29 July 2009 - 12:00
When is a Mustang not a Mustang?
Led by our muscle car devotee Richard Hammond, we love the Ford Mustang here at Top Gear.
So when news reached us that the Mustang was off racing in the US, it's fair to say we got a bit excited. The phrase ‘yee-haw' may even have been uttered, for which we apologise.
And then we saw this, the 2010 NASCAR Ford Mustang. Oh. Now, we know that NASCAR rules specify that manufacturers are limited to sticking near-stock plastic bodies over a fat V8 engine, but still - why call it a Mustang?
We know, we know, to generate a few sales. But this is no damn Mustang, Ford. What would Steve McQueen think?
Though the Mustang name is one of the most successful in Stateside motorsport - think of all those gorgeous Shelby racers from the 60s - this is the first time a ‘Mustang' has ever raced in NASCAR. It will compete in a limited number of races next year before an expected full campaign in 2011.
But it's still not a Mustang. However, this gives us an idea. Since all NASCAR, er, cars look more or less identical, what's the most ridiculous nameplate you could foist upon one? We love the idea of the Toyota Yaris doing battle with Ssangyong Rodius around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway...
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Thought of another one: the Toyota Mum 500 Shall We Join Us.
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The idea was for the actual muscle cars to get back into NASCAR, like it was back in the day, and have a camaro, chalenger, and mustang style. Last I heard it sort of fell through the cracks, as the aero for them would make them uncompetative, because they would fly at about 180 mph or so... and NASCARs race at about 190 to 200ish. I guess this was the alternative.
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Michael1 commented on this article
at 09:37 am on 30 July 2009
The Great Wall Hover would be the most ridiculous name, or the Ssangyong Rexton, Skoda Yeti
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