One of the cars we are most interested in seeing at the Detroit show is the new Ford Interceptor Concept. Although we've seen pictures already, this Mustang platform-mate has the potential to challenge the Mopar 300/Charger duo in the rear-drive large American sedan segment. We hope it makes it to production because by bringing its 427-esque styling to market, Ford will also win some street cred for not letting this bold design die on the vine.
Now we have a unique chance to see how the actual Interceptor show car was put together courtesy of USA Today. They stopped in at Aria in Irvine, California to get an inside look at how a show car is built. Aria is one of those concept builders that crafts million-dollar show cars mostly by hand and usually in total secrecy. They are also responsible for other Ford projects like the aluminum-bodied Ford Shelby GR-1 as well.
USA Today follows the Interceptor project over a couple of weeks from when it resembled nothing more than a giant pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces to the final days when the car was finished just in time for its shipping deadline. Pretty interesting read with some additional glimpses at the Mazda Nagare concept mishap that had the Aria team scrambling minutes before the debut. Check it out for yourself by clicking the read link.
[Source: USA Today via Kicking Tires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ryan @ Jan 5th 2007 4:42PM
When people reported that Ford was making a four door mustang, everybody screamed. They said it was heresy. They bitched and cried. "A mustang sedan or wagon?" NO WAY. They all said.
2 weeks later, Ford comes out with a mustang four door. However, it simply changes the name to interceptor and EVERYTHING is ok. Man people are idiots. Its the same car as before. Ford saw the reaction and changed the name.
fordman @ Jan 5th 2007 4:45PM
Ryan, This is how it is. Nobody ever said people were smart. The Fusion is designed by mazda built in mexico with mexican parts, yet people call it more american then a camery desinged and built in kentucky. Thats how it is. Its all in the name and image.
This IS the Mustang 4 door of last month. A different name. Its amazing how image conscious people are.
Markos Prieto @ Jan 5th 2007 5:02PM
I'm not a big fan of the Mustang brand by any means, but if this is supposed to be the new "Mustang", then I would have to say it looks better than what I've come to expect from them. I feel weird saying this but, I think I would buy this...Ford.
Jayson @ Jan 5th 2007 5:14PM
Do you guys know the Mustang is based on the Lincoln LS? Do you guys also know the Lincoln LS came out in Summer of 1998? Now this thing is coming out for 2008?
Seriously, why can america build Shuttle Crafts, Bombs, Intel Chips, and boeing airplanes, but they cant build a car thats brand new every 5 years like several other companies? this is why they lose market share. Yes, the moonshine drinking trash keeps buying fords but other people with brains that want to be impressed with technology and innovation always turn away from Ford. This is sad. As an american, I want my country to be at the forfront of the automobile indutry like it was at the dawn of the century. We can do it!
Moose @ Jan 5th 2007 5:48PM
Boy, 4 dumb ones in a row, new record.
1. Ford was never calling this thing a "Mustang," the Interceptor name has been on it for months. If they were going to call it a Mustang they would have styled it like one, somewhat like the AW cover. At one time Ford may have considered a 4-door Mustang, and that idea may have spawned Interceptor, but Interceptor's not a 4-door Mustang.
2. Fusion was designed right here. The platform's from Mazda, but the rest was done right here. The Toyota is built inKY, but designed in Japan. Considering who's buying them, I'd say both are "American."
3. The Mustang is based on the LS the same way I'm based on my grandfather: there's some DNA left but I'm not him. The Mustang rides on it's own platform loosley based on the older DEW98: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_D2C_platform
Markos Prieto @ Jan 5th 2007 5:55PM
Wow, don't make your opinions public when Moose is around, he'll come and get ya! I do appreciate you citing your sources Moose. Well, done.
Daniel @ Jan 5th 2007 6:00PM
I want one!
Tool @ Jan 5th 2007 7:25PM
The 427 concept was one of the nicest looking concept vehicles I have seen in the last decade. It would truly be a BOLD MOVE if Ford made this interceptor a reality. And Ford's street cred would go up substantially.
Lastly, it was a stupid, stupid mistake on Ford's behalf to say this is a 4-door Mustang. Even with the inevitable platform sharing that exists in this business, it was a blunder to bastardize the Mustang franchise ever with as nice a concept as the Interceptor.
Jackson @ Jan 5th 2007 7:44PM
Alright children, the Camaro is going to be built off of what? That's right! The Zeta platform that ALSO is used for sedans.
And the Challenger is going to be built off of what? That's right again! The LX platform that ALSO just so happens to be used by the 300 and Charger which are SEDANS.
So why is it that Ford isn't allowed to do the same with the Mustang? Oh yeah, cuz Ford is soooo horrible, retards.
spider @ Jan 5th 2007 9:25PM
MOOSE RULES!!!
Chris Rock is not Funny @ Jan 5th 2007 9:39PM
Ryan and fordman:
You're idiots. People screamed about a four-door Mustang--not a four-door sharing the same platform.
Scott Eaton @ Jan 5th 2007 11:01PM
Okay, now make it not so damned hideous.
"Tragic sedan collides with parts bin. NSFW!"
I really do think it's ugly from bumper-to-bumper. Look at those nasty ass taillights!
dakota @ Jan 6th 2007 1:08AM
"1. When people reported that Ford was making a four door mustang, everybody screamed. They said it was heresy. They bitched and cried. "A mustang sedan or wagon?" NO WAY. They all said.
2 weeks later, Ford comes out with a mustang four door. However, it simply changes the name to interceptor and EVERYTHING is ok. Man people are idiots. Its the same car as before. Ford saw the reaction and changed the name."
The car is based on the Mustang platform, does it look like a Mustang inside or out? No. People bitched about taking the Mustang exterior and interior and making it into a 4 door.
BOB @ Jan 6th 2007 2:48PM
The people who said Ford was going to call this a Mustang, then backed out, do not understand publicity. The car would have gotten way less than half the coverage without the news of the "mistake".
I love the car, except for the comical truck front end, which we be toned down.
What we need to hear now is a BUILD DATE!! Unfortunately, Ford has no credibility on concept cars making it to market.
And was the present Camry designed in Japan or in California? (not Kentucy -- sorry, but how could you get car stylists to live there?) Let's credit Japan with the last Solara, please.
The other Bob @ Jan 6th 2007 7:27PM
Does that look like a Mustang you idiots? Maybe the whole Mustang sedan thing was just a rumor maybe?
It's not a Mustang and never was meant to be. It's no more a Mustang than a Jag S-type that's built on the same platform.
I think they should build it real soon, but should tweak the front end to make it a little more retro.