THE GHIA MUSTANG R.S.X.

Experimental two-seater designed for aerodynamic fuel efficiency

A new, experimental, aerodynamic two-seater, based on the Ford Mustang, is to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13-23) by Ghia Operations of Turin - Ford’s International design think-tank. Called the Mustang R.S.X. (Rallye Sport Experimental), this new Ghia concept two-seater is shorter, lower, narrower and lighter than the normal four-seat Mustang.

'This is just one illustration of Ford's international research and development programme to engineer more fuel efficient and compact passenger cars", says Filippo Sapino, Ghia Operations' Managing Director.

The Mustang R.S.X. is powered by a 2. 3 litre 4 cylinder engine, has a four speed all synchromesh transmission, power steering and airconditioning.

Reduced Wheelbase

It is built on a regular Mustang's floor pan and uses the Mustang's standard suspension components, brake and steering systems. However, the wheelbase has been reduced by 5. 6 ins (14.2 cms) to 94.8 ins (240.8 cms), the overall length by 14.1 ins (35.8 cms) from 179.1 ins (454.7 cms) to 165 ins (419 cms) and the overall height by 1.3 ins (3.3 cms).

The smooth, fully aerodynamic, three-door body incorporates a greatly reduced frontal area, reduced overall width (2.2 ins -5.6 cms) height and weight.

At the rear a dished aerodynamic spoiler is moulded in laminated glass as an integral part of the rear screen and tailgate.

This aerofoil not only aids high speed directional stablility but creates an area of negative pressure around the rear extractor ducts which helps to speed up the removal of stale air from the passenger compartment.

Aerodynamics

The sill panels beneath the doors have been formed to provide an aerodynamic skirt along the sides of the vehicle between the wheelarches, which are in turn smooth in outline to reduce turbulence around the wide rim alloy road wheels.

At the front there are two separate air intakes for the engine radiator -above and below the impact absorbent front bumper. The upper intake is fashioned to create its own venturi effect which at low speeds increases the volume and velocity of air passing through the upper part of the radiator. At high speed the intake develops a layer boundary effect diverting air from the radiator to maintain the engine at its optimum working temperature and smooth the airflow over the hood, windscreen and roof to the rear aerofoil.

All Glass Doors

To simulate the appearance of "all-glass” doors, matching black tinted plexi-glass panels are bonded over each of the lower door panels which are side impact absorbent and there are adjustable external rear view mirrors mounted in all-black aerodynamic frames on each door.

With its built-in air-conditioning and ventilation system, the Mustang R.S.X. has fixed door glasses which are bonded directly to the door frames.

However, each door window includes a small hinged panel through which the driver and passenger may settle road toll and parking charges and talk to people outside the car without having to open the door.

Black Leather Upholstery

Inside, the Mustang R.S.X. is upholstered in black leather with black suede on the fascia panel and black carpet on the floor.

The all-black treatment is relieved by a contrasting red leather panel in the head lining and twin red leather strips stitched to the deeply contoured bucket seats.

The production Mustang’s instruments have been regrouped behind a padded sports steering wheel with the gear lever and controls for the radio and air-conditioning located in a centre console unit.

Reducing the car to a two-seater from four enables the creation of a larger than normal luggage space with access to the main area through the rear tailgate. There are two further separate storage compartments which house the spare wheel and provide additional space for shopping baskets and briefcases.

These additional storage compartments can be reached by tipping forward the backs of the driver and passenger seats and opening panels in the rear bulkhead.

Four Halogen Headlamps

The Mustang R.S.X. has four halogen headlamps protected by clear plexiglass shields, direction indicators which extend around the corners of the car, impact absorbent front and rear bumpers and tail lamps which extend across the rear of the vehicle and include a centrally mounted reversing lamp.

A single wiper keeps the windscreen clean in bad weather and the wide 7. 5 ins rim alloy road wheels are 16 ins in diameter and fitted with the new and technically advanced Pirelli P.7 low profile 205 55 VR x 16 radial ply tyres.

The body work is finished in a brilliant orange pearl metallic paint which contrasts with the dark tinted glass and black plexi-glass door panels. "Although the Mustang R.S.X. is a design which is directed principally towards fuel conservation" explains Filippo Sapino, "a most important part of our brief was to retain the Mustang's traditional personal and sporting appeal so that it remains a vehicle which is still fun to drive.

Within this experimental configuration it would be possible to accommodate the Mustang's 2. 3 turbo engine or the V6 and V8 units".

Ghia Mustang R.S.X.

Wheelbase    94.8"    (240.8    cms)
Overall length    165.0"    (419.1    cms)
Overall width    66.9"    (170.0    cms)
Overall height    50.2"    (127.5    cms)
Front track    57.8"    (146.8    cms)
Rear track    58.2"    (147.8    cms)