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The Ford Thunderbird Supercharged concept car was introduced by Ford Motor Company as a potential addition to its Living Legends line of automobiles at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. This concept car showcased the influence of the newly established Ford Performance Group (FPG).
Powered by a 3.9-liter 390 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, the Supercharged Thunderbird concept aimed to gauge consumer interest in a performance-tuned version of Ford’s iconic two-seat sports roadster. It was a joint development of Ford’s Living Legends Design Studio and the FPG, showing potential for future product additions.
"The Supercharged Ford Thunderbird concept combines America’s ultimate dream car with an enthusiast’s ultimate dream engine under the hood,” said Mike Zevalkink, Ford Motor Company executive director, Ford Performance Group. “Thunderbird offered us an excellent basis to leverage product excitement even further with our performance expertise.”
Alongside the Supercharged Thunderbird concept, Ford also showcased two other customized Thunderbird cars at the 2003 LA Auto Show. The Thunderbird Chip Foose edition and Thunderbird Roy Brizio edition both featured unique design modifications and restyling options.
The Supercharged Thunderbird concept boasted 390 horsepower from its supercharged V-8 engine, providing impressive power and acceleration capabilities. Designers worked closely with the FPG to ensure the underhood appearance matched the powerful exterior design, with details like a polished high-flow intake pipe and carbon fiber coil covers accentuating the engine’s power.
The concept car’s design was more aggressive and refined compared to the production Thunderbird, with unique hood, front fenders, and front and rear bumpers. A new grille, chrome accents, and custom 16-spoke aluminum wheels gave the Supercharged Thunderbird concept a bold and powerful presence on the road.
Overall, the Supercharged Ford Thunderbird concept was a testament to Ford’s commitment to combining power and presence in a high-performance sports roadster. With its striking design and impressive performance capabilities, this concept car truly lived up to the legacy of the Thunderbird name.
