2017 Ford Mustang GT
MSRP $32,395.00
“Befitting its GT designation, the 2017 Ford Mustang does Grand Touring right.”
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Improved handling compared to its predecessor
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Well designed interior
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Satisfying naturally aspirated V8 engine
Against
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Unrefined clutch
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Various exterior design
Cars have a habit of collecting extra letters at the end of their names, but none are more nebulous than the oft-used “GT.” Labels like “LE”, “Type-R” and “AMG” indicate which trim level you’ve chosen or whether you’re driving a sports version of a particular vehicle. “GT” is supposed to mean you’re sitting in a “Grand Tourer” — but what exactly does that mean? What does it take for a car to be considered a true GT? To satisfy my thoughts, I took the 2017 Mustang GT for a short road trip to explore this concept and see if it was worthy of the label.
The top-of-the-range Ford’s latest Mustang comes loaded with a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All of this grunt is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. For this trip, my pony had a proper change of stick.
Horse, wedding
Story Time: A good friend’s bride-to-be asked me to surprise the groom-to-be at their wedding with a carriage to take him to the ceremony. I figured a triple yellow muscle car with a throaty exhaust that can open chapel doors would do the trick. This also required a drive from New York to Maine, so I would have plenty of time to philosophize about the nature of the GT.
In the traditional sense, the Grand Tourer is something in the middle of sport and luxury: more comfortable than a racing car, but more nimble than a long-term sedan. You are meant to go far, but still have fun. To that end, the most common GT car configuration is the two-door coupe, the “2+2,” and the sleek, fast construction of the modern Mustang certainly fits the bill.
Not straying too far from its heritage, the latest generation Mustang goes for a sleeker look intended to appeal to the overseas market that can buy it now. Because it’s a global car, Ford wants people across the pond to buy it because they really like it, not because of token American kitsch. That might worry some, but the striking new features don’t disappoint, nor will anyone mistake this Michigan monster for a European sports car.
The blunt grille proudly waves the iconic pony badge in its trapezoidal grille as it stares down the road with a row of sleek headlamp housings. Here is a set of high-intensity headlights that are accented by three LED daytime running lights. The scaly look is probably the most interesting detail about the car, but it still suits you.
Elsewhere, the Mustang retains the long, bold hood and roof that sweeps down to the rear legs. Three distinctly Mustang LED taillights on each side (which light up sequentially, by the way), jut out from the car’s traditionally flat rear.
Saddled up
Preparing to go out, I fill up the 13.5 cu. ft. a trunk with two sets of everything you can take on a plane — purses and backpacks, that is — and still have a little extra room. Up front, two additional Recaro sports seats are prepared to hug me and my companion. This does not bode well for the long journey I will be enduring. Despite this, the interior is one of the best you’ll ever see in a Mustang or, really, any car in its class. Without feeling cluttered, the interior features bold, chunky lines throughout the cabin. Aircraft-inspired gauges (which display your “ground speed”) and switches are nice additions to the excitement of the experience.
With these solid metal switches, the driver can select different driving modes to suit the occasion. Softening the handling and ride keeps me from getting too tired on long stretches of freeway. Through the more fun side roads, I tighten everything up and make the car as responsive as possible for spirited running. There’s even a welcome snow mode to help prevent the high-torque pony car from becoming completely useless when the white thing hits the road.
Tourism
Suddenly I got a muscle car that drives like a sports car.
This is supposed to be the sportiest Mustang-like car yet, but the nearly 4,000-pound pony car won’t be any better than its European counterparts. It still feels a little too floaty compared to more performance-oriented coupes, but when pushed through a corner, the integral-link rear suspension pushes the outside wheel to dutifully hold the car in place far better than any predecessor could. Mustang. Add new double ball-joint MacPherson struts up front and a set of 6-piston Brembo brakes and suddenly you have a muscle car that drives like a sports car.
A few hours later and the Recaro seats turned out to be more comfortable than expected. The ride is generally smooth and supportive thanks to an independent front end and an almost blasphemous independent rear end. That’s right, the old live rear axle is gone and now the ‘Stang can corner with the best of them. At least in theory.
The last excursion
Let’s be honest, decent handling in a car like this is a bonus. The real selling point is what’s under the hood, and the latest Mustang features a new version of the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 it’s known for. With updates like larger intake and exhaust valves, flatter intake ports and new manifold features, the powerful powerplant can deliver improved fuel economy while still upping the flex factor. All told, the V8 makes 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque while keeping fuel economy at a comfortable… 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.
