Mustang GT-R Concept Harks Back to Fords Legendary Trans-Am Days

Once again the worlds media decended upon Manhattans Jacob Javits conference center for New Yorks annual auto show, the last big North American event of the year, and Ford was first on stage with its go-green Escape Hybrid. While a very important vehicle, for blue oval sales as well as environmental kudos, its hardly anything to get the blood of true enthusiasts boiling.

That job fell on a specially modified version of Fords upcoming 2005 Mustang. Theyre tuning a Mustang that hasnt even hit the showroom yet? Sure. After all, the Mustang has always been about

Dubbed the GT-R, the latest Mustang concept is a rolling parts showcase from the Ford Racing catalog. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Of course if you trace the name back to its Falcon-based roots youll see that not all Mustangs were created equal. Some, like the legendary Boss 428 and more modern Cobra R were granted more muscle than others. Currently a Mustang buyer can option up to a GT, Mach 1 or Cobra if

The GT-Rs styling is intended to attract a large percentage of the import-tuner crowd. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

So, whats next in line for the all-new 2005 Mustang? Would it surprise you to hear that a future Mustang designation could end up being GT-R? Thats the nameplate Ford chose for their latest concept, a rolling parts showcase from the Ford Racing catalog. If you think youve heard the GT-R name before thats because its synonymous

Old-time Mustang fans might find the GT-Rs styling a bit too import-oriented, but a trip around the racetrack should help them understand the added components are just as much for go as they are for show. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Old-time Mustang fans might find the GT-Rs styling a bit too import-oriented, but thats OK as the blue oval brand has already shown more classic examples to woo the boomers. This one, however, is intended to attract a large percentage of the import-tuner crowd, a big-spending demographic. The GT-R does a good job of letting future Mustang owners know just how much aftermarket hardware is available right from the manufacturer.

The GT-R, on paper at

Ready for the track, the GT-Rs interior gets proper racing seats, a steel roll cage and window webbing. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Power goes through a racing-spec six-speed manual gearbox before being sent out the rear differential to 315/30R20 performance tires (275/35R20s up front) on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Making use of the grippy rubber while countering the massive output levels are powerful brakes with 6-piston calipers clamping down on 370 mm

Side-exit exhaust tips poke out from in front of the cars rear wheel wells, while the bulged hood, complicated rear diffuser and rear spoiler are crafted from carbon fiber. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Featuring a similar attitude and appearance as a late 1960s SCCA Trans-Am racer, the Mustang GT-R is a concept car thats ready for the track. The regular Mustang body is transformed with new fenders and panels, plus massive bulges to accommodate the larger wheels and tires. Side-exit exhaust tips poke out from in front of the cars rear wheel wells, while the bulged hood, complicated rear diffuser and rear spoiler are crafted from carbon fiber.

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