Ford Torino had a power and torque increase, and the 460-4V had a power decrease. In an attempt to help improve fuel economy, the standard rear axle ratio for all models was now 2.75:1. 1975–1976 Gran Torinos were used in the popular Spelling-Goldberg Productions TV series "Starsky and Hutch". The producers needed a flashy specialty car for the main characters to drive. Since Ford was the lease supplier for on-screen cars through their Studio-TV Car Loan Program, eventually it was decided by the producers that a bright red 1975 Gran Torino two-door would be the vehicle of choice for the pilot episode.
Starsky & Hutch sides. Approximately four different cars were used for filming. Earlier shots had red wing mirrors usually for long shots or footage used in later episodes, close ups and later episodes had silver wing mirrors. The Torino was nicknamed the ""Striped Tomato" by Hutch in the episode "Snowstorm", and fans subsequently referred to the car by that nickname, too. However, this moniker didn't come from the writers, it came from a real-life comment that Glaser made. In a segment titled "Starsky & Hutch: Behind the Badge" that was featured on the first season DVD collection, Glaser stated that when he was