440-hp Mustang GT-R Captures 40 Years of Racing Domination
By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network

DEARBORN -- The new Mustang GT-R combines Ford Racing's proven power with the all-new 2005 Mustang’s iconic design and world-class underpinnings. The result is the ultimate performance Mustang -- a concept racecar that pays tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance and heritage. “The Mustang GT-R blends today’s breathtaking design, Ford Racing’s unmatched history and the most advanced racing technology into the ultimate Mustang,” says J Mays, Ford group vice president, design. “Mustang’s legendary image grew with every checkered flag so we think the Mustang GT-R is an appropriate tribute to the car’s 40th anniversary, and a hint at what’s to come.”

Making its world debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show on April 7, the Mustang GT-R concept features Ford Racing's 440-horsepower “Cammer” crate engine that could be tuned to produce more than 500 horsepower under certain race series rules. (Last year, a tuned 505-horsepower version of the “Cammer” notched world-class performance and endurance credentials by powering a Focus Daytona Prototype to victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona race. The "Cammer" is available for grassroots racers to buy and install into their own cars today.)

“The GT-R is the Mustang racers would build if they weren’t bound by various road racing rules,” says director of Ford Racing Technology Dan Davis. “We were fortunate to start with a rigid, well-balanced production Mustang that was proven out on the track by some of the same people who, in previous jobs, helped Ford Racing win on Sundays.”

Outside, the bright Valencia Orange Mustang GT-R is inspired by the famous Grabber Orange 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans-Am race cars (the Yellow Mustangs) piloted by race legends including Parnelli Jones. Under its skin, the GT-R is engineered to tackle the world’s toughest road and street courses with a stiff structure (based on the 2005 Mustang scheduled for sale this fall) and a collection of sophisticated racing parts.

The carbon fiber hood instantly communicates the car’s performance with a large engine bulge and an unfinished surface. Mustang GT-R has huge front fender flares that accommodate the racing suspension, 20-inch wheels, racing slicks and substantial air scoops. Dual stainless steel exhaust tips jut out of the rear body panel just above the rocker panel on both sides in front of the tires.

The classic Mustang rear quarter windows are blocked out to accommodate the fuel delivery “dry-brake” system on the driver’s side. The driver and passenger doors are fully functional as required by many road-racing classes.

The prominent composite rear spoiler is probably the most striking exterior design element and meets several road-racing sanctioning body rules. The rear fascia echoes the Mustang GT concept. Endurance racers will instantly recognize the differential cooler mounted between the taillamps with an aluminum grille screen.

Inside, the instrument panel preserves the dramatic styling of the 2005 Mustang, only it's executed in advanced carbon fiber. Designers chose a Formula One-style steering wheel with integrated vehicle controls and gauges including tachometer, gear selections, telemetry and warning signals. Oil pressure and water temperature gauges are located on the instrument panel.

Even with all these performance parts, the Mustang GT-R could be easily transformed into an affordable, competitive option for grassroots teams as it uses 85 percent of the 2005 Mustang’s body components and the same suspension setups. The already-attainable 5.0-liter EFI “Cammer” crate engine, available today to weekend warriors through the 2004 Ford Racing catalog, includes a wiring harness kit and sells for an MSRP of $14,995.

While conceptual in this showing, the Mustang GT-R enjoys the strong bloodlines of the 2005 Ford Mustang that was introduced to the world in January. When it arrives in showrooms this fall, the base 2005 Mustang V-6 model will remain the best real-wheel-drive car for under $20,000, while the 2005 Mustang GT will be the most affordable 300-horsepower performance car in the market. (Ford and legions of worldwide fans will celebrate Mustang’s 40th anniversary on April 17, 2004, just outside Nashville, Tenn. at a birthday party hosted by the Mustang Club of America.)

“The GT-R is the ultimate expression of the Mustang platform,” said Hau Thai-Tang, 2005 Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “Mustang spans more of the market than almost any other car -- from an under-$20,000 V-6 to race-ready car in the $40,000 range. The Mustang GT-R shows how we can expand that unmatched reach with the all-new platform.”

from an under-$20,000 V-6 to race-ready car in the $40,000 range.