Frankfurt preview: Bioconcept Mustang GT RTD
While we're a bit weary of the green-theme that seems to be pervading the Frankfurt Motor Show, this latest preview seems to meld both environmental aspects and performance offerings into one cohesive package. Germany's FourMotor will be showing off its BioConcept Mustang GT RTD to the masses next week, although the moniker "concept" doesn't quite do it justice, as the GT RTD has already competed in the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring.
Powering the concept is a turbo'd two-liter in-line four running off of bio-diesel, which produces 280 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The chassis is still pure Americana, but the stock steel body panels have been nixed in favor of a plastic composite made of plant fibers to reduce weight and lend credence to the GT's environmental cred. Hmm... a turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel Mustang. We're perfectly OK with that.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul Y 5:49PM (9/07/2007)
I'd actually buy this, but alas, it will never see the light of day, ESPECIALLY not in NA.
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Jeff Banks 6:25PM (9/07/2007)
I always get a kick out of statements like this...
First off, this is an endurance racing vehicle with a high-strung turbo'd motor that's (IN REAL LIFE) probably not really pleasant to drive.
If you want it, just go buy a V8 mustang. It's the same thing but doesn't have crazy power delivery curves, a stripped out chasis and is probably way easier (and CHEAPER) to maintain, drive and run.
Paul Y 7:43PM (9/07/2007)
The point is, a suitably torquey diesel Mustang would be a hoot and a half to drive.
Thanks for raining on my diesel parade :^(
iamhoff 6:27PM (9/07/2007)
I just threw up a little in my mouth.
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mk 6:59PM (9/07/2007)
First off, it is a concept.
Secondly, it is a DIESEL!!!
Most diesels don't rev above 4000 RPM, and have amazingly high amounts of torque, due to their VERY high static compression ratios, like ~20:1. Turbo diesels even have the added dynamic compression from the turbo.
The big thing is that it isn't running mineral-based diesel fuel, but biomass-based diesel fuel.
Theoretically an HCCI gasoline engine might get similar power, with a bit higher redline, and broader torque curve, but have to run on purer gasoline.
Turbo I4 Mustang... hmmm.... no SVO badges? :D
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John Graham 7:09PM (9/07/2007)
Thats actually a pretty sweet thing, but alas, I doubt it'll ever come to North America as many Americans are very reluctant to change, case in point, who else in the world really uses Imperial measurements anymore?
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Evan 7:18PM (9/07/2007)
Britts.
Kyle Rader 6:44AM (9/08/2007)
I saw this mustang on a trailer yesterday being pulled by a red Ford F-150 on the A81 right outside of Stuttgart. It was an odd sight to see a Ford F-150 with German license plates.
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j_diesel 1:22PM (9/08/2007)
turbodiesel mustang? very cool. i doubt it would sell very well here because of all the false ideas about modern diesel power in NA, but it would be tons of fun to drive.
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Dave Oh 5:14PM (9/08/2007)
The horsepower and torque figures together make me suspicious if there is an error in one of the numbers, or if it's even a Diesel (read compression ignition) engine. If we consider that most automotive Diesel engines produce peak horsepower at around 4000 RPM, then the engine is having its peak torque and HP at approximately the same RPM. Maybe this is done to limit maximum torque for drivetrain reliability, but it would nonetheless make for a very unusual torque curve for a Diesel. And who would be supplying the engine? Ford itself?
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Hilly 4:31AM (9/11/2007)
Ford Australia with the xr6 turbo has 256kw and the typhoon 290kw and with 550nm.
For 2008 with the new car it will be 265kw, while the typhoon will have 300kw, and both cars will have more performance than the Holdern v8. Already the 6 cylinder turbo fords are point 3 of a second of the v8 high powered Holderns.
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Hilly 4:37AM (9/11/2007)
That is point 3 of a second slower. Ford Australia are making limited editions of high performance 6 and 8 cylinder cars, with better handling again.
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