Some criticize the designers at Porsche to be lazy which is why they come up with the same old coupe every time they are asked to sketch a new 911. Why are we so partial when it comes to styling? Here is one classic example – Ford has unveiled the next generation Mustang range which is set to debut at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto show. The 2013 Ford Mustang hasn’t changed much over the years and we are glad that Ford designers aren’t bothered to change the appearance of the pony cars.
A Mustang has always been about the quarter mile dash, never ending ribbons of tarmac, clear blue skies, the throaty rumble of the V8 and finally style. The basis for all classic American muscle cars have been the same and it is like single Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, the recipe can never change. Ford has reworked certain areas on the new cars to freshen-up the look. The headlights use HIDs and LEDs adorn both ends. The clean lines that define a muscle car are still there. What has changed over the years is the handling and the speed.
Muscle cars of the past were specifically designed as grand tourers. Perfect for a dash across the whole length of the United States of America and then back. You show ‘em some corners and you’re stuffed. They just couldn’t handle corners like their European counterparts. The muscle cars of today though have evolved depending upon the needs of modern customers. The souped-up versions from the stables of Carol Shelby are specifically designed with this in mind and the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will only amaze you.
“We are delivering a more distinctive and emotional design presence that celebrates the total performance of Mustang,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “This latest Mustang design is very respectful of its heritage while continuing to look forward with a more powerful and modern look.”
2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
The 2013 Shelby GT500 packs more power than before and can hit the supercar holy grail of 200 miles per hour. The 5.8 litre V8 engine puts out 650 bhp, 100 bhp more than the current 5.4 litre version. Torque from the engine tops out at 600 lb-ft. To all this oomph they’ve had to strengthen the drive train and hence, Ford has used a new carbonfibre driveshaft, cross-drilled block and heads and updated camshaft profiles. The six-speed manual transmission also features ratios revised to manage to torque and power delivery.
The Shelby GT500 also features tweaked aerodynamic surfaces including the front grille and the splitter that help with downforce. Brakes have also been reinforced with Brembo six-piston calipers, larger rotors and new pads at both ends. New 19 inch wheels fill the front wells while 20 inch take place at the rear of the GT500 while other models come with an option of 17 inch to 19 inch rims. An optional Performance package is also available with Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
“It’s a significant improvement to our powertrain offerings. It lets owners take an automatic out on a track day or whenever they want to drive sportier, and lets them have the convenience of switching to manual control,” says Mustang vehicle engineer Tom Barnes.
To top it off an extreme performance package will turn your Mustang into an all out track focused race car. The Mustang will also be available with a V6 engine and a Selectshift auto transmission. The 2013 Boss 302 has also been unwrapped and features a retro paint job. All said, the new Mustang range looks promising and up- to- date with modern technology. Ford has reinvented the muscle car as we know it. With all the modern underpinnings and horsepower going into the making of the new car we could expect the Mustang to take on it European rivals.
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