DETROIT (Jan. 5, 2004) — Ford Motor Co. will equip its redesigned 2005 Mustang GT with Pirelli P Zero Nero and BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires when it debuts later this year, according to Pirelli Tire North America Inc. and Michelin North America Inc.
The '05 Mustang GT, which debuted at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, will be equipped with either 16-, 17- or 18-inch tires, according to the tire makers' releases.
Pirelli will supply a W-rated all-season version of its P Zero Nero radial, in size P235/55ZR17, which it said is designed to make the muscle car more practical in rain, ice or snow.
Michelin's BFGoodrich brand will offer the g-Force T/A in an 18-inch, Y-rated version along with a 16-inch Traction T/A tire for the Mustang.
The redesigned Mustang bears a strong resemblance to the classic 1967-69 models but is built on a shortened version of the same chassis that carries the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type. The GT will be available with a 24-valve, 4-liter, 300 horsepower V8 coupled to either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, according to information from Ford.
The base Mustang is expected to sell for about $17,000 with the GT version priced closer to $25,000 the company said at the launch in Detroit.
Rome, Ga.-based Pirelli Tire said Ford will outfit other new models with its tires, as well. The 2004 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego will have Pirelli P6 Four Seasons radials, size P225/55R18. The Ford Freestyle, a crossover vehicle to debut this year, also will feature P6 Four Seasons, size P225/60R18.
Pirelli said the tire line already is original equipment on various other Ford vehicles.