| |
For 1974, Mustang Shrinks to PINTo Size
PS Exclusive!
|
"Best news from Ford since the originals Mustang," said Jim Dunne, PS Detroit Editor, as soon as he saw these prototypes and pieced together the specs. Biggest surprise: You can't get a V8 in one! The standard engine is a four, the only option is a V6. The 2.3-liter four is a single-OHC design, built by ford in Ohio. It's rated at 90-95 hp, has a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The 2.8 V6, made by Ford in Germany, is a 60-degree design with a single central camshaft. Power output is 110-112 hp with a compression ration of 8.2:1.
Chassis components are shared with the Pinto: coil-spring front suspension, with the springs mounted on the lower arem; rack-and-pinion steering; semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear axle. Rear shock absorbers are staggered - on slants forward, the other backward. Also, the front suspension is attached to an isolated subframe. A special sound package give the Mustang a quieter ride than the Pinto. Front disk brakes and steel-belted radial tires are standard. What about the cost? The '74s will come down to the $2500-$2750 range.
Drastic cut in size and weight
brings '74 Mustang close to original version. The '65 model used old compact Falcon chassis components, but since 1971, Mustang has been built on shortened Fairlane/Torino chassis - intermediate size. The '74 will use Pinto running gear, leapfrogging compact Maverick and going to subcompact size. It has more headroom front and rear than '73, and more rear leg room in notchback coupe, less in hatchback (fastback). Hip-room loss is minor.
Styling concept retains unmistakable Mustang identity. The '74 Mustang comes in five models. The base-model notchback is the basis for Grande coupe. Low-back vinyl-upholstered bucket seats are standard. Cut-pile carpeting covers lower par of doors. European-type armrests are used. Standard instrumentation includes tachometer, anmeter, temp and oil gauges.
Hatchback coupe comes in three models: base-model coupe, sports two-seater, and Mach 1. All will be available with rally-handling option, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and a special maintenance group - tool kit and fire extingusher. Front disk brakes and steel-belted radial tires are standard. Standard tranmission is a German-built manual four-speed with top rail shifter; a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic is optional. Wheels are constructed of noncorrosive forged aluminum.
Familiar horse emblem, missing on prototypes, will be used on all '74 Mustangs. Emblem goes in center of grill. Notchback rear window is full width for good visibility.
Body nose section is one-piece urethane molding. Bumper is urethane-covered steel. Hatchback design is like Vega's, with hinges in roof. Mach 1 plate is on lower edge of hatch.
|
|
