2010 FORD MUSTANG GT: Ride it like a ROCK STAR

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/11/2009 (6113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Back when I was a punk kid with a chip on my shoulder, if something was really popular that was usually my cue to turn my back on it. I’ve since grown to learn that this attitude caused me to miss many of the sweet things in life.

Throughout the late 1980s and early ’90s no less than six of my friends and football buddies bought Mustangs packed with potent 5.0-litre V-8 engines. The upgrades always included a free-flowing exhaust system and a booming stereo. Their baseball hats were usually on backwards, they strutted in Michael Jordan-endorsed basketball shoes and they wore track suits to weddings.

They were Mustang Boys.

They incessantly bragged about their beloved Mustangs, and often tried to convince me to buy one. For me, even though I secretly wanted one, owning a Mustang was akin to line dancing to country music; it sure looked like fun, but, Aaay, the Fonz only slow dances.

So, my brooding rebel persona trudged along, a stray-cat dressed in black and driving a bagged-out Pontiac.

Sometimes when I think of all the fun stuff I missed because I was too cool for school it makes me shudder. Thankfully, old age straightened me out. Sure, there’s still a chain on my wallet, but now that I’m north of 40 I’m no longer ashamed to admit I enjoy listening to many popular bands, including Nickelback. I also enjoy vogue vampire movies, prefer Ellen over Oprah and often wear a full-faced motorcycle helmet.

Maybe it’s time for this rebel without a clue to finally go all the way over to the shiny side and see what this Ford Mustang is all about?

All kidding aside, the truth is that since hitting the streets in 2005 I’ve always had a soft spot for these retro-inspired Mustangs. In my eyes they don’t just pay homage to the fastback models from the late 1960s, but they also have an understated new-age appeal.

My modern Mustang moment was facilitated by the previous test driver, local radio personality and freelance automobile journalist Michael Clark. As he handed me the keys to a fully loaded Grabber Blue 2010 Mustang GT Coupe, there was a grin on his face and a warning in his tone. "It’s a fun car," Clark said, "but you might get tired of filling it with gas every two days."

Truer words have never been spoken.

In short order it became apparent that it can be a challenge not to drive this car hard and fast. As I dumped the clutch and merged out into traffic, first gear pulled like a Clydesdale horse on steroids. The quick shift to second gear resulted in a screeching sound that most of the vehicles on the road today can only achieve when heavily applying the brakes. Whoa, easy boy.

After settling in and realizing this car is capable of not just considerable speed, but also considerable traffic fines, my conscience and wallet agreed to simmer down. That said, it was still practically impossible not to goose the gas just a bit whenever leaving a stop. The growl that emits from this car’s dual exhaust pipes on takeoff was like music to my ears. My tester was equipped with the amazing sounding Shaker 500 audio system complete with eight speakers, but I routinely found myself turning the stereo off so I could enjoy the sweet orchestra that only a well-tuned pushrod powered V-8 engine can deliver.

Under the hood the Mustang GT features a 4.6-litre SOHC V-8 engine that pumps out a neck-snapping 315 horsepower. My tester also came equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission linked to a 3.37 ratio limited slip rear axle. The optional Track-Pack added 19-inch machined aluminium wheels wrapped in beefy P245/45/R19 Pirelli tires, performance front