think…
“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,” says Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign - Giugiaro S.P.A.
So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched J Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, on his idea to do an Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang by Giugiaro – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder’s first reveal at the inaugural November media week for the Los Angeles Auto Show.
“It seemed only fitting,” says Mays. “This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it’s right at home in L.A. – America’s most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, when design icon Giorgetto Giugairo offered to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son, it underscores the timeless allure of Ford’s most iconic car.”
Design aficionados will remember that the senior Giugiaro – who last year celebrated his 50th anniversary in the business by designing a custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 – created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which was unmistakably Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of World War II.
This time, it was Giugiaro’s son, Fabrizio, who led the 2-D design process on the Mustang by Giugiaro concept, allowing him to deliver a complete exterior model from the family’s Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.
Visually, the Mustang by Giugiaro 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.
The vibrant orange concept is wider than the production version. The Giugiaros added 30 millimeters to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design. With its longer hood and the trunk barely visible, the car looks more of a fastback in side view.
The concept features a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing – which efforts include the development and sale of a race-prepared version of the Mustang, called the FR500C. In its first season on the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series, the FR500C scored five wins in the 2005 GS Class, including the manufacturers’ championship, in which Mustang bested other production-based sports cars, including the BMW M3 and Porsche 911.
Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger for the new concept. The powertrain upgrades deliver 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger.
A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to accompany the extra 200 horsepower provided under hood. Enhancements to the appearance of the engine compartment include special Ford Racing chrome cam covers and fluid fill caps.
Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis includes the same brake equipment used on the race car. The changes give the car a lower stance, riding approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT, while sharpening handling response.
“The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks,†says Fabrizio Giugiaro. “After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic.â€Â
okay the car just looks stupid.. sure it has a sleek design, but its not a Mustang.. oh and the headlights look awful for that type of grille.. overall, i don’t like it..
By 71RipRodSquire. June 28th, 2009 at 9:22 pmCome on this car looks like a cheap piece of dego junk box on wheels ill sell my 94 cobra and burn all ford shit i have if they even think about calling this a mustang f that with a big cock
By jay. March 4th, 2009 at 10:53 ami agree it has a sleek design but it just is NOT A MUSTANG!!!!!!!! dont let us down like this ford!!!! we have a standard to keep up to and better, this is seriously not helping….
By kyle. February 13th, 2009 at 2:46 ammix it with the muscle and a bit of the new
By sam. November 18th, 2008 at 2:36 amu need to make better desines next time. the should b more like the 68 mustangs. that car is UGLIER than crap. if ure going to mess with the design u mess with one of amaricans best looking cars. atleast make it look good and go fast!!!!!!!!
By brad b.. October 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pmMustangs are about shakers, spoilers, shifting, head snap. About guys being able to tinker get that extra pony out. About kicking chevy and hemi ass. About cornering, 1/4 mile, records, tire smoke and light anticipation. About quality, some comfort, noise and high rpm. About not breaking down, pushing the limit, the slide, the tingle in the back of your neck.
We don’t care what the other guys do we want the above. We dont want to be gouged buy Ford and Ford dealers. Letting the dealers trump the price on the Shelbys was the biggest bull I ever saw and the GT’s too. You guys messed with the price don’t mess with the car, we let you over charge us but next time…..
By Tim Albers. October 6th, 2008 at 9:44 amThe only thing you can do is make it lighter!
The current Mustangs are too big and too heavy, but at least they are still American muscle. No to off shore designed Mustangs.
By I’ll pass, most will.. September 18th, 2008 at 10:12 amFord needs a rule for the Mustang designers, 3000lb max, thats it, no more. If I want a Galaxie I’ll buy one.
trust me that’s not what the new one look’s like. i know you will like it if you like the last one
By comet1971. September 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pmthis car is nice but ford should not take mustang design form italy… if they were to do that they couldn’t call it the all american muscle car!! could they.?!?! this could be the ford supercar of the future but not the ford mustang of the future…
By austin the ford guy. July 28th, 2008 at 1:32 pmI DONT WANT TO HEAR SHIT ABOUT A MUSTANG UNLESS IT CAN OUT PERFORM A JEEP. SRT8 THAT IS!
By Kim. March 24th, 2008 at 1:32 amFord screwed up in 74 with the Mustang….. hope they don’t screw themselves over for the second time on the same car. Wheels are the only nice looking thing. There’s not even a hood scoop. Probably gonna want to make a hybrid next.
