Car of the Day - 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

Car of the Day - 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

Ford collaborated with Saleen and the team responsible for the development of the Ford GT to deliver The Concept car that really kick started the revival of the Mustang as a serious tuners car. Based on an ‘05 shell the GT-R references 40 years of legendary race performance with the Valencia Orange recalling the Grabber Orange of the 1970 Boss 302 raced by Parnelli Jones.

While not intended for production it was paramount in the designers and engineers mind to make production feasible. The shell remains 85% standard and many components are off the shelf from Ford Racing. The shell received suitable reinforcement and structural improvements as well as a substantial roll cage.

State of the art Racing technology abounds; from the use of carbon fibre to the front and side splitters. The fully adjustable racing suspension supports 20 inch wheels shod with slicks which reside under enormous fender flares. The rear quarter panels give way to a fuel filler and vent, the centre of the rear valance to a mesh cooling outlet for the diff cooler.

The interior is gutted in true racing fashion however the detailing and minimilism make it a thing of visual delight.

Power is supplied by race-prepared 440-horsepower 5.0 liter Cammer crate engine from Ford Racing Performance Parts. The Ford Racing block features reinforcements in the crankcase web areas for high torque loads. The Cammer also features forged pistons, a 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams, beehive-shaped valve springs as well as higher-flow fuel injectors and a magnesium, variable-geometry intake manifold.

Transmitting the power through the drivetrain is a Ford Racing-supplied TTC T-56 six-speed transmission with a heavy-duty clutch and flywheel assembly. The driveshaft is of composite aluminum and connects to a race-specification differential with a 4.56:1 final drive ratio.

Stopping the beast is a Brembo brake system with 14.3 inch disc at front with six-piston calipers and 13 inch discs with four-piston calipers at rear. Slicks are provided by Pirelli. with 275/35 in front and 305/30 at rear.

Rod Halligan