Dropping what could be several hints at the next generation Ford Mustang, Fabrizio Giugiaro (styling Director of Italdesign -- Giugiaro S.P.A.) has released his own flavor of the legendary pony car. "When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we'd seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one. We still believe it's important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands."

In the beginning of 2005, Giugiaro proposed the idea of an Italian spin-off of the Ford Mustang to J Mays (Ford Motor Company's group vice president, Design and chief creative officer) to see just how much interest there might be in the concept. Evidently the chords rang a pleasing tone, as we see the Mustang by Giugiaro, powered by Ford Racing Technologies, making its debut at the inaugural November Los Angeles Auto Show.

"It seemed only fitting," said Mays. "This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it's right at home in L.A. - America's most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, design icon Giorgetto Giugairo's offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford's most iconic car."

The Mustang by Giugiaro seems to be a tad more compact than the production Ford Mustang, credited to a reduction of the rear overhang and the Giugiaro "magic" of tapering the angles of the car's edges to the limit of its mechanical outlines.

With a stretched hood and reduced trunk, the Mustang by Giugiaro hints strongly at the fastback styles from the past when viewed from the side. There is more to the story, with many other exclusive touches applied throughout the car's design.

Fabrizio Giugiaro's featured favorites include:

• The interior - featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.
• The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept's roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.
• Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.
• Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang - but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.
• The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept's carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the '50s.
• The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.

"The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks," said Fabrizio Giugiaro. "After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic."

All of the elements put into this car (Ford's legendary framework & Giugiaro's flair) make it one of the most unique Mustangs produced to date. Time will soon tell if any of Italdesign's concepts make it across the pond and ring louder in Motor City. Some have mentioned this spin-off hints strongly at the upcoming Ford Mustang redesign in 2010. Others say it's just a coincidence that smoothed edging and sleeker looks made their way into a custom design. That said, it wouldn't be the first time one of the Big 3 has tested the waters at home by releasing a new design abroad.