Ford Interceptor: four-door muscle car based on a sixties sedan shape

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Ford Interceptor: four-door muscle car based on a sixties sedan shape

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January 1, 2007 Building on its muscle car legacy, Ford is introducing an all-American sedan concept that combines “Built Ford Tough” attitude with the sporty elegance of its iconic 1960s sedans. The Interceptor has a manual six-speed gearbox mated to the 5.0-litre V-8 Cammer engine that won the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship in its first year of competition, though it has now been modified to run on E-85 ethanol and produces 400 bhp. The Interceptor also incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” design in the front and rear seats. In addition, inflatable safety belts are included for rear seat passengers.

“This concept celebrates the best of American muscle, showing customers what ‘modern muscle’ is all about,” said Peter Horbury, executive director – Design, The Americas. “The Interceptor concept is much like a Marine in dress uniform. He looks smart and elegant but you can see the raw power that lies beneath.”

The Ford Interceptor concept’s exterior design features substantial, sometimes brutish, surfaces and sections that give the concept its modern, powerful look.

The Mustang-based concept features a traditional rear-wheel drive proportion that includes a short front overhang, long rear overhang and extended dash-to-axle ratio.

The Ford Interceptor also has a low cabin and higher beltline, adding to the vehicle’s attitude and sense of mystery.

“The Ford Interceptor concept is a pure sedan that speaks to performance car lovers everywhere,” said Freeman Thomas, director, North American Strategic Design. “These people might need more space, but they still appreciate the power and attitude that cars like this represent,”

Painted a deep blue, the Ford Interceptor concept’s strength exudes from its strong, high shoulders. And much like on last year’s Ford F-250 Super Chief pickup concept, a single character line runs the length of the body side, slightly sloping downward as it reaches the back of the sedan.

This adds wedge to the car, making it dynamic, without detracting from its smooth, clean design.

Signature Ford touches include the horizontal three-bar grille, which has been structurally integrated into the bumper beam, as well as “squircles” – or professionally square circle-shaped graphics – inside and out.

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