At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Ford will unveil a four-door, rear-wheel-drive concept car. The concept, known as "The Interceptor", is based on the Mustang’s rear-wheel-drive architecture and will be a preview of the Ford Mustang sedan that will go on sale starting 2011.

ford-mustang-4-door-sedan

Specifications
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  • Model: ford-mustang-4-door-sedan

2011 Ford Mustang 4 door sedan

Specifications
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

We know that Ford denied that a Mustang Sedan version will ever be made, but if the Concept that will be presented in Detroit will use the Mustang's RWD architecture the car will see the production for sure. First because the Mustang's platform will keep the price acceptable and secondly because we believe Ford really needs this model in its line-up; for example Dodge and Chrysler have models on 4-dour market that sells very well and until now Ford does not have any competition on this segment of 4-door sport. So if they want to compete on this segment of the market a Mustang Sedan is a must. Although we are not sure if the model will go on sale under the "Mustang" name, but it will go on sale as a competitor for Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Dodge Charger RT.

The model will have a modern shape with the design insipred by the Giugiaro Mustang Concept that was presented at Los Angeles Auto Show. So it is very posible that the Mustang sedan to have the same dimenssions as the Giugiaro: 30 millimeters added to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear. The detailed look will have a clear modernization: the retro-look dominating so far is taken clearly back and the futuristic Design yields.

The new model will be powered by a range of V6 and V8 engines. Standard will be the same 4.0 liter V6 engine that powers Mustang Coupe delivering arround 200 hp. Another option will be powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine with an output of 280 hp. Also a more powerful version is also expected, with an output arround 400 hp.

Ford will also try to increase the gas mileage in its entire line-up. It will implement a displacement on demand system, (similar to that which GM is currently running), in which 4 cylinders shut-off for highway cruising, and all eight are activated when the throttle is pressed.

The chassis will remain the same for the Mustang Sedan, similar to how the 1994-1998 models shared the same core chassis as the 1999-2006s, yet they still managed to look a good amount different. Also the sedan will have the same five speed manual and five speed automatic transmission as the current Coupe.

The 2011 Mustang Sedan will attempt to incorporate a futuristic look and still maintaining the classic Mustang look.

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History



First generation Mustang (1965–1973)

The first generation Mustang was unveiled on April 17, 1964 and followed two Mustang Concept cars. Engine choices started with the utterly lame 170-cubic-inch (2.8-liter) OHV straight six that made just 101 horsepower; then proceeded through a 200-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) OHV straight six rated at a flaccid 116 horsepower; a 260-cubic-inch (4.3-liter) OHV V8 breathing through a two-barrel carburetor and making 164 horsepower; a 210-horsepower two-barrel-equipped 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8; a four-barrel 289 making 220 horsepower; and, at the top, the famous "K-code" high-compression, solid-lifter, four-barrel 289 pumping out a lusty 271 horsepower.

For those that wanted more, the legendary Carroll Shelby and Ford collaborated to produce the Shelby GT-350, a Ford Mustang fastback specially tuned by Shelby. The 289 V8 produced 306bhp in street tune and around 360bhp in special GT-350R race tune.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard with every engine except the 271-horse 289, which was available only with the four-speed manual that was optional on other models.

Second generation Mustang (1974–1978)

In 1974 Ford unveiled the second generation Mustang that earned the Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year award. Available as a hardtop or three-door hatchback, the new car's base engine was a 2.3 L SOHC I4, the first fully metric engine built in the U.S. for installation in an American car. A 2.8 L V6 was the sole optional engine, meaning the popular V8 option would disappear for the first and only time in 1974, and Ford was swamped by buyer mail and criticized in the automotive press for it.

Since the car was never meant to have a V8, it became a mad scramble to re-engineer the car in order to reinstate the 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8 option in time for the 1975 model year, but only with a two-barrel carburetor and 140 horsepower. To make the V8 option fit changes were made to the front fenders, engine bay, and header panel. To help boost sales Ford introduced the Cobra II package in 1976, and the King Cobra in 1978. On the momentum of the Mustang II's successful sales, and under the direction of Ford's new styling chief, Jack Telnack, a totally new Mustang hit the streets for 1979.

Third generation Mustang (1979–1993)

In 1979 the thirg generation Mustang hit the dealerships. It was a larger model, based on the "Fox" platform. The interior was completely redone and could now seat four in comfort, even with the smaller back seat of a sports car.

It was powered by the same 2.3 liter four cylinder engine from the earlier car, but refined, as well as a new turbocharged version rated at 132 horsepower. The low-revving 302 also returned, rated at 140 horsepower at 3200 rpm.

Evolving from its humble beginnings in 1982 to the hard-charging street performer of 1993, the third generation Ford Mustang has gained respect as one of the most versatile and popular Mustangs of all time. More than 450,000 of these cars were produced over the span of twelve years.

The 1982-1993 Mustang has an unbelievable following of young and old alike and are equally at home drag racing, open tracking, autocrossing, basking in the sun at a car show, cruising or just serving as daily transportation.

Fourth generation (1994–2004)

Officially introduced on December 9, 1993, the fourth generation of Mustang embodied the personality and style of its earliest forebears, yet was eons more aerodynamic. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive "Fox" platform known as "Fox-4". It featured dramatically new styling by Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those on earlier Mustangs. Many fans were disappointed with Ford's decision not to use the 351 Windsor in any regular production models.

