Of course, the lowered stance helps too, and this is where Marcel takes further advantage of the European connections he developed from working in Volkswagen circles. His FT-402 was used to develop a set of Mustang coilovers from KW of Germany (he is also president of KW North America) so that ride height could be precisely tailored. Rear height is adjustable from a 1-inch drop to no less than a 231/44-inch drop. Despite the proximity of tire to fenderwell at its photographed altitude, Marcel tells us there is absolutely no rubbing.
This Euro connection continues in the cabin where, rather than the almost obligatory Auto Meter instrumentation, we find VDO gauges instead (if you squint, you might see the secondary digital display on the tach face). The MS 5100 GPS system and the MM5000 color widescreen also come from VDO/Dayton, but the rest of the entertainment system is all Sony, comprised of a CDX-MP70 head unit, an MTX 5732 speaker system, an MTX Thunder 4405 amp, and an MTX Thunderform 6000A 10-inch subwoofer system.And, once again following current European trends, the Sparco Milano buckets as well as the rear seats are skinned in grippy Alcantara instead of cloth or leather.
In all, the project seems to have been an act of passion for Marcel, who, despite the undeniable success of the Euro-car side of his business, has had an enthusiast's soft spot for the Mustang for as long as he can remember. Proving yet again that the Mustang's appeal crosses all borders, whether national or philosophical.
| 5.0 TECH SPECS |
| ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN |
| Block | Stock cast-iron |
| Bore | Stock |
| Stroke | Stock |
| Displacement | 281 ci |
| Crank | Stock |
| Rods | Stock |
| Pistons | Stock |
| Cams | Stock |
| Heads | Stock |
| Intake | Stock, w/CDC Shaker scoop |
| Throttle Body | Stock |
| Headers | JBA ceramic-coated short tube |
| Exhaust | CDC side exit |
| Power Adder | Vortech HO SQ w/aftercooler |
| Transmission | Stock |
| Rearend | Stock |
| ELECTRONICS |
| Engine Management | EEC V |
| Ignition | Stock |
| Gauges | VDO white-face gauges, VDO/Dayton GPS navigation |
| CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION |
| FRONT SUSPENSION |
| K-Member | Stock |
| Control Arms | Stock |
| Springs/Struts | KW coilover |
| Brakes | Hyperformance 12.8-in rotors, Brembo 6-pot calipers |
| Wheels | HRE 446, 18x8.5, custom offset |
| Tires | Toyo T1S, 245/40ZR18 |
| REAR SUSPENSION |
| Springs/Shocks | KW coilover |
| Control Arms | Stock |
| Brakes | Slotted stock rotors, PBR Metal Master pads |
| Wheels | HRE 18x10, custom offset |
| Tires | Toyo T1S, 285/35ZR18 |