2018 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium Review by David Colman +VIDEO
I dare you to have more fun with any other car for this price
By David Colman
Special Correspondent to The Auto Channel
![]() 2018 Ford Mustang |
![]() 2018 Ford Mustang |
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.
![]() 2018 Ford Mustang |
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