Take a Look at Need for Speed’s Highly-Customized Mustang

NASCAR today announced that the new Need for Speed “hero car” Mustang will serve as the pace car for the upcoming Sprint Cup Series on Nov. 17 for the Ford EcoBoost 400 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. What’s more, one of the film’s stars, Ramon Rodriguez, will be driving it! You can check out a video of the highly-customized vehicle in the player below.

The “Need for Speed” Mustang, which is also playable in the upcoming Electronic Arts video game Need for Speed Rivals, was created solely for the movie and features a custom-designed wide body with unique 22-inch alloy wheels, and larger intakes to feed its supercharged V8 engine

Designers also worked on reducing aerodynamic drag by using low-profile mirrors and extended rocker panels. The splitter has been redesigned to provide better handling at high speeds. The rear spoiler and diffuser were created to improve airflow, reducing drag and giving additional traction for high-speed acceleration.

“When the opportunity to showcase the ‘Need for Speed’ Mustang at our marquee event came up a few months ago, it was a no-brainer to make it the centerpiece of Ford Championship Weekend,” said Tim Duerr, Ford Racing motorsports marketing manager. “We have always tried to incorporate some of our latest products that make up Ford’s versatile car and truck lineup, and we feel the three vehicles we’re using this year continues that trend.”

The film, also starring Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots and Michael Keaton, will debut in theaters March 14, 2014. Fans of the popular video game series will be able to buy Need for Speed Rivals later this month.

“The heritage of Mustang is unlike any other automobile in America,” said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager. “With Mustang being a central character in this racing-oriented movie, it seems only fitting to showcase the car here at Homestead and help serve as a great springboard to our various celebrations recognizing 50 years of Mustang in 2014.”