Wednesday 25th September 2013

Equus Bass 770

PH smells something fishy about this modern Mustang recreation

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There are a few key considerations to bear in mind for a new muscle car. It must have a V8 engine, the name should be something evocative like Barracuda or Charger and it simply has to be rear-wheel drive. The Equus Bass 770 does fine on two of those criteria...

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery Ford...

For starters, Equus is a Hyundai saloon. Plus the Bass 770 (definitely not Boss; see its website) tag isn't really relevant to the car. Whilst a 640hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 is great news on the engine, we're lost as to what 770 could relate too. Torque is 605lb ft or 820Nm, so it's not that either. Weird.

But anyway, unfathomable naming strategy aside, the Equus appears to have what it takes as a new school muscle car. Despite the Chevy engine, it's clearly inspired by the fastback Mustangs from the late 60s. It isn't a bad effort, distinctive and aggressive certainly, but the rear overhang seems a bit big and the headlights make the front look a little glum.

But there's plenty of positive stuff too. Equus claims a 200mph top speed and a 3.4-second 0-62mph time for starters. Moreover, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, as are magnetic dampers. And for a truly modern muscle car, the Bass 770 can be had with a six-speed dual-clutch auto in place of the standard manual.

Debadging the Bass might be wise

There are plenty of retro influences inside too, but with all the modern infotainment amenities you would expect from something like a new Mustang GT500 or Camaro ZL1.

The price of the Equus rather distances it from that pair though. Owing to its hand-built nature, prices start at $250,000. Apparently more than $300,000 can be spent if a customer is particularly silly with the extras. And if its video is anything to go by, the Equus will make you a target for the baddest of bad cops. You've been warned...

 

 

[Sources: Autocar, GT Spirit]

[Motorrad]

I like the video- like the way the car looks but that much for what looks like a modded challenger?

[JHarveyvRS]

Apart from the price tag, I love it!

[toppstuff]

" Its a Hyundai saloon"..

I dont understand.

Please elaborate..

[Ex Boy Racer]

What the hell was that film all about?????

[ellisd82]

Not a bad looking car if a little on the expensive side. Most people will think it is a Mustang, they should have a different badge. 250k is exotic car territory, not muscle car(Although it is a bit exotic).

[samoht]

From the website it appears the '770' comes from aping one of Ferrari's naming strategies, each cylinder displaces 770cc.

The other significant spec detail is an aluminium chassis and panels. Resulting weight of 1650kgs is respectable-ish, I guess.

[ellisd82]

toppstuff said:

" Its a Hyundai saloon"..

I dont understand.

Please elaborate..

Did you read the article? Equss is a Hyundai Saloon, not this car. Click the link.

[JamesMK]

Have Ford's lawyers seen this yet?

[dazsmith69]

Great video for once.

Lovely looking car. Certainly more character than some of these modern italian and german cars

[Krikkit]

Love the exterior, although it will confuse anyone with a shred of muscle-car knowledge as to what it really is.

Interior leaves me a bit cold, suppose you could ask for a few revisions at £200k though.

[Wammer]

Absolutely awesome car. It has taken some of the best designs form American Muscle cars and put them together in one. Fantastic job.

[PHMatt]

samoht said:

From the website it appears the '770' comes from aping one of Ferrari's naming strategies, each cylinder displaces 770cc.

The other significant spec detail is an aluminium chassis and panels. Resulting weight of 1650kgs is respectable-ish, I guess.

Thanks for the 770 bit, saved me wasting my working afternoon looking!

Not sure how extensive use of lightweight materials resulting in a weight of 1.65t is good though lol.
Unless......
Is the car a scale model of a Mustang? As in a 4:1 scale (4 x bigger if any one is struggling)

[5RedLights]

What's that noise I can hear in the distance? I think it's the distant rumbling of Ford's entire legal team...

[toppstuff]

ellisd82 said:

toppstuff said:

" Its a Hyundai saloon"..

I dont understand.

Please elaborate..

Did you read the article? Equss is a Hyundai Saloon, not this car. Click the link.

Thanks. I seem to be infected with stupid. I'm taking pills for it...

[irocfan]

there are some lovely touches with this car BUT there are other bits that are a little too "fussy"

[Pommygranite]

Thought it was stunning till I saw this

[Shoshi]

Pommygranite said:

Thought it was stunning till I saw this

Because one photo changes everything... What a silly way to go about things. Most cars out there have angles that are not optimal. In fact a lot of cars these days do not look as good in a photo as they do in person.

[anything fast]

surely this one of those made up cars from GTA?

[Krikkit]

Shoshi said:

Pommygranite said:

Thought it was stunning till I saw this

Because one photo changes everything... What a silly way to go about things. Most cars out there have angles that are not optimal. In fact a lot of cars these days do not look as good in a photo as they do in person.

Agreed - I also think it looks great in that photo.

[boyse7en]

"Thanks. I seem to be infected with stupid. I'm taking pills for it..."

Don't worry, I had to read it twice before I worked out what i think the author is trying to say. Would have been easier if I'd ever heard the the Hyundai Equus.