Ford Mustang GT

By Keith Buglewicz

May 2009

• Rating:

	Rumble

When it comes to ‘bang for your buck’, a Ford Mustang is hard to beat! The latest version of the original American muscle car sticks to the tried-and-tested formula of a big V8, rear-wheel drive and Sixties-inspired retro looks. But the maker has worked hard to address the model’s somewhat tacky cabin and less-than-sophisticated handling. So, how does the new ’Stang shape up?
Well, the interior is
a huge step forward. The padded dash, high-quality materials and classy design provide the dose of refinement that the car so desperately needed.
It’s also very well equipped,
with a new Sync infotainment system that integrates an iPod and a Bluetooth phone with
the stereo. Outside, there’s a subtly redesigned body, while
a number of improvements have been made to the engine.

The 4.6-litre V8 is basically the same unit as is fitted to the previous Bullitt special edition. Thanks to a special acoustic exhaust system, it emits an old-school muscle car rumble when you’re pressing on, but a quiet hum at a cruise.

The unit puts out 315bhp – enough for 0-60mph in five seconds flat. That’s faster than you expect, partly because at around 1.5 tonnes, the Mustang has a major weight advantage over its rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro SS (driven here) and Dodge Challenger.

Tweaks to the suspension – the same as were carried out to the Bullitt – help keep the live rear axle stable. They do a good enough job that you notice the ancient design at the rear only on the roughest of roads.

More steering feel and less power assistance would improve things no end. However, the Ford’s dynamics are good, even if it still trails European coupés like the BMW 335i by a long way. Throw in a cabin that’s comfortable and worthy of the price tag, and you finally have a Mustang with sophistication equal to its performance.

Rival: Chevrolet Camaro SS
With a 426bhp 6.2-litre V8, the Camaro outguns the Mustang in a straight line. Yet it’s less capable around corners and suffers from poor cabin quality.

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