Mustang I Concept.... S550?

[GTsquid]

http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/for-the-next-mustang-ford-looks-to-the-past.html/

There is not a shred of doubt that suggests Ford's Mustang is not — and has not — been an incredibly beloved and successful car since its debut in the 1960s. The big engine in front, low-slung body lines, long hood, and the short deck formula has worked marvelously well for the car and others like it. But what if the Mustang was originally intended to be nearly the polar opposite of what it became?

That’s a question Ford has been grappling with as the Mustang nears its 50th birthday. The company took some time to reflect on the original Mustang concept car that made its debut in 1962, a couple of years before the launch of the Mustang we all know and love. The first Mustang concept more closely resembled the Ford GT, with a wedge-inspired design and small V4 engine that was nestled behind the seats to power the rear wheels.
While the V4 only produced around 110 horsepower — it was originally intended for the Cardinal economy car — it was responsible for moving a car that weighed a mere 1,544 pounds. Moreover, the engine had to be small enough to fit in its unusual position behind the cockpit.

Now, Ford is asking Mustang enthusiasts if aspects of the original Mustang concept should be incorporated into future Mustang models. While nearly every generation of Mustang since 1964 has used the traditional muscle car layout to some degree, the inclusion and styling cues of the concept would dramatically diverge from what the Mustang has become.

In a way, altering the formula for the current Mustang to more closely resemble the original concept can be seen as taking the model back to its roots. However, Ford faces a slight dilemma if it veers too far when incorporating the concept into today’s iteration: the original was more suited to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, which had been road-going since the 1950s. Given that Ford still does not have a direct contender, is it possible that the company is seeking to bridge that gap?

Ok, I've been seeing a lot of stuff straight from Ford about the original Mustang I concept. From the first countdown video to this Ford Social article someone else posted on here.

http://social.ford.com/our-articles/cars/mustang/see-the-mustang-that-never-hit-the-production-line/

"Take a peek at the Mustang’s early sketches, pics of the first engineering team, and even interior shots of the prototypes. Then, share your comments below: What features from the Mustang I were your favorites? Do you like the 1964 ½ better? Should we borrow a few of these style elements for the next iteration of the Mustang? Tell us what you think!"

This may be totally crazy but what if Ford is telling us that the Mustang I concept IS the s550 concept, or probably more likely, that they are borrowing cues from it. Afterall, we could see those side scoops. And is it totally impossible that we see a roadster variant one day to go against the vette? Not suggesting this is what we see, but maybe the idea behind the Mustang I concept will make its way into our modern Mustangs.

Sponsored

 

[Thed]

110 HP in a 1550 LB economy car? That would have been fun as hell and fast for that age!

 

[Mriley]

It's a pretty plain surfboard design, not much to take cues from.

Hideaway headlights? Roll bar? God I hope not.

It's an interesting idea, but I dont really see how they can take many cues from the original concept for a 2+2 car. Maybe for a 2 seater one day.

 

[Twin Turbo]

I think the only cues taken from this to S550 would be the same as those taken for the '65 model..........the badges, the scoops (maybe).....and, er.........oh yeah, a 4-cylinder engine.

 

[Maestro5.0]

It's a pretty plain surfboard design, not much to take cues from.

Hideaway headlights? Roll bar? God I hope not.

It's an interesting idea, but I dont really see how they can take many cues from the original concept for a 2+2 car. Maybe for a 2 seater one day.

If they really wanted to, there is plenty they could do for a modern take on the concept, besides the 2 seats and roll bar. Take a look at it.

- The sharp line running across the length of the side which connects the front and rear fenders
- Big side scoop
- Angled nose
- Single thin stripe
- Blue interior anniversary color
- Skinnier side mirrors
- "Ford" spaced out on the hood
- Those large exhaust tips
- Double rear vents

whether is a good idea to do any of these things is a wholle other question.......

 

[TrueyBandz15]

Ugly

 

[KZStang]

Interesting article, but they are way off base. And moreover, some parts of it do not make sense.

"The big engine in front, low-slung body lines, long hood, and the short deck formula has worked marvelously well for the car and others like it. But what if the Mustang was originally intended to be nearly the polar opposite of what it became?"

