Russia builds a Ford Mustang powered by Tesla
One minute those pesky Russians are subverting US elections the next they’re mashing two American automotive heroes together to create a unique electric vehicle.
What you are looking at is the creation of Moscow-based Aviar Motors and what it’s doing is housing the tech of the Tesla Model S in a carbon-fibre and aluminium body shaped to look like a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback.
Founder Aleksey Rachev says the R67 – as it is dubbed – is all about paying tribute to 1960s muscle cars in a way appropriate to the 21st century.
“I could not let this wonderful cars be left no more than in the pages of history, just for the reason of ecology, economy, new safety standards and the rest of various factors. That would be just awful! That is the very reason for creating Aviar R67,” he said.
“We tried to catch the spirit of the legendary cars of the ’60s and rethink it in a modern way.”
Aviar is claiming a 2.2 second sprint to 100km/h and 250km/h top speed courtesy of its 626kW power output. A 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows a maximum range between recharges of 507km
But the R67 also has an external sound system that simulates the sound of the 302 cubic inch V8 the real ’67 Fastback was equipped with.
While the inspiration for the look of the R67 is clear, the renderings on the Aviar website show a body updated with such things as flush-mounted doorhandles and a rear spoiler that pops up at 120km/h. It also remains permanently in position when Sport or Race mode are selected by the driver.
The R67 retains front and rear subframe attachments of the Model S, dual motors for all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension and even the Autopilot semi-autonomous drive assist system.
It rolls on forged alloy 20-inch wheels and staggered tyres and has its significant performance capabilities corralled by stability and traction control.
And you can forget a retro interior as the R67 also includes the Tesla’s portrait touchscreen. Aviar has added its own three-spoke steering wheel while other key interior appointments include seven-speaker audio, wi-fi, voice control, dual-zone climate control, leather trim and five airbags.
Only a two-seater, the R67 is 4969mm long, 2079mm wide and weighs in at about 2170kg. That undercuts the Model S but is much heavier than the original Mustang.
The one thing Aviar hasn’t announced is the R67’s price. It won’t be cheap and it’s very unlikely we will see it in Australia.
Of course, Ford itself is coming to market with the Mustang Mach-E, a new battery electric crossover that shares the name but little else with the ICE-powered coupe and convertible that is sold in Australia.
