Qvale Mangusta sports car launched with Ford engine and limited production run

A new Italian sports car, the Qvale Mangusta, went on sale in the United States on 20 January 2000, priced at $78,900. The car uses a 4.6-litre engine from the Ford Mustang Cobra, producing 320 horsepower. It can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds. The Mangusta started life as a concept car shown at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show under the De Tomaso name. De Tomaso later left the project, so the car was sold under the Qvale name instead. Drivers have praised its smooth ride and balanced handling. In summer 2000, Bruce Qvale approached MG Rover Group about selling the car in Europe.