Alex Kalogiannis/Digital Trends
Alex Kalogiannis/Digital Trends
Yes, she is a thirsty horse.
Although it’s “part of the experience”, I’d probably enjoy it more if I didn’t have to make so many stops on the way to the wedding. I might have done better if this Mustang had been equipped with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine it now offers. The smaller turbocharged power plant develops a respectable 310 hp, while giving drivers 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. However, putting my foot down on long stretches of freeway, hurtling forward while listening to the throbbing crescendo of exhaust fumes, dispels any thoughts of fuel economy.
Ford wants people across the pond to buy the Mustang because they really like it, not because of token American kitsch.
Despite all the improvements Ford has made to the Mustang, the manual clutch seems to have adopted a nuance that didn’t satisfy me in the previous generation of its rival, the Chevrolet Camaro. The feel of the contact point feels steep, making smooth shifting a task.
On the big day, I’m giving my lucky husband-to-be a not-so-subtle ride to the wedding. The Mustang is tuned to the noisiest setting, and I’m even considering activating the line lock function when we arrive. “Line lock” is one of many track applications that are built in so the Ford is ready for the track from day one. Most apps have the usual performance metrics to measure ride value, but in-line lock-up heavily dampens the front brakes while allowing drivers to spin the rear wheels. It’s meant to warm up the wheels for maximum grip on the drag strip, but in practice it’s a “combustion for dummies” button. I figured the miasma of burnt rubber smoke wouldn’t really make for a wedding.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t thrills along the way. With 435 hp underfoot, Groom gets one last thrill as the Mustang slides its tail through the corners of the sleepy Maine countryside; I can hear his excited screams amid the cacophony thundering from the exhaust pipes. I like to think I gave him a decent adrenaline rush to get ready to say “I do.”
Safety
The 2017 Ford Mustang GT earns top safety ratings from both independent rating agencies. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gives the Mustang GT a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) adds its five-star overall rating. Every Mustang GT comes standard with front, side, overhead and knee airbags. The 2017 model also comes with a backup camera and a post-collision warning system as standard equipment.
How would DT equip this car
If we were laying down the cash for an all-new Mustang GT, here’s how we’d spec it. First off, while the automatic is nice, the muscle car deserves a manual, so it has six gears all the way. Ford’s Performance Package is loaded with high-speed goodies for a reasonable $2,995, so add that on top. Inside, the standard buckets are fine, but the optional Recaro chairs ($1,595) are perfect for the occasional track day. Finish the fastback in Magnetic Gray and we’re in heaven. All told, our perfect Mustang GT would cost $38,185.
Our example
Starting at $33,195, the Mustang GT’s base price is normal for its class, but that rises sharply with premium packages up to the $40K mark. On the way back, I was pleased that the Mustang fulfilled its mission of being comfortable on long hauls, fun enough to take on the twisty roads on offer, and make a big splash at a wedding with its powerful presence.
Is there a better alternative?
Unfortunately, there is no unequivocal answer to this question. Most muscle car enthusiasts have strong feelings about their pony car of choice. The Mustang GT could be a far worse car than the Camaro SS (which it isn’t), but Mustang fans would still get the GT. The fact is that the muscle car field is more competitive than ever. The Camaro SS, Mustang GT and Challenger SRT 392 solve the performance equation in different ways. Is Coca-Cola better than Pepsi – you decide.
How long will it last?
Since the new Mustang was introduced just two years ago, Ford won’t be overhauling its pony car for a while. In addition, the 2018 model year will introduce several key updates. On the surface, the 2018 Mustang GT gets a lower hood and revised front and rear fascias. Under the sheet metal is a revised manual transmission and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang GT also gets direct injection and port injection for 2018, which will improve fuel economy and low-end torque. The GT350’s active exhaust baffles also appear on the 2018 GT model. Finally, a fully digital display replaces the analog instrument panel.
Should you get one?
Properly equipped, the 2017 Ford Mustang GT is one of the best-looking, best-driving sports cars on sale. On the track, the updated Chevrolet Camaro SS will likely have the edge, but around town, the Mustang GT is the better daily driver. Muscle car shopping is passionate, so apart from the slight differences between the available models, you should choose the one that will make your heart race.
Update: We’ve updated our review of the 2016 Mustang GT to reflect the changes made for the 2017 model year. We’ve added information on safety technology, pricing and new color options for 2017.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn