Apollo-Inspired Special Edition Mustang Is, Well, Rocket Fast

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A new special edition 2015 Mustang GT fastback to be auctioned by Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. is the ultimate muscle car with and is, well, rocket fast.

Paying tribute to the Apollo space mission, the aviation-inspired pony car will be auctioned at a July 23 charity event in Oshkosh, WI, to support education programs of the Experimental Aircraft Association, which has provided free, introductory flights to more than 1.9 million youths since 1992.

This is the eighth year Ford has created a unique aviation-inspired pony car to donate to EAA. Auctions of its special issue Mustangs have raised $3 million for the EAA, including its “Young Eagles” program.

“The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors, said in a statement.

“The entire program was extraordinary – one of our nation’s greatest technological achievements,” he said. “With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang.”

Based on a 2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT, Ford design and engineering teams transformed the 5.0-liter pony car into the Apollo Edition Mustang. It looks the part with a one-of-a-kind glossy pure white and pure black, non-production paint scheme that delivers a creative connection with the NASA Apollo program, undercarriage LED lights to symbolize atmospheric re-entry, and “U.S.A.” lettering on the hood.

Performance enhancements include a performance package, Ford Performance supercharger and shifter, X-pipe with side and rear exhaust, sport-tuned suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes and custom Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels.

“This Mustang will deliver a heart-pounding 627 horsepower and 540 pound-feet of torque to provide an exhilarating, controlled launch for its new owner,” Ford said.

The Apollo theme continues with interior details, including performance gauges, modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidered elements in seats, trim panels and floor mats.

The Apollo Edition Mustang joins seven other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the auction in support of EAA youth education:

• 2008 – Mustang AV8R, with cues from F-22 Raptor, which helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered an auction contribution of $500,000
• 2009 – AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang, crafted in honor of the World War II aircraft
• 2010 – Two automotive icons – the late Carroll Shelby, former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 Blackbird Mustang inspired by legendary reconnaissance jet
• 2011 – Blue Angels Mustang, created to celebrate 100 years of U.S. naval aviation
• 2012 – Red Tails Mustang, to pay homage to Tuskegee Airmen – courageous squadron of P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen
• 2013 – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team
• 2014 – F-35 Lightning Edition II Mustang, which featured design cues from the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet – the F-35 Lightning

To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office, (800) 236-1025 or [email protected].

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Ford Motor Co. photo