Ford Mustang – 2009 Spy
“History has a habit of repeating itself.” It's a phrase that can be applied to most any topic, though cars may be ruling this roost come the end of the decade. Just as was the case about forty years ago, the muscle car wars are heating up with Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger concepts readying to take on the redesigned Mustang. In preparation for modern warfare with its domestic adversaries, Ford is reportedly tweaking the ‘Stang for 2009, with a sleeker look and a GT pushing 350+ horses. Pictured here is an artist's rendering of what Ford's next Pony may look like.
2009 Chevrolet Camaro
Anyone familiar with the original Camaro will find themselves right at home in this concept vehicle, thanks to deeply hooded twin gauges residing in squared-off binnacles and viewed through a three-spoke steering wheel. Instrumentation is an exercise in minimalism, and the Camaro Concept’s dominant color is black. Silver and orange accents add visual interest without making the cabin gaudy. Thanks to its triangular rear quarter windows, broad creased shoulders, Coke-bottle waistline, and hooded headlamps, this Chevy concept car is instantly recognizable as a first-generation Camaro. Add to that quad taillights and sexy dual exhaust outlets, and you’ve got the look of the original front to back and side to side.
2009 Dodge Challenger
To capture the flavor of the original Challenger, Dodge designers focused on the basics: body shape, critical styling elements, and proportions. A true four-passenger car, the Challenger Concept retains the general profile of the 1970 model, but is equipped with a more rakish windshield, a faster backlight, smaller side windows, and a longer greenhouse. All of the glass is mounted flush to the body without moldings, and the belt line ramps up sharply at the rear quarter windows like the original. The Challenger Concept is also a genuine hardtop without a B-pillar, as it was in the good old days.
Current Ford Mustang
What makes the current Mustang unique is that it is the perfect expression of J May’s retro futuristic design touch. It’s aggressive, with angular lines that echo the 21st century. Designed after classic Mustangs of the 1960s, the fastback roofline and trapezoidal rear windows echo 1965-66 Shelby Mustangs, and up front, the shark-like headlamps and grille suggest 1967-68 Ponies. The hood is long and sleek and also comes from Mustang history, as do C-scoops in the sides, three-slotted backlights and the horse on the grille. It's not a classic car - it's the remaking of a classic.
Current Ford Mustang Convertible
For decades, the Ford Mustang has symbolized Americans’ youthful free spirit, represented the glory days of the domestic automotive industry, and served as the everlasting icon of muscle. From its phenomenal introduction in the mid 60s to its forgettable midlife crisis in the mid 70s, the Ford Mustang has stood the test of time. For the 2005 model year, its design and style came full circle, reminding Ford what it’s like to have demand outstrip supply. The 2007 Mustang Convertible is available in Deluxe and Premium trims, powered by a 210-horsepower V6 or 300-horse V8. Word is the upcoming Mustang Convertible may feature a retractable hard top.
– Thom Blackett
Photo credit: Brenda Priddy & Company and courtesy of the manufacturers
(www.car.com)
