Overview

FORD Australia’s Mustang is the first car we are aware of to cop a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) fine which adds a hefty $5000 to the sticker price of the legendary US pony car, taking the popular V8-powered GT Coupe (fastback) tested to $86,990 plus on-road costs.

It’s ironic, because we reckon the Mustang V8 GT is very efficient at what it is designed for and lucky you if you bought one a few weeks ago.

Now into generation seven, the new ‘Stang retains all the allure and muscular style of previous models with requisite tech, dynamic and safety upgrades across infotainment, chassis, and ADAS technologies.

Luxury accoutrements are plentiful spanning supple leather upholstery, heated sports seats with deep side and lower bolsters, premium audio, heated ‘wheel, and, thanks to OTA functionality, in-car customisation.

The test vehicle was nearly an optimal choice for us… a V8 coupe with a 10-speed auto. But a six-speed manual holds more appeal, as it gives enhanced drive feel and superior connection to the car for the driver, in other words, a “real” drive experience.

However, a ‘Stang drive is a ‘Stang drive, and we were up for it big time particularly as the latest version has been modified to have more appeal for a wider audience rocking features like a drift handbrake, line locker for the rear axle, and a myriad of available interior mods akin to what you may find on computer games.

Cool kit on the test car and other Mustangs includes Brembo performance brakes, a larger radiator and cooling fans, Ebony Black alloy wheels (19 x 9.0-inch front / 19 x 9.5-inch rear), and Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

The test model was redolent in a striking grey hue (Carbonised Grey) that can be further amplified with lurid striping over the bonnet and boot.

Dimensionally, the gen’ seven ‘Stang measures 4811mm in length, 2097mm in width, 1407mm in height and rides on a 2719mm wheelbase the V8 GT Coupe tipping the scale at around 1770kg.

Power comes from a slightly modified but carried-over Coyote 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine delivering some 347kW at 7250rpm and 550Nm at 4850rpm to the rear wheels.

The mill has been revised with dual 80mm throttle bodies and larger air intakes to “maximise power”, feeding fuel via a combination of port and direct fuel injection to increase low-end torque, high-rpm power and preserve the valves.

Inside has been described as being reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit and is the most technologically advanced Mustang interior with a driver-centric layout, curved 12.4-inch and 13.2-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment respectively, and premium 12-speaker B&O sound system on all variants.

A number of Track Apps are also included, providing the driver with an acceleration timer, accelerometer, brake performance read-out, lap timer, launch control (manual only), line-lock function, and the ability to review or clear results.

The novel “Drift Brake” is an unratcheted pull on and a push off set-up that can be used to slow the rear wheels as required… for tail out driving, a bit like a rally car.

Possibly the most addictive aspect of the test car was the multi-mode Active Valve Performance Exhaust which may be controlled via the steering wheel or central display through four modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Quiet. We popped it in Track every chance we got.

Driving Impressions

It’s low to the point of mandating care over driveways and other road irregularities and the rear wheels spin up too easily though if you buy a car like this you probably want that.

It’s loud too, not quite as pronounced as say the Corvette driven recently but not far off. And we loved it, winding down both windows in cold weather simply for aural appreciation. Then, double that measure of pleasure going into a tunnel.

It has a rousing engine lope at idle like a cammy V8 Supercar and absolutely blatts when the taps are fully open. 

Giddy up!

With close to 500 neddies under the long, wide bonnet all trying to break out of the corral, it’s not surprising the GT pays attention when you whip it. We used the on-board timer to clock a best 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds give or take so it’s quick and better yet, goes on with it given the opportunity (on a closed circuit naturally).

Fuel consumption on test was 10.2 litres per 100km.

Though we think 10 speeds (in any gearbox) is overkill, it does facilitate access to all 347kW and 550Nm smoothly and efficiently although applications of full throttle from low speed can elicit axle tramp making the car skip and shudder in a most unedifying manner.

Normal driving is easy-peasy as the sleek coupe burbles around the ‘burbs like a regular family hack (on ‘roids) and can be set for a reasonable level of comfort through its multi-mode dynamics, power delivery and exhaust.

The seats are super comfortable in front, a waste of time in the back but there’s a decent load space behind them.

Ride is firm and a fair amount of noise transfers from the tyres into the cabin, but you are rewarded with deft handling accented by sharp steering responses and powerful brakes. Of course, we took it on our favourite winding road that proved just as much fun as it was inherently safe.

The big ‘Stang has grip to spare via its big sticky Pirellis that help accurate placement on the tarmac without deviation…. to a point of course.

With all the interventions turned off, the Mustang GT ultimately oversteers but that’s what you expect from a true sportscar with rear wheel drive.

On the downside were a couple of tech glitches like the “hands on steering wheel” warning that continued to flash up onscreen despite both hands being on the wheel and the usual default on ADAS annoyance though they seem to be toned down in this instance.

We love the look of the new model, the sexy three element front LED headlights mirrored down the back, the huge bonnet, arcing roofline, pert tail, quad big bore exhausts that roar “don’t even think about it” and overall presence of the car.

So, how long can a V8 petrol-powered Mustang last?

Well, according to Ford’s global boss, Jim Farley, the petrol V8 engine isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and that is good news if you love proper cars like this one. Even if it is $5000 dearer than it was a month ago.