Ford Interceptor – Detroit preview for Ford’s 400 Hp, Mustang based sport sedan concept

Do I hear the words Chrysler 300C swirling in your head? If not you’d better as the concept you’re seeing here could evolve into a production version over the next few years aiming head on to Chrysler’s successful 300C.

Like the 300C, the Interceptor can be described as a modern interpretation of a 60's 4door muscle car. Even though it’s based on the Mustang platform, the Interceptor bears no resemblance whatsoever to it. Instead, Ford's designers borrowed several styling elements from other cars. As you can see from the pictures we added below, the design team started off with the 427 Concept (shown at the 2003 NAIAS), integrating styling elements from the 300C (roof / window lines) and the F-250 Super Chief (front end). The result is a car that, despite its size (roughly about the same of a Ford Five hundred), looks brutish but not “overweighed”.

Unfortunately, there are no interior pics out yet. We do know that it’s a 4 seater and according to FoMoCo, the Interceptor incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” safety belt design in all four seats and inflatable seat belts in the rear. - UPDATE: Click here for interior pics

Underneath the “shaker” hood, the Interceptor houses a 5.0 V8 Cammer engine. This is an upgraded variant of the 4.6 V8 under the hood of the current production Mustang GT that runs on E-85 ethanol producing 400 Hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels (22’’ by the way) via a 6speed manual transmission. Unfortunately the Interceptor also features a solid rear axle. Ford says they used it “for more hard-core performance feel”. We say "what ?"

Nevertheless, all-around, the Interceptor is a car than in our opinion should find its way into production in the (very) near future. Even if it’s not based on the Mustang platform, Ford could follow GM’s way, basing it on the current or better yet, the next generation of the Australian Ford Falcon.

Ford Interceptor

Powertrain
5.0-liter Cammer V-8
Chassis lengths
Overall length...........................................201.6 in.
Wheelbase.................................................120.8 in.
Overall width..............................................76.4 in.
Overall height at curb..................................54.8 in.
Track width
Front...........................................................66.5 in.
Rear............................................................67.8 in.
Suspension
Front....................... Double wishbone-independent
Rear.........................3-Link Design with Panhard Rod
Headroom
Front...........................................................37.5 in.
Second Row................................................35.9 in.
Legroom
Front...........................................................42.3 in.
Second Row................................................35.6 in.