The base model came with a 3.8 L V6 engine rated at 145 hp while the GT still featured the 5.0L V8, now utilizing the 5.0L Thunderbird intake manifold, a 60 mm throttle body, and a 215 horsepower rating. The successful Cobra model also returned, with its GT-40 equipped 5.0 L engine, now rated at 240 hp.

1996 Mustangs offered a number of refinements on the Fox-4 introduced in 1994. Most notably, a modular 4.6 liter single overhead cam V-8 replaced the old standby 5.0 liter V-8 that had been phased out at the end of the `95 model year. The SVT Mustang Cobra was outfitted with an aluminum alloy derivative of the 4.6 liter V-8, featured a double overhead cam, and its 281ci were capable of generating 305 horsepower. Of course the standard 3.8 liter V-6 with electronic fuel injection, rated at 150hp, remained in Mustang's engine inventory.

Exterior modifications included a honeycomb grille behind the pony and vertical rather than horizontally opposed taillights. The Cobra's taller engine required a re-designed "bubble' hood. The GT acquired new identification designating the advanced technology under the hood. The coiled cobra adorned the SVT Mustang front fenders and Cobra was embossed into the molded rear bumper of the SVT Mustang, replacing Mustang.

Except for new fender badges and the usual minor tweaks, the Mustang carried over for 2000. A limited run of 300 "Cobra R" models were produced this year powered by a 5.4-liter, iron-block version of the DOHC, 32-valve engine rated at a massive 385 horsepower. Stripped of such niceties as air conditioning and a backseat, and carrying a $55,845 price, the Cobra R sold out in no time at all. For the first time since 1989, Ford sold more than 200,000 Mustangs — a total of 215,393 found homes in 2000.

The Cobra returned for 2001, but the big news that year was the special "Bullitt" edition Mustang GT coupe designed to evoke memories of the '68 Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film of that name. The Bullitt, based on the regular GT, featured a lowered suspension, new five-spoke wheels evocative of the classic Torq-Thrust design and such neat exterior details as a fuel-filler door designed to look like that of an aircraft's. The interior was also redecorated with special graphics on the instrumentation and special upholstery, both reminiscent of the 1968 GT, as well as aluminum-finished pedals and an aluminum ball shift knob. A larger throttle body and other revisions to the engine pushed output to 265 horsepower.

Fifth generation Mustang (2005–Present)

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Ford introduced a completely redesigned Mustang (code named "S-197") on an all-new D2C platform for the 2005 model year. Exterior styling was designed by Sid Ramnarace, drawing inspiration from 1960s Mustangs. The car featured an aesthetic that Senior Vice President of Design J Mays referred to as "retro-futurism." The S-197's fastback profile and muscle car status (weight to power ratio of approximately 11:1) complement the retro styling. The S-197 Mustangs are manufactured at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

The base model was powered by a V6 engine delivering 210 hp. The GT was powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine delivering 300 hp. The V6 comes with a standard Tremec T-5 manual transmission and the GT model comes with more rugged Tremec 3650 gearbox. Both V6 and V8 models comes with and optional 5-speed 5R55S automatic transmission. The front suspension had been revised to improve steering response while the rear suspension added a three-linked system to control the vertical and lateral movements of the axle.

Mustang convertible arrived in Ford dealer showrooms in spring 2005, available with either the 4.6 V8 or 4.0 V6 engines. Ford engineers designed the convertible from the ground up to ensure a reasonable structural strength without additional weight. In addition, a z-fold top that gives it a finished appearance with the top lowered.

The sixth generation Mustang will be unveiled in 2010 and together the first ever made Mustang Sedan will go on sale.

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Competitors



Dodge Charger RT

The Dodge Charger is one of the biggest names from the muscle car era. With a 250-horsepower High Output V-6 engine or the optional 340-horsepower HEMI engine powering large 18-inch rear wheels, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger races into the car market with bold, provocative styling and substance without losing the convenience of a modern sedan.

The Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.

The Multiple Displacement System (MDS) on the Dodge Charger’s HEMI engine seamlessly deactivates four cylinders in just 40 milliseconds - quicker than a blink of an eye - when full V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by up to 20 percent. The HEMI engine with MDS completed more than 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through the Chrysler Group’s development and durability testing.

The Dodge Charger has a top speed of 145 mph and makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6 seconds.

Chrysler 300C SRT8

“The Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers the ultimate in American sedan performance, with ride and handling characteristics suitable for everyday traffic as well as spirited driving,” said Kipp Owen, Director – Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler Group. “Chrysler 300C SRT8 exemplifies the SRT formula of all-around performance at a very attractive price, and builds on the momentum of the Chrysler 300, HEMI® and SRT.”

The 300C SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI® engine delivering 425 hp. Its 52.05 kW-per-litre rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 `Street HEMI.’ Torque is rated at 569 N•m (420 lb.-ft.) at 4800 rpm.

"The HEMI® is a critical ingredient to the success of the Chrysler 300C," said Dan Knott, Director – Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler Group. "With the two new Chrysler 300C SRT8 models, we are now adding even more horsepower to the HEMI® and even more performance to this charismatic Chrysler."

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 makes the 0-60 mph in the low five seconds and has a top speed will be electronically limited to 168 mph.