Mustang the Inspiration for Ford’s New Concept Car

Automobile giant Ford Motor Co. indicated it will launch a concept sedan, the Interceptor, in the North American International Auto Show in January. The concept car, which Ford says will not be produced, but will be used to gauge public opinion of such a vehicle, is a four-door sedan that is based on the Mustang, the iconic sports model from the Ford stable.

The Interceptor, whose overall look is drawn from the Ford F-250 Super Chief truck concept that was displayed at the auto show in 2006 at Detroit, is a muscle-bound version of the sporty original.

Peter Horbury, Executive Director of design for Ford Americas said, “This concept celebrates the best of American muscle, showing customers what “modern muscle” is all about.” As Horbury put it, the Interceptor is like a Marine in dress uniform. He looks smart and elegant but you can see the raw power that lies beneath.

The Interceptor sedan is deep blue in color and is fitted with a manual six-speed gearbox. It also has a 5.8 liter, 400 hp v8 Ford Racing engine running on ethanol. The basic idea behind the Interceptor is to provide a heady mix of the ‘Built Ford Tough’ attitude and a sporty, yet elegant, look, something that was amply visible in the Mustang.

In keeping with this approach, the concept car’s exterior has rough surfaces and sections that give it a look of raw power and magnificent elegance. It also has a standard rear-wheel drive proportion. This includes a long rear overhang, a short front overhang, and an extended dash-to-axle ratio.

Besides these features, the Interceptor has a low cabin and high beltline. Both these features lend weight to the attitude throws at onlookers. There are other simple but attractive features as well. These include a single character line running across the length of the car, which dips slightly forward as it reaches the back. This feature makes it aerodynamic, without spoiling its smooth design.