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2018 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium Review by David Colman +VIDEO


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2018 Ford Mustang

I dare you to have more fun with any other car for this price

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to The Auto Channel


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2018 Ford Mustang
When Ford introduced the Mustang as a 1964 model, it was known as a "sporty" car for its looks, but never accepted as a true "sports" car until Carroll Shelby reengineered it for 1965. That first generation GT 350 became the progenitor of a long line of high performance Mustangs that culminate in the 2018 Mustang GT.

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2018 Ford Mustang
Our test GT carried a bargain base price of $39,995, but a bottom line total of $49,275. The near $10,000 premium over base included $3,995 for the "GT Performance Package," which consists of competition suspension, wheel and tire upgrades, plus Brembo brakes and a 3.73:1 locker rear axle ratio. Another $1,695 went for the magnetically controlled self-adjusting shock absorbers that Ford dubs "Magne-Ride Damping System." You'll definitely want to add $895 for the "Active Valve Performance Exhaust," which imparts a melodic soundtrack to the direct and port injected twin cam V8. $2,200 brings you "Equipment Group 401A" providing "Premier Trim with Color Accent Group," as well as a "Voice-activated color touchscreen with Navigation." Best option of all is $495 for fabulous looking "Orange Fury" metallic tri-coat paint.

After joyfully running this Mustang to its 7000rpm horsepower peak, it's hard for me to argue that this isn't the quickest car you can buy for less than $50,000. In fact, instrumented tests performed by Motor Trend established the following knee-buckling acceleration numbers: 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds; standing start quarter mile in 12.6 seconds @ 115mph, top speed of 159mph. If you need more sheer thrust, you'll pay 5 times as much for a far less practical Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren. A properly kitted Mustang GT is indeed the performance bargain of 2018.

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2018 Ford Mustang
Ford rates the GT's 5.0 liter V8 rather conservatively at 460hp and 420lb.-ft. of torque. That horsepower endows the GT with a sparkling power-to-weight ratio of 8.39lbs./hp. Although the GT can be fitted with Ford's new 10-speed automatic transmission, our test car processed the V8's output through a stout 6-speed manual gearbox which has been redesigned and strengthened this year. This meaty stick shift offered precise gear selection which was greatly enhanced by smooth clutch engagement. The torque of the V8 facilitates launches from rest, and the sheer pleasure of running the cue-ball sized gear knob through its gates made driving a constantly pleasurable challenge.

Suspension of the GT is independent at all corners. Ford installs competition grade struts and coil springs up front, while a multi-link independent rear suspension also relies on coil springs surrounding adjustable shocks. Stiff antiroll bars are fitted front and rear, as are vented Brembo disc brakes which measure 15 in. front and 13 in. rear. 19 in. aluminum wheels, finished in ebony black, pack a Michelin wallop at each corner. Up front 9x19in. rims carry 255/40R19 Pilot Sport 4S rubber, while rear 9.5x19in. rims mount 275/40R19 tires. These sizeable contact patches make it difficult to dislodge the GT from the road, which is a very good thing when you're dealing with 460hp and 420lb.-ft. of torque. Of course, you can thwart the system by utilizing the "line lock" feature to lock the rear brakes and perform long nasty burn outs if you take the GT to the drag strip. Be forewarned, however, that these very pricey Michelins, with their AA traction rating, and soft treadwear rating of TW 300, will disappear into smoke after just one day of running the quarter mile.




In photographing the interior of the Mustang, I clambered into the back seat where I was impressed by the unexpected comfort provided by the rear buckets. It's not a place you'd want to dally for long drives, however, especially if the driver starts exercising this Mustang with extra enthusiasm. But the GT could easily serve as a family sports car with its decently spacious trunk, and its 2+2 back seat accommodations for children.

Simply put, I dare you to have more fun with any other car for this price. Back in 1964, Lee Iacocca brainstormed the first Mustang, and his great original idea has been continuously perfected over 54 years. The latest Mustang GT still shows no sign of aging.

2018 FORD MUSTANG GT COUPE PREMIUM
ENGINE: 5.0 liter V8, aluminum block and heads, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
HORSEPOWER: 460hp@7000rpm
TORQUE: 420lb.-ft. @4600rpm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 15MPG City/25MPG Highway

PRICE AS TESTED: $49,275

HYPES: Incredible Performance Value

GRIPES: Nothing to Report

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10