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2024 | automobile opinions | ford | ford mustang | muscle vehicles | sports activities vehicles
Now in its seventh technology, the Ford Mustang stands as the ultimate V8-powered American muscle automobile. We drove this 2024 Mustang GT Fastback within the best configuration: a 6-speed handbook, Fast Crimson paint, and the GT Efficiency Package deal. The horse automobile is pretty much as good as ever – with quick launches, a satisfying exhaust observe, nice dealing with, and a very good fashionable cabin.
Whereas its fastback form and lengthy, tall hood are immediately recognizable, the newest Mustang has seen updates to its entrance finish that give it a bolder and extra aggressive look. The trapezoidal grille is taller, and the black honeycomb mesh sample extends onto the decrease a part of the fascia. The grille’s bezel is extra distinguished, so there’s a greater steadiness between gloss black and body-colored components in entrance. We additionally just like the up to date headlight design with triple LED parts that mirror the basic Mustang three-bar taillights.
The Mustang GT packs a Gen-4 Coyote V8 engine. This naturally-aspirated beast is nice for 480 horsepower and 418 lb-ft. of torque. Add the energetic exhaust, and it bumps output to 486 horses in its unrestricted Observe mode. It’s going to do 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the handbook and three.9 seconds with the quick-shifting 10-speed automated. As with each Mustang earlier than, energy is distributed completely to the rear wheels. Because of an unbiased rear suspension and limited-slip Torsen rear axle, it carves corners crisply, although it is also straightforward to push it right into a drift if that is what you are going for.
Our check automobile got here geared up with the Magneride adaptive damping system, which dynamically adjusts suspension stiffness based mostly on highway circumstances and drive mode. Even in regular mode, the damping is stiff and supplies good highway suggestions. The 19-inch Pirelli P Zero efficiency tires supply good grip on sizzling summer time days, and we dig the seems of the five-point snowflake alloy wheels in darkish aluminum. The Brembo efficiency brakes present assured and agency stopping energy, and their black caliper covers are understated as a substitute of flashy. A raised spoiler within the again improves downforce and is a pleasant ending piece for the trunk lid.
Whereas the 10-speed automated may get you off the road faster than the handbook, the 6-speed is a pleasure for many who prefer to row their gears. Its shifting motion and clutch pedal are straightforward on the muscle tissue, and due to rev-matching, it makes easy downshifts and no-lift shifts straightforward as pie. Ford additionally consists of Line Lock and Drift Brake options, each for monitor use solely. Line Lock applies brakes solely to the entrance wheels to make burnouts straightforward, whereas the Drift Brake overrides the traction management system and applies simply the rear brakes while you pull up on the digital parking brake lever, making powerslides and drifts a bit of cake.
Ford supplies a bunch of expertise to make driving extra enjoyable, together with Sport, Observe, Drag, and Customized drive modes. The latter helps you to dial in your preferences for throttle response, steering weight, suspension stiffness, and exhaust sound. As you’d count on from an enormous V8 engine with quad exhaust, the Mustang sounds incredible, with a deep baritone that actually growls within the decrease gears. We spent most of our time in Sport mode, however for those who’re involved about waking the neighbors, there’s a Quiet mode. Although there’s solely so quiet you can also make a 5.0-liter V8. An EV this isn’t.
Ford’s inside crew did an excellent job with the fighter-inspired cockpit design. The twin-screen dashboard and multimedia shows are crystal clear, shiny, and effectively laid out. The sprint and doorways incorporate a textured fake carbon fiber, and the metallic accents supply a pleasant distinction to the largely black cabin. The D-shaped sport steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather-based. The middle console supplies a wi-fi cellphone charger, a spot for a second cellphone to lie on its edge, and twin cupholders mounted far sufficient again to not intrude with shifting. The 12-speaker B&O audio system is punchy and well worth the improve if the exhaust sound is not sufficient for you.
We discovered the aspect bolsters on the Recaro seats to be tight however not uncomfortable like some sports activities seats. They do a very good job retaining you in your seat when cornering, although you’ll slide round extra on this easy leather-based than ultrasuede or Alcantara. The entrance seats supply some primary energy changes, although the Recaros do not embrace warmth or air flow just like the less-expensive commonplace leather-based seats. Until we have been planning on a number of monitor time, we might go together with these on a regular basis comforts as a substitute.
As anticipated, the two+2’s rear seating space is tight, and legroom may be very restricted. Bolstering helps hold the automobile from tossing passengers round in the event that they handle to squeeze again right here, and the seats can fold in a 50/50 cut up for added cargo house. Talking of which, the Mustang’s trunk is spacious for a sports activities automobile, providing 13.5 cubic ft, so carrying baggage for a few folks on a cross-country highway journey ought to be no downside.
As former Mustang GT homeowners, it is nice to see Ford proceed investing of their iconic sports activities automobile. There’s nothing fairly just like the growl of a V8 engine and the seat-of-your-pants trip dynamics of a high-horsepower RWD muscle automobile. The newest Mustang handles higher than ever, and Ford has packed it with tech to make it simpler to drag off tips like drifts, burnouts, and drag strip launches. There is a extra highly effective Mustang on the market within the type of the Mustang Darkish Horse, however the GT makes a greater day by day driver and highway journey automobile. Until you intend on spending most days burning rubber on the monitor, go together with the GT. For the 2024 mannequin 12 months, the Mustang GT Premium Fastback begins at $47,380. That climbs to $49,980 for the now-available 2025 mannequin. Our absolutely geared up check automobile priced out at $64,180, together with vacation spot and acquisition charges.
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