2005 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept

Less important to go-fast enthusiasts are interior details, but I suppose I break from tradition on this one. Fortunately,

Ford has stepped up interior quality in the new entry-level Mustang measurably, and the GT500 continues the trend. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Ford has stepped up interior quality in the new entry-level Mustang measurably, although being that the old model was so ruddy awful it wasn't a long shot that the new one would improve. While not world-class from a plastics quality point of view, everything is put together well and the design is attractive, especially in GT trim.

What changes have been made to the new GT500 concept? Taking a cue from Porsche, which up until this year has needed to hide its extremely cheap plastics with "full leather" packages, the new Mustang concept sports ebony black leather as the primary surface treatment, covering the top of the dash, door panels, centre armrest, shift lever, shift boot, parking-brake handle, and seats of course. But on that last note, only the edges are black, with the centre inserts brilliant in bright red leather. The fiery theme offsets the door panel trim too, while

Taking a cue from Porsche's full-leather treatment, the new Mustang concept sports ebony black hides as the primary surface treatment. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

embroidered snake logos never let driver and passengers forget that this particular Mustang is elevated miles beyond a stock GT.

"We've taken leather design trends to a new level by using it on almost every exposed surface in the GT500," commented Keith Rogman, Ford senior designer. Once again Mr. Rogman, this is nothing new, albeit new to Ford and new to any other domestic producer. BMW offered the full-leather treatment in previous generation M5s, and probably still would if someone wanted to buck up for it. Other automakers have offered it too, lest I get corrected by one of our astute readers. Rogman went on to say, "Leather has long been a performance fashion accessory for enthusiasts, from jackets to racing gloves, so it perfectly matches all the other driving oriented cues." It's hard to argue with him on this point.