Ford has begun testing prototypes for its 2009 Mustang, which appears to be destined for a serious mid-cycle makeover. Although photographers had only seconds for a drive-by photo-blitz, spies say the first word that came to mind was "Giugiaro." After analyzing the photos, it seems that that first impression may have been justified.
Putting these spy shots up next to pix of the Giugiaro Mustang concept that originally debuted at the LA Auto Show, there are some definite similairities between the front-clips of these two cars. The hoodline on this prototype shares the graceful arc of the Italian-inspired show car, and a similar wheel arch appears to reside beneath the camouflage. A sharp, angled character line also appears to be visible on the prototype's front bumper, and its angle and placement matches the Giugiaro concept's nose detail exactly.
A Giugiaro adaptation of the Mustang would seem more at home at a venue like the Geneva Motor Show ? Italdesign's usual stomping grounds ? so the fact that it debuted in LA and is currently gracing the Ford display at auto show in Detroit has raised some eyebrows, and has begun rumors that the show car's cues might just be on tap for the next-gen Mustang. Those rumblings now appear to have plenty of merit behind them. Gallery after the jump?
