2005 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept

I fell head over heals for Ford's new Mustang during its press introduction in Los Angeles last year. It not only drives

I fell head over heals for Ford's new Mustang during its press introduction in Los Angeles last year, and immediately begin dreaming about the SVT version. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

extremely well, but has looks to die for; both reasons the domestic automaker is planning to ramp up production to satisfy current orders. The car's handling was especially impressive because I had never previously experienced a live axle setup feel so connected to the road during aggressive cornering. I remember wondering just how much better the IRS setup would be when the next-generation SVT Mustang Cobra arrived.

Sitting around the dinner table with some of Ford's designers after the ride and drive, I also expressed my desire for something styled a little more like the Mustang GT concept coupe that debuted at the 2003 Detroit show, and was then told that the upcoming SVT replacement would put a unique face on the new Mustang, one that they thought I would like. Well, the new

The new concept is slightly lower in ride height than the production Mustang. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

concept makes good on their promises and they were right, I like it a lot.

It's easiest to see the differences when viewing a head-on shot of both cars together. The only similar shapes are the two cars' greenhouses, which appear identical, the front fender flares, sideview mirrors, the round headlight bulbs that reside behind the altogether unique plastic lens covers, and the turn signals integrated into the front fascia.

Overall, the new concept is slightly lower in ride height than the production Mustang, most easily noticeable when aligning the sideview mirrors, an attribute that makes it look longer and more hunkered down, and should deliver a lower centre of gravity which should result in improved handling characteristics.