Penske's Pony: Hertz has added a special Ford Mustang GT to the rental stable

Summer is a time when many of us choose to seek adventure or special experiences. Whether we are young or older, everyone wants to represent the happiest moment of 2013 at some point in the summer. Looking at the remaining days of summer 2013 from the perspective of cars, there are several ways to appreciate the hot temperatures and life under the rule of sunlight

With no shortage of outdoor car events, namely the Goodwood Festival of Speed or the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance delighting our senses, maybe your idea of a car-related summer experience involves something more intimate and instantly stimulating. How about spending part of your summer with a unique ride? Rental car giant Hertz may have added the ideal ingredient for a summer automotive fun recipe.

Born from the heritage of their 1960s Rent-A-Racer program that consisted of famous Ford GT350Hs, Hertz announced a special edition American performance car in July following a presentation at Daytona International Speedway. Coinciding with a sponsorship agreement with NASCAR team Penske Racing, the presence of Hertz livery on a Ford Mustang stock car also came is news of a limited run of customized Mustang GT vehicles for select rental car outlets. Previous efforts by Hertz renting out modified Ford Mustangs involved cooperation with Shelby. Penske Racing receives billing for the first time creating the Hertz Penske GT.

Black with Hertz Yellow striping, the unique Hertz Penske GT is definitely an attention-grabber. Not only a colour associated with Hertz, the yellow secondary colour is richly part of Penske Racing’s motorsport efforts in IndyCar and sports car racing. Visions of Rick Mears driving to Indy 500 victory lane or Penske’s brief Porsche Spyder RS come to mind when looking at the yellow colouring.

Based on a Mustang GT, the Hertz Penske GT fuses a Boss 302 front splitter and a rear valance from a GT500 Into the vehicle’s bodywork. As if it is needed, Penske Racing emblems and a faux gas cap are added to the exterior the Hertz pony car.

More than just a looker, the Hertz Penske GT receives some mild performance upgrades. EU tuning and a custom air intake is found under the hood while the amply-powered 5.0 liter V-8 engine receives some additional sport grunt. Closer to the pavement, an upgraded suspension, quad-tip exhaust system and stopping power of Brembo brakes have been mated to the Hertz Penske GT Mustang Power of the 5.0 liter V-8 engine is transmitted to a 3.55 final gear to obtain a more performance-oriented feel from the drivetrain.

The personality of the Hertz Penske GT is presented to occupants with it retouched Mustang interior. Black Recaro racing seats and custom floor mats and door sills serve as aesthetic indictors you are riding inside the Penske GT Without observing the limited edition interior dash plaque. The folks at Hertz and Penske Racing GT once again dipped into the Ford parts bin adding the Laguna Seca gauge pod typically found on specific models of

the Mustang Boss 302. Ford’s touchscreen entertainment system with navigation and back-up camera is also included on-board the ‘stang.

There will only be 150 examples of the Hertz Penske GT Mustang available for rent at select Hertz locations. The thrilling special edition Ford Mustang will be part of Hertz’s Adrenaline Collection. Focused around high performance vehicles and sports cars, the Adrenaline Collection has recently featured the Audi R8 and Porsche products. Available at Hertz rental car centers in major markets, Adrenaline Collection is a wish fulfilling way to rent wheels for a weekend. Maybe the Hertz Penske GT will provide your finest summer memory.

Sources of information and pictures: Ford Motor Company, Hertz Company