Created as a recruitment tool for the next top guns, the Ford Mustang X1 and the Dodge Challenger Vapor were built by the USAF with the help of the crew over at Galpin Auto Sports (GAS). The two - let's call them for the sake of argument tuners - started from stock cars to build the X1 and the Vapor and turned them into what you can see in the adjacent photos. But let's take them one at a time.
The Mustang X1 is the most eye friendly of the two. On the outside, that is, because once you get a look at the interior of the thing, we may run screaming. If you are a Mustang fan, your heart will be torn apart by the single ejection seat, the flight stick replacing the steering wheel and the pedals placed at each side of the central console.
Sure, there's a lot of Air Force tech built into it, with all the required monitors and buttons and even a pilot helmet, but all the warmth of the Mustang has been replaced by cold metal and bolts. On the outside, the Air Force hood mounted badge has replaced the grille positioned original one. The body kit is not as stroke inflicting as is the interior, but the gullwing doors add to the visual impact.
Engine wise, the Mustang X1 is not powered by a jet engine, but by a very down to Earth 4.6l V8, developing around 500 horsepower. That means you can drive the car, but not fly it.
Built to be reminiscent of a stealth bomber, the Vapor is a scary car to see in the rear view mirror. The coolest part about it is that it features a so called stealth mode, which makes the car run in utter silence. The Vapor also boast USAF tech, as it embodies a 360 degree camera, proximity sensors and even UAV control.
The two vehicles were created at USAF's request as part of a marketing campaign designed to show young people the opportunities they are given if the Air Force. If you are impressed by the cars and want to join the wings, follow this link. But beware it is still the military, so the only tuning they will probably allow you to do, ever, is to paint smiley faces on bombs...
Google News