Mustang to feature in Need for Speed movie

The new film, inspired by the long-running series of driving video games from Electronic Arts, features the Mustang throughout the adaptation of the gaming franchise. The film's star, Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), will be joined by a one-of-a-kind, customized Mustang playing the role of the hero car.

Ford will also provide a custom F-450 pickup - dubbed "The Beast" - which will feature in certain scenes.

Created with the help of designers at Ford, the one-off Mustang features a more aggressive look due to custom bodywork including wider front and rear wheelarches, as well as features like lowered suspension and custom 22-inch wheels and tyres. Even the fog lamps are new, with high-tech LED halo lamps around the air intakes.

A hero car needs a hero engine, so this Mustang has been fitted with an all-aluminium supercharged 5.8-liter V8, modified by Ford Racing. Ford claim this engine produces 900-horespower, although how practical this is for the demands of a movie production is questionable.

Finish of the car is a custom paint job in specially-formulated silver, topped by blue Shelby-style stripes that glow when struck by light in the dark.

"We're thrilled to have Ford play such an important part in a film adapted from one of the most popular video games of all time," said Keith Koeppen, Ford marketing communications manager. "Mustang has an incredible history appearing in movies and 'Need for Speed' will be a great way to continue its hero car legacy."

The film is scheduled for US release in March, 2014.

Image: Ford media