By 71 Mach. February 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pmwill you send me more picks of this car
By TJ BROWN. February 20th, 2008 at 11:46 amthis is the nicest mustang since 1967. along with the shelby 500 and the gtr this is way up there in style and power.
Alain Logorz
Sales Consultant
Midway Ford
By alain. January 15th, 2008 at 5:37 pm8155 W. flagler street
miami, fl 33144
it should be called mustake of the future Man that thing is ugly ugly ugly go back to the drawing board boys
By boandy chevy. January 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pmMUSTANG IS ALL AMERICAN MUCLE THERE TRYING TO MESS IT UP THIS NEW MUSTANG IS NOT GOOD,KEEP AMERICAN STYLE NOT ITALIAN MESS WITH CAMARO’S BUT NOT WITH THE BOSS AKA MUSTANG
By RALF. November 11th, 2007 at 1:32 amit is perrty
By ryan. November 5th, 2007 at 12:08 pmpeople that say that this is an ugly mustang are dumb this is a nice mustang. NEVER compare mustangs to camaros. all those lil 12-13 lil kids aint know anything.
By ish. October 18th, 2007 at 9:33 amTHIS MUSTANG IS THE SHIT!!!!
i like it and every thing. of course i have a mustang. i have a 2007 mustang shelby gt 500, and a 2007 mustang gtr. they are very nice and very fast.
By Harris. October 16th, 2007 at 10:44 amLOOK ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR MORE PICS:
By Dee. October 2nd, 2007 at 3:59 pmMUSCLEMUSTANGFASTFORDS.COM
Never Mind What I Said Before!!!! I Found New Pics on another site.
By Dee. October 2nd, 2007 at 3:57 pmTHIS CAR IS HIDEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO!!! NO!!! NOT A MUSTANG!!!!!!!!! EVER!!!!
IF FORD CALLS THIS A MUSTANG I WILL CRY!!!!
THAT IS COMPLETELY ITALIAN!!!!!
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, IT HAS COW HIDE INSIDE!!!!!!!!!
AND THE REAR END!!! OH MY GOD!!!! UGH!!!!
suck my dick
By jim. October 1st, 2007 at 9:38 amOk. I will admit it is very sleek and cool looking. I wish there were more pictures to view; interior, engine, and 360 degree exterior. But from what is shown in the picture, it is a good looking car. But not a Mustang.
By Dee. September 27th, 2007 at 9:29 pmThe Mustang is American, period. I agree with expanding to international consumers as well. However, this car is not a Mustang, at least not an original type. There a hundreds of styles of Mustangs, but they are unique and through time they have changed slightly, but not dramatically. I am a Mustang Lover, but I also have a interest in international cars as well (Ferrarri, BMW, Mercedese-Benz,Porche, Lotus, Jaguar, etc.). I own 2 1974 Mustang II’s and I love them. If Ford wants to advertise this car as a Mustang, that is fine. Just change the name. For example: Shelby Mustang, Boss Mustang, Mustang II, King Cobra (Mustang II). These Mustangs are all slightly different than the original Mustangs. Some bigger, some faster, others smaller, a few were economy friendlier, and a couple more luxurious than the originals. I think that if this car was to be called a Mustang, it should be a specific title. Such as: Giugiaro Mustang, Italian Mustang, Mustang 3 (III). Don’t classify it with our classic muscle mustangs. Because it is not one.
In my opinion the car doesn’t even come close to resembling a Mustang, in any year. The idea of a classic is to improve but keep the basic design. This car didn’t do that. It looks like a mutation of the following vehicles:
2007 Dogde Charger, VW Beetle, Audi TT Quatro, Ferrarri, BMW, Mercedese-Benz (the last 3 are a combo, I couldn’t remember which Make or Model I saw that resembled this “Mustang”). The only thing that slightly resembles the Mustang is the grill and the etched doors. However, the etched doors can be found on many sporty cars. Not exactly the same but similar. The car is improved in the handling and engine, but a dramatic downslide in appearance.
The American Muscle is just that. It speaks for America. The designs represent the uniqueness of America. The engines represent the power and determination of America. The Muscle class represents the thurst for freedom (engine power, speed, bulky body). The American Muscle is only created in America, that’s how it is known. For example: America has 3 top automotive creators; Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet (Chevy). These 3 creators mimic eachother.
1. Mustang (Ford), Camaro (Chevy), and Charger (Dodge). Each of these cars were built to mimic, or compete with the other. Each are different, and unique. But in style and design they are copies.
