When we first spied an '05 Mustang prototype poorly concealed under a car cover, the bloodline was unmistakable. We didn't have to pull back the cloth and find the galloping horse logo in order to identify it as a thoroughbred ponycar.
Which is as it should be. Drawing from Ford's deep well of DNA is hardly unusual (the Ford GT is another case in point), but it does beg for a side-by-side comparison of old and new. Hence the restified '67 ponycar paired with the latest and greatest Mustang--the '05.
Comparing these two is like looking at photos of grandpa and grandson, each taken at identical ages. It's easy to spot the family resemblance between sire and scion, but the differences in eras are clearly evident as well.
The revered fastback ancestor hails from the free-spirited '60s, conjuring up images of Woodstock, bell-bottoms and mutton-chop sideburns. On the other hand, its progeny, the young Mr. Henry Ford Mustang III, if you will, is clearly a product of the iPod generation, where technology and tradition converge with an imposing presence.
One obvious trait our feature cars have is a boatload of mods. The '05 model, called the GT/R-CODE (R-Code being a nod to Ford's original perform-ance designation), was developed by Performance West Group, renowned for creating stunning image vehicles with real-world aftermarket upgrades. In other words, this isn't just some sort of concept, but a real-world ride with high-performance parts and killer looks to match.
Drawing on another comparison from the Ford family, think of the ultimate Ford performance vehicle and the Ford GT comes to mind immediately. But with a price tag of $150,000 plus, and a total of only 7,500 scheduled to be built during the next several years, most Ford performance enthusiasts have neither the finances to support this kind of extravagance nor the opportunity to own one.
Consider instead the new '05 Mustang GT/R-CODE. With its supercharged 4.6-liter V-8, five-speed Tremec transmission, and show car-inspired styling, this is the Ford GT for the everyman. Slip into the supportive seat with custom Katzkin upholstery, twist the ignition key, and awaken the giant that lurks just under the power bulge hood. Engage the silky smooth clutch, slip the shifter into First gear, and get ready for the ride of your life.
Drop the hammer on the 520 horses pumping furiously on the front side of the firewall and get ready to redefine the term "driving experience." Shift the gears at redline, and you can smoke the tires right up to freeway speeds, just like Steve McQueen's Bullitt in full pursuit mode. Then the giant 14-inch slotted and ventilated rotors at all four wheels from Stainless Steel Brakes bring the car to clenching halt.
Acceleration in a stock '05 is a healthy 5.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and 13.4 seconds at more than 101 mph in the quarter-mile. Supercharged and on street drag radials, it scampers to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and runs 11.7 seconds at 117 mph.
Having all this raw power at your control and looking good at the same time--what a concept. This is the best thing since the big-block Mustangs burst on the scene nearly 40 years ago.