An owner of the new 2024 Ford Mustang GT opted for a different kind of modification, making it look like a real-life version of Lightning McQueen from Pixar’s animated film Cars.
The project started with a brand-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang equipped with the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine and painted in Race Red. The next step was to apply the special livery featuring yellow, white, and red graphics inspired by the movie car. The wrap features the number 95 above the lightning that turns into flames, and “Rust-eze” sponsor decals which appeared in the Cars 3 film.
The owner went to great lengths, even adding the signature eyes on the windshield, which supposedly do not hinder visibility thanks to a transparent-like film. Furthermore, the rims were painted in a matching red shade, the Continental tires feature white “Lightyear” lettering, and three red stripes were applied to the rear glass.
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Photos: @McQueen_Atlanta / Instagram
Besides the visual modifications, the Mustang is upgraded with a set of RTR lowering springs, bringing it closer to the ground for more legitimate racecar looks. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine under the bonnet remains in stock condition, producing 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque, but a Steeda H-Pipe makes the Mustang McQueen sound louder.
The owner of the special pony car is called Andy De La Vega, known under the nickname McQueen Atlanta on social media where he has gathered quite a following. According to his profile bio, he uses the car at birthday parties, fundraisers, and other types of events. Judging from the looks of the McQueen replica, we’re sure it will be getting a lot of attention when the owner drives it around Atlanta. Before upgrading to a 2024 Ford Mustang GT, Andy had the previous generation model which was also converted into a Lightning McQueen impersonator, so we guess he is used to the enthusiastic reactions from children of all ages.
Lightning McQueen is one of the most famous animated movie characters, but its true identity in the automotive world remains fluid since it was envisioned as a generic racecar not inspired by a specific production model. This allows a certain level of freedom in the interpretation when it comes to real-life replicas, unlike other movie cars like General Lee which is inextricably linked to the classic Dodge Charger. In our eyes, the Ford Mustang sounds like a fitting choice for the Lightning McQueen, although we could easily imagine a similar treatment applied to a Chevrolet Corvette C7.