Ford Motor Co. plans to auction off one of the custom 2014 Mustangs used in the upcoming “Need for Speed” movie.Watch video
DETROIT, MI- Ford Motor Co. plans to auction off one of the custom 2014 Mustangs used in the upcoming “Need for Speed” movie.
The silver and blue vehicle features a custom-designed wide body, unique 22-inch alloy wheels, and larger air intakes to feed the supercharged V8 engine under its classic Mustang twin-nostril hood.
The Dearborn-based automaker says the vehicle will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach on April 12. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Henry Ford Health System, a not-for-profit group founded by Henry Ford to improve the health and well-being of a diverse community.
“The new owner of this particular Mustang will take home a rare vehicle, and their bid will increase access to critical health care services,” said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager, in a statement.
Ling, during a Mustang media event Wednesday, said the vehicle plays a major role in the movie, which is scheduled to be released in theaters March 14. He described it as "its own character, so to speak."
Ford announcing the auction comes days after the company and DreamWorks Studios, which produced the movie, released a co-branded TV commercial (below) featuring scenes from the movie with actor Aaron Paul as main character Tobey Marshall and the 2015 Mustang GT.
TV Commercial for "Need for Speed" and the 2015 Ford MustangThe 2015 model, according to officials is only in one scene of the more than two-hour film. Ling said there was discussions to have the all-new vehicle throughout the movie instead of the 2014 model, but due to when the movie was being released, it wasn’t possible.
“Need for Speed” is based on Electronic Arts’ popular video game series of the same name. It is one of the most successful racing video game franchises in the world, with more than 140 million games sold. It stars Paul (“Breaking Bad”), Dominic Cooper (“Captain America”), Imogen Poots (“Fright Night”) and Michael Keaton (“Batman”).
The 2015 Mustang GT, which the Dearborn-based automakerunveiled globally Dec. 5,features the 5.0-liter V8 with upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torqueWhen the vehicle goes on sale later this year, Ford also will offer a 3.7-liter V6 with at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.ft. of torque and an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.