2. 2008 Audi A5, 2008 Infiniti G37, 2007 Merc.-Benz CLK Class, 2007 BMW 3 series. All are competing vehicles. They all mimic or copy eachother in one or more ways. But all are different.
As an example above, euroean cars compete as American cars compete. Both countries cars compete against each other as well, but you will rarely find them mimicing or copying the style or design, they compete in other areas.
I think that this car is not, in any way, an Amerian car. America doesn’t use this overall design concept. This car is Euroean, in design, style, etc.
Please!!!! Do not Change the MUSTANG!!! It is great as it is. Europe can make thier own, but don’t use our title. Find another.
good lood would someone throw that crappy exotic into the crusher? this is a muscle site remember?
By mike. September 6th, 2007 at 5:16 pmIt is a beautiful car . but not mustang . it would be a great ford probe . bring that car back . just keep the mustang American . the retro stang is the best ever please don’t change it anytime soon …
By joseph Faulkner. September 1st, 2007 at 6:20 pmThat Is one ugly mustang… I own a 07 Gt and i thought that was looking a bit funky but this looks like a new eclipse… maybe even worse
By jonathan. August 9th, 2007 at 6:10 amDon’t call that thing a Mustang, make it a Probe or something, but not a Mustang Please!!!
By hector. July 30th, 2007 at 12:14 pmThat is one UGLY Mustang, I love Mustangs and that design dissapoints me.
By Rigo. July 30th, 2007 at 12:10 pmThe Mustang G-TR is what its all about, that is beautiful and american.
By dave. June 28th, 2007 at 9:44 pmThis car looks like a typical sports car. The mustang is not typical, it has a unique look and no italian can do that. It needs to stay American.
By dave. June 28th, 2007 at 9:40 pmOh my god!!! i just went in my pants….by far one of the nicest stangs out!!!
By matty. June 26th, 2007 at 4:25 amterrible terrible terrible
why wud somebody do this to a mustang??????
By mustanglover. June 23rd, 2007 at 7:26 amThis is probablly the best mustang ford ever built. I personally think this mustang needs to be put on the market.
By thomas blankenship. June 20th, 2007 at 7:03 pmThat is the coolest looking mustang ever. I am a huge fan of mustangs & would love to see this one hit the markets.
By Travis Carpenter. June 20th, 2007 at 6:54 pmthis is the ugliest mustang ever,its sad to see a mustang trying to look like a camaro
By motorhead135. June 4th, 2007 at 7:38 pmas long as it goes as fast as it looks
By Gabriel. June 1st, 2007 at 11:59 pmFord dont ever make this car it will ruin your rep. i speak for all of the Ford fanatics when i say we want more muscle cars not sum gay A@# exotic like that one here
By Jerry. May 23rd, 2007 at 5:44 amThis mustang has given me an idea. I always thought the 2005 style mustang was too high. If I park my 72 mach 1 beside a new mustang, the new mustang is a lot higher, being less aerodynamic. I think if the mustang should be altered, it should remain a fasback. This design takes away from that feeling, and makes it an audi. I like the lowered design, but don’t like the slope of the windows, especially towards the rear. This is not a mustang characteristic, it is more a GT thing. I am a huge fan of the most powerful, biggest mustangs which were ever made, (71-72), and think that they should move towards this direction as a concept. I think they would be more competitive vs the viper and corvette, which both emplore this low-to-the-ground better handling less wind resistant technology. I think he got that right about the future of the mustang in his concept. Preformance aerodynamics, and better handling due to being lower to the ground. However, the thing has to be taken back to the drawing board. The thing needs a cleveland mounted in the front of the car with a nasa hood.(longer front end) It needs the rumbling v8 feel, not turbo 6.This version is too abreviated. That is why it has that gay look. The top is too round like the beetle. The signature mustang is the sloping back. This main feaure was left out. Mustang fans won’t like it. This mustang was made to get the approval of the bmw mercades crowd;(who know nothing about the classic mustang). Is this the direction Ford wants to go down? A new path? Forgetting all their loyal fans, and barging its way into a new crowd of ignorants? Ignorants who have no idea what a 70’s mustang is? No recollection of a Mach 1, or a Boss, or a Shelby? Ford’s divine heritage. I am pretty confident in the American ideas for mustang preformance, provided that they don’t forget their history. Provided that they take the next step towards competing with the Viper and the Corvette,…instead of cowarding away, abandoning all hope and technology, and all ideas, surrendering to Dodge and Chevy at the first sign of defeat, crawling over to the europeans with their tails between their legs. Henry Ford would roll over in his grave. He is the one who persisted with the model-t even when the whole world told him not to. The ugliest car ever made. Sold millions. Where is this heritage? They start with this back to the 70’s concept and don’t finish what they started. That would be a very dumb move. I don’t think they will produce the car, however, I think they can gain knowledge from the concept. Formed knowledge to make choices on which way to go with the future of the Mustang.
