Exploring the Evolution: Giugiaro's Unique Brought the Mustang Into Next-Level

Stunning Wild-Steds - As we all know, the Mustang GTD made its debut at the Monterey Car Week 2023. Now, we delve into the captivating history of Ford Mustang designs. Our focus shifts to the remarkable work of renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro in 2006, a mere 22 months after the grand introduction of the fifth-generation Ford Mustang. Italdesign-Giugiaro's interpretation took center stage at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Visually, Italdesign-Giugiaro's Mustang exuded a compact aura, thanks to minimized rear overhang and Giugiaro's signature technique of gently tapering angles to their mechanical confines. (Picture from: FormTrends)

Ford's fresh muscle car had ignited the creative minds at the independent coachbuilder, helmed by the visionary Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio. Their mission: to bestow a touch of uniqueness upon the stock GT model.

This is the iconic model of Ford Mustangs reinterpreted by Italdesign-Giugiaro reflecting the heritage and essence of distinguished brands, remained steadfast. (Picture from: FormTrends)

"Upon encountering the new Mustang, two truths became evident to us: This was the finest iteration since the original, and we needed to make it our canvas," recollected Fabrizio Giugiaro, then Italdesign-Giugiaro's styling director, during the unveiling. "Our belief in presenting pure style exercises that reinterpret iconic models, reflecting the heritage and essence of distinguished brands, remained steadfast."

With its elongated hood and discreet decklid, the Mustang concept by Italdesign-Giugiaro' profile evoked fastback aesthetics. (Picture from: FormTrends)

"It felt destined," remarked Mays. "This design exploration amplifies Mustang's global allure, yet it seamlessly aligns with LA – a fervent hub for performance and muscle cars. Giorgetto Giugiaro's collaboration with his son is a testament to Mustang's timeless magnetism."

Visually, Italdesign-Giugiaro's Mustang exuded a compact aura, thanks to minimized rear overhang and Giugiaro's signature technique of gently tapering angles to their mechanical confines. However, beneath the vibrant orange surface, the concept actually widened by 30mm at the front and an astonishing 80 mm at the rear, embracing expansiveness across its length.

Beneath the vibrant orange surface, the Mustang concept by Italdesign-Giugiaro actually widened by 30 mm at the front and an astonishing 80 mm at the rear, embracing expansiveness across its length. (Picture from: FormTrends)

With its elongated hood and discreet decklid, the profile evoked fastback aesthetics. Design nuances reverberated freedom and rebellious spirit, inherent to Mustang. Fabrizio's affinity for American automotive icons found expression in the visible curve adorning the concept's carbon fiber fenders, reminiscent of 1950s tail fins.

Dominating the roof was a singular, gracefully curved glass panel, imparting a crystal-like elegance. Adding a dash of drama, the doors swung open vertically, anchored to hinges at the base of the upright A-pillar. Distinctive taillights, inspired by the 1964 Mustang, were reimagined as dramatic arrow shapes, harmonizing with louver panels that replaced the rear side windows.

The interior of Mustang concept by Italdesign-Giugiaro featured with instrument panel displayed a blend of contrast-colored leather and two-tone floating 'eyebrows,' echoed the 1964 Mustang original design. (Picture from: FormTrends)

The interior presented a captivating juxtaposition to the modern exterior, particularly in material choices. Seat cushions and backrests featured elaborate dark brown mottled horse hides, adorned with dark brown horsehide-covered headrests accentuated by horse logo motifs. An homage to the Wild West that seamlessly complemented the Mustang emblem.

The instrument panel, a blend of contrast-colored leather and two-tone floating 'eyebrows,' echoed the 1964 original design. Chrome air vent surrounds and circular gauges added a technical touch, projecting from behind the steering wheel. Yet, Italdesign-Giugiaro's Mustang wasn't merely about aesthetics. Performance and handling took center stage.

The Mustang concept by Italdesign-Giugiaro got Ford Racing performance touches by installing a Ford GT's 4.6-liter V8 with an intercooled twin-screw supercharger, fuel injectors, a larger 95mm mass air meter, conical air filter, aluminum radiator, new mufflers, and an X-pipe. (Picture from: FormTrends)

Ford Racing elevated the donor GT's 4.6-liter V8 with an intercooled twin-screw supercharger, Ford GT fuel injectors, a larger 95mm mass air meter, conical air filter, aluminum radiator, new mufflers, and an X-pipe. These enhancements bolstered the stock GT's 300bhp with an additional 200 bhp. Underneath, dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs, and anti-sway bars bestowed a lowered stance (38mm lower than the production Mustang GT) and sharpened handling.

"The Mustang by Italdesign-Giugiaro is more than just visual splendor," Fabrizio Giugiaro extolled Ford Racing's contribution. "After pushing it to the limits on Turin's streets, I can unequivocally affirm that the 30,000 hours invested in creating a modern performance classic were undeniably worthwhile." One wonders where this masterpiece resides today...? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORMTRENDS | MOTORTRENDS | WIKIPEDIA ]

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