Polar opposite? The long hood/short deck, low-slung body lines formula is not a divergence from the original concept car. Slap in a back seat into the concept, and you have the same basic formula. The article only begs the question of whether Ford would ever produce a direct corvette competitor, but that would not be branded a Mustang and would spawn a whole new category of Ford vehicles. It would be sub-Mustang, something many of us want, if not actually called a Mustang.

The future Stang will be a global RWD platform, that much we already know. This will in all likelihood be shared with a future RWD Lincoln coupe as well. The 2+2 isn't going anywhere. The only cues it would borrow is the idea of a smaller, lighter, sportier car, which has always been the goal, even for the original production version.

 

[zerot]

They are making too much of the question posed by Ford on their site.

It's enough to borrow one or two design cues from the concept and call it a nod to its roots.... that doesnt mean were getting anything that looks remotely like this car, or "retro" which we know it wont.

 

[jjw]

The 2+2 isn't going anywhere. The only cues it would borrow is the idea of a smaller, lighter, sportier car, which has always been the goal, even for the original production version.

I think you are dead on. The article also says
"the original was more suited to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, which had been road-going since the 1950s. Given that Ford still does not have a direct contender, is it possible that the company is seeking to bridge that gap?"

Now, is this based on reality, or speculation? If its reality and what Ford has let on about the s550, I would guess that means moving to a smaller rear seat a'la FRS/BRZ in the name of size and weight savings and moving further in the "sports car" direction. I think we sort of knew that already, right?
Personally, I'm all for compromised tiny fold down seats if it means the mustang is getting pushed further in the "sports car" direction.... especially considering Ford has nothing in that market segment. I think the top Mustang is going to be Fords halo car for the forseeable future. Whatever makes it a less compromised performance car platform is cool with me.

 

[StangFX]

I think you are dead on. The article also says
"the original was more suited to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, which had been road-going since the 1950s. Given that Ford still does not have a direct contender, is it possible that the company is seeking to bridge that gap?"

Now, is this based on reality, or speculation? If its reality and what Ford has let on about the s550, I would guess that means moving to a smaller rear seat a'la FRS/BRZ in the name of size and weight savings and moving further in the "sports car" direction. I think we sort of knew that already, right?
Personally, I'm all for compromised tiny fold down seats if it means the mustang is getting pushed further in the "sports car" direction.... especially considering Ford has nothing in that market segment. I think the top Mustang is going to be Fords halo car for the forseeable future. Whatever makes it a less compromised performance car platform is cool with me.

I'm totally down with this but I never heard anything about fold down or even smaller rear seats like the BRZ. Not saying we wont, but where did you read about that?

I would love a true sports car and for it to move gradually away from a muscle car/hot rod. If that means going more mainstream then so be it. GM has both the vette and the camaro..... if Ford can't come out with a vette equivalent or roadster type, the next best thing is to make the Mustang into a best of both worlds.

I bet they would sell the crap out of it if it did.

 

[thePill]

Ah, I think I could go for that. Fold down rear seats? Yeah, just as long as they are not completely useless. If they could still manage to do what the current seats do (hold small children, car seat, an average size adult for short trips...

I like this!

But look... It's pretty close to the S197 rear seat situation.

I would keep them like this... Air mattress, 24 hours at Daytona... My exotic dancer of a wife... Very groovy... Lovin' in a fastback...

 

[StangFX]

Haha a real lady killer too!

I'm not sure what fold down rear seats would do really. Would it really shed a lot of weight? I'm asking. One thing for sure, they look ugly as hell.

 

[thePill]

Haha a real lady killer too!

I'm not sure what fold down rear seats would do really. Would it really shed a lot of weight? I'm asking. One thing for sure, they look ugly as hell.

It would weaken the structure overall but be a big weight reduction.

AND, it would cause issues with the convertible... BIG ISSUES with chassis flex. That's a instant DQ.

 

[mykrrrr]

Ah, I think I could go for that. Fold down rear seats? Yeah, just as long as they are not completely useless. If they could still manage to do what the current seats do (hold small children, car seat, an average size adult for short trips...

I like this!

But look... It's pretty close to the S197 rear seat situation.

I would keep them like this... Air mattress, 24 hours at Daytona... My exotic dancer of a wife... Very groovy... Lovin' in a fastback...

Where are these pics from?

 

[StangFX]

Where are these pics from?

Just the BRZ backseat, no?

Sponsored