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Ford's big gun for Detroit: the Mustang-based Interceptor Concept

Though AutoWeek was chastised for claiming Ford was working on sedan and even wagon variants of the iconic Mustang coupe, the automaker is certainly considering using the Stang's underpinnings for other vehicles. The Interceptor, in Ford's defense, is not so much a four-door Mustang as it is a sedan that's based on the Mustang's chassis. In fact, Ford made an obvious effort to make the Interceptor not look like a four-door Mustang, instead grafting on the front end of the Super Chief truck concept that debuted in Detroit last year. The Interceptor also has a mighty engine to back up its beefy looks, a 5.0-liter version of Ford's 4.6-liter Cammer engine that produces 400 horsepower on E85 ethanol.

The Interceptor, ladies and gentlemen, is Ford's stunner concept for the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Think about it, the Interceptor combines qualities of the two things that Ford does best, the Mustang and trucks, in one tidy, mass-marketable, rear-wheel drive package. It's slab-sided hotness reminds us of the 427 Concept from 2003, but with some extra chunkiness tossed in for good measure. Seriously, though, this car should be built, if not for the fact it's a slick way to profit from the Mustang connection, but also because Ford is going to need a large, rear-wheel drive car that's competitive in the very near future. Sorry Vickie, you just can't hold a candle to the Chrysler 300 or GM's upcoming Zeta-based sedans. The Interceptor looks like it can.

Check out Ford's official press release on the Interceptor after the jump, and click on the pic above to see a high-resolution version for you desktop.

[Source: Ford]

PRESS RELEASE:

Ford Interceptor Concept
Keeping Mustang momentum accelerating

F ord is committed to deliver fresh Mustang news every year. In 2007, good news comes early as America's favorite muscle car debuts as a grown-up four-door sedan.

The Ford Interceptor concept ? based on a stretched Mustang platform ? comes equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox mated to a Ford Racing 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine that delivers 400 horsepower and runs on E-85 ethanol.

Modern muscle
"The Ford Interceptor concept has the soul of Mustang but combines 'Built Ford Tough' attitude with the sporty elegance of '60s Ford sedans," said Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. "This concept celebrates the best of American muscle. And if it looks familiar, it should. That's because we've translated the design language of last year's F-250 Super Chief pickup concept onto a car."

In terms of exterior design, the Ford Interceptor concept features substantial, sometimes brutish, surfaces and sections and the traditional rear-wheel drive proportion that includes a short front overhang, extended dash-to-axle ratio, low cabin and higher beltline.

As a nod to performance purists, the ultimate muscle lies under the powered clamshell "shaker" hood, which caps a thoroughly detailed engine compartment.

Making this a Ford are signature design touches, including the horizontal three-bar grille that is structurally integrated into the bumper beam as well as professionally applied "squircles" ? or professionally square circles ? inside and out.

Inside, for instance, squircles finished with Titan Metal painted inserts accent the Ford Interceptor concept's instrument panel, door trims, console, floor and four seats.

Its low-back seats, finished in thick black leather with exposed-edge seams and contrasting stitching, modernize muscle car seats through their design ? along with clever touches, including headrests that deploy from the roof.
The concept's minimalist interior is sleek, focusing the driver's attention on the speedometer and tachometer, whose needles start at center and move opposite each other.

The audio control panel and climate controls are hidden ? but deployable. And the gated six-speed shifter is exposed, just waiting to be thrown into gear.

For safety, the Interceptor concept incorporates Ford's patented four-point "belt and suspenders" safety belt design in all four seats. This showcases a possible next-generation safety belt that is more comfortable and easier to use than traditional three-point belts. Additionally, inflatable belts have been included in the rear seat of the concept.

Legendary performance
The Interceptor concept's 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine is an upgraded variant of the 4.6-liter engine under the hood of the current production Mustang GT. The Cammer modular engine has powered Ford Racing's FR500C race car to the top of the Grand Am Cup's GS class, achieving 5 victories on its way to the Drivers, Manufacturers and Team Championships in its first season of competition.

Ford Interceptor concept shows new Mustang-inspired design possibilities ? complete with two more doors and a "Built Ford Tough" design attitude.

Powertrain
5.0-liter Cammer V-8

Chassis lengths
Overall length...........................................2 01.6 in.
Wheelbase......................................... ........120.8 in.
Overall width............................................. .76.4 in.
Overall height at curb..................................54.8 in.

Track width
Front............................................. ..............66.5 in.
Rear.............................................. ..............67.8 in.

Suspension
Front....................... Double wishbone-independent
Rear.........................3-Link Design with Panhard Rod

Headroom
Front............................................. ..............37.5 in.
Second Row............................................... .35.9 in.

Legroom
Front............................................. ..............42.3 in.
Second Row............................................... .35.6 in.

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« Ultima modifica: Dicembre 31, 2006, 12:08:44 pm da Ares »