Ford’s Mustang – as a driver this big lusty natural-aspirated V8 really stirs the blood
Ford’s Mustang in its sixth-generation has been a runaway success – the first factory right hand drive Mustang quickly becoming the top-selling sports car under $80,000. Arriving in late 2015 and upgraded mid last year the latest Ford Mustang gained a freshened look, new technologies, more power and standard equipment but also a lift in price. I tested the 5-litre V8 Coupe and Convertible, both with the new 10-speed automatic transmission – the Coupe $66,259, the Convertible $73,338. Power up 10%, torque up by 5%, the engine revving higher able to reach 100km/hour in 4.3 secs – not bad when you consider the Mustang Coupe weighs in at 1756kg. The power boost very noticeable, also the change to a 10-speed auto from a six-speed aided by manual shift paddles – what’s inspiring on this latest Mustang is the bi-modal exhaust with four modes – Quiet, Normal, Sport and Track – the exhaust note becoming more guttural as you move up the scale. As a driver the big lusty naturally-aspirated V8 really stirs the blood. This is an enthusiast car through and through – Ford have done a great with latest model, I did not find any scuttle shake in the Convertible compared to the Coupe, both great drivers, nice steering, a classier interior to the first series and now with a nice digital dash – sure the suspension leans on the firm side with great handling but it is a sports car aided by very comfortable seats. Noise intrusion through the rear wheel arches noticeable and taking away some of its class. I’m David Berthon
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