By gar. May 12th, 2007 at 10:59 amPlease crush that ugly thing now…..Ugly.. ugly.. ugly
Mr Giugiaro, with due respect, Please leave the American muscle car alone…
By Keith. May 7th, 2007 at 4:53 pmi love this car whow much is it i need a price so i can buy it
By thomas nido. May 7th, 2007 at 9:50 amThis car is pure Garbage, it looks like the new Camero’s candy-ass little brother! Seriously, compare that lil bitch to a Shelby GT500KR Cobra and its just embarrassing! Try to remember, behind all the 16 year old girls getting ’stangs as status cars, the mustang is pure performance! Keep it that way, Ford-made in America!
By Michael. May 5th, 2007 at 5:45 pmAUTOMOBILE MOLTE BELLA!
By Curious. May 5th, 2007 at 1:34 pmFabrizio Giugiaro is a great designer… but he should stick to exotics. This thing is hideous! Maybe if you take the horse off the grill and slap an opel emblem it wouldn’t be so bad. It lost the spirit that the 05 brought back, refinement is great but not when it comes in the form of scissor doors and tail lights that could come standard on the next batmobile. For the new mustang we can start by fixing some of the things that this generation lacks, like a real suspension.
By Pedro Castillo. April 25th, 2007 at 12:37 pmI am a 15 and love mustangs and i think they killed it right here that mustang looks gay looks like an exotic car rater than muscle..I HATE IT
By Gerardo. April 18th, 2007 at 7:18 amwell this mustang doesnt look like one i think its ugly
By yair. April 14th, 2007 at 5:37 pmI think another color would give others a better opinion but do not call it a Torino , buid a classic reproduction of the Torino. Yeah it looks a little like a camaro whats wrong with that ? Car Companys have copying each other for years that how they improve on designs.
By Apollo. April 13th, 2007 at 2:58 pmI am a 13 year old kid who LOVES FORDS i’m a ford maniac, but this car is UGLY!!!!! I cant believe anyone who says that this ca looks anything like an orginal mustang, all it looks like is crap!
By Aaron. March 30th, 2007 at 1:49 pmwell, its good that ford is trying to come up with new ideas, but dear God man, dont build a camaro with ford parts and call it a mustang, i agree with calling it the torino. they havent made one of those in a while, hell, it might out sell the mustang, not that i’d leave my 03 snake for anything, but i might purchase one if its well equipped.
By big spoon. March 27th, 2007 at 12:11 amford has already lost as much money, not releasing this car ,as what they have already have made on the 2005,2006 and probably 2007.This Italian design is the nicest mustang since the release of the 1966 fastback,and probably would have out sold them.Rod Leslie
By Rod Leslie. March 12th, 2007 at 6:28 pmTHIS IS THE NEW ITALIAN STALLION
By NICK. March 7th, 2007 at 2:50 pmWhat did you do to the great mustang. You made it flat and U…..G…..L………Y!!!!!!!!!!! it needed to stay the way it was
By Miz iran form iraq but i got hungary so i went to turkey. March 7th, 2007 at 1:05 pmok to the anti international comments…american cars do not sell well at all overseas. i know. i live here. all you see are BMW, VW, Coopers, Smart Cars, nissan, opel, lotus, etc. you rarely even see a truck and if you do its a toyota or honda and owned by an american. all the american cars overseas are owned by americans. foreign cars have been beating american cars in sales for the longest time and its about time ford did something to widen its consumer sales. this is a mustang but they still have their own styles that are not designed by giugario. and for all the muscle lovers they arent making any muscle cars because the NEW style is sleek. if you want a muscle car you get an old style classic muscle car. you dont get a new one. the muscle cars are special and classic because they arent being re-done. this new mustang is great.
By bobby jones billy bob joe. March 5th, 2007 at 2:14 amTHIS MUG IS RIGHT
By JESSIE WELCH GARY WELCH. February 24th, 2007 at 4:12 pmcall me old fasion, dut i love the old box front ends like on the 69 shellby but the concept is tomorrow car.
By josheld2002. February 10th, 2007 at 1:19 pmI got 1 thing 2 say…
WOW!
