Official press release:

MUSTANG MACH III: TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY

Ford has revived the excitement of its original 1965 Mustang in a sleek new concept car called the Mustang Mach III. The Mach III blends the styling cues of the classic Mustang with Ford’s state-of-the-art design and technology.

"People always ask us when we are going to bring back the 1965 Mustang," said Fritz Mayhew, chief design executive - North American Design.

"Obviously we can’t bring that car back. The Mach III brings back the spirit of the 1965 Mustang with styling and technology for the 1990s and beyond."

The open-air roadster features sculpted carbon fiber body panels, a short, low windshield, wraparound rear bumper, cat's-eye headlamps and 19-inch chrome five-spoke wheels. Mustang lovers will recognize the car’s open grille, three-bar taillight and character lines along the door panels and air scoop — all styling cues reminiscent of the classic Mustangs of the 1960s.

The bright fluorescent red exterior color cascades into the twin cockpit interior which is finished in deep sapphire leather. A mixture of wood, chrome and fabric was used sparingly. Simple, large, functional round white dials were positioned for the driver’s convenience.

The three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel is reminiscent of Mustang’s heritage. The racing-type leather trimmed seats provide for maximum comfort and lateral support. High-output speakers are mounted directly behind the head restraints.

The Mach III also features a technological breakthrough in driver ergonomics; adjustable pedals. The brake, clutch and accelerator pedals each have a three-inch range of adjustment to provide greater driving comfort for short- and long-legged drivers

Ford didn’t forget the Mustang performance tradition either. The Mach III is equipped with a supercharged, 4.6-liter, 4-valve, V-8 engine that has a 450-horsepower rating. The engine also has a "cold pack" manifold intercooler and uses a dual exhaust system. Ford engineers have estimated the Mach III 0-to-60 mph time at less than four and a half seconds.

The Mach III also is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The anti-lock brakes have 13-inch vented and crossed drilled rotors up front (12-inch rear) with twin piston calipers. The brakes are "anti-fade" brakes which give the car tremendous stopping power even after repeated hard braking actions.

The Mach III is sensitive to the environment with its flexible fuel capability. The car can run on either regular gasoline or M85 or any combination of the two fuels. Sensors in the fuel line gauge how much methanol is in the fuel supply. The information is relayed to the car’s on-board computer which adjusts the air fuel mixture automatically. Lower emissions and better performance results.

Other features on the Mustang Mach III include a driver and front passenger airbag Supplemental Restraint System, an active aero spoiler, a 1000-watt entertainment system and all-leather trim.

Docs the Mach III have real world possibilities?

"It’s no secret that our new Mustang is coming and there’s no doubt that people will readily recognize some of the styling cues from the Mach III," said Mayhew.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MUSTANG MACH III

Wheelbase:    101.25

Overall length: 188.605 Overall height: 46.268 Overall width:    76.63

Bodystyle: Coupe (roadster)

Steering Type: Rack-and-pinion Drive: Rear-wheel-drive

Brakes: Anti-lock braking system with 13-inch vented composite rotors and dual piston calipers up front (12 inch in the rear)

Suspension Type: Front-strut/quad rear - shock Tires: 245/40 R19 Front

315/40 R19 Rear (rear-and-front treads are the same)

Wheels: 19-inch, aluminum Transmission: manual, six-speed

Engine: 4.6-liter, V-8 supercharged/intercooled with a "cold pack" manifold, 450-horsepower

Features: A remote control opens the car’s doors and hood. The car is equipped

with a rally package including a driver information center. It also features a 1000-watt entertainment system and an active aero spoiler.

Color: "Hot Poppy"