By Ismail van Essen. February 5th, 2007 at 5:02 amnah, bring back the muscle
By beto. February 1st, 2007 at 4:46 pmlindo carro,gostei muito da cor.
By paulo sergio de nadai. January 31st, 2007 at 4:37 pmtenho um ford maverick gt 302 (drag racig),pintei da mesma cor.
ficou lindo
i think its the best designed car for ford in a long time.
By aron. January 12th, 2007 at 5:35 amim very happy for ford -keep it up !amazing!!!!!!!
So this is what happens when you cut the balls off of a mustang. I see.
By Samus_aran. January 10th, 2007 at 7:51 pmit very nice, is a beautiful steel horse, its a real mustang how the 60″ mustangs. congratulations mr. giugiaro and god bless you… ever
By hugo valdez. January 7th, 2007 at 7:49 pmI like it. I don’t like the rearend, though. But it would be nice if they made the Mustang look a little more upscale. Even something more like the 2005 concept would be wonderful. It’s time for the Mustang to go head-to-head against some foreign competition that would otherwise never have even considered a Mustang as anything significant, such as Porsche, BMW, etc. For those wanting the next Mustang to be more retro, don’t hold your breath. I believe Ford has already stated that it won’t be retro but rather a modern progression of the current design. Chances are good that you will see some styling cues from this car and more cues from the 2005 concept. It’s a good thing.
By Derrick. December 27th, 2006 at 5:16 amI’m not sure what Ford is thinking… I’d never purchase one & i have 3-4 Generations in my stable (3x now). If anything they should be going more retro in the next generations… It’s all the 64-69′ owners I’ve seen purchasing 05+ units around here. Plus of course every other walk of life - Yng & older. They hit the styling que on the head wih the 05’s… Now they’ll ignore that wave just like they tried to do with the Ford-Probe as a Mustang. I have no idea what the heck Ford is thinking.
By Ghia. December 17th, 2006 at 6:51 amIt looks God awful!!! the front does have a new Camaro look if you look at it minus the front clip it looks like the new Mitsubishi Eclipse (which I don’t like). If you wanna make it a Cougar or something else fine but dont Make it a Mustang.
By ManiacalMustang. December 16th, 2006 at 8:07 pmI love the front, even though it does resemble the new Camaro. It’s biggest down side is the back by the taillights. Make it smaller and at something. It just looks too plain.
By Jacob. December 15th, 2006 at 6:42 amThats beautiful!!! Now thats a car!! I think you should shape it alittle different in the front, and make it a TORINO GT!!! and yeah, Im a torino lover!! Cause I got one!!
By Myron Canty. December 12th, 2006 at 4:41 pmI like it but, it’s not a Mustang. Make it the new cougar.
By Troy. December 11th, 2006 at 3:55 pmWhy don’t they take the Mustang off the grill, give it to Lincoln Mercury and call it the new Pantera.
By blown68. December 11th, 2006 at 2:19 pm[…] Mama Mia! Mustanga Italiana!Ford Muscle, CA - Dec 8, 2006… A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to … compartment include special Ford Racing chrome cam covers and fluid … […]
By Radiator Cover » Blog Archive ». December 11th, 2006 at 8:31 amI am shure we will do a much better job right in our own home . No need for anyone to touch it !.
By MOC. December 10th, 2006 at 10:10 pmI do not like this one at all. Plus i think that we need to keep the design “american” Eruo, or italian, influences DO not Belong on a FORD MUSTANG.
They need to do something I agree, but this is not it.
By 71hotrodpinto. December 9th, 2006 at 11:53 pmim not feeling this one. it looks to much like a car from over seas. i like the more old muscle look. i guess thats why i love my 69stang soomuch.
By Dre. December 9th, 2006 at 6:56 pmI definatly see the Camaro. The back does look like a Corvette i would say too.
By andy. December 9th, 2006 at 7:33 amIm glad its just a design study….
By Wildo. December 9th, 2006 at 2:57 amLooks great to me. I don’t see the Camaro, but think the supercar look is real. I’d rather our beloved musclecar be mistaken for a BMW than a BMW mistaken for a Toyota (which happened to 840 and 850 owners in the mid-nineties.)
By R Code. December 8th, 2006 at 6:59 pmSeriously, if it wasn’t for the Mustang emblem, I could have sworn that was the new ‘08 BMW. I mean the lights look like they came straight off a new 7 series.
By bassman97. December 8th, 2006 at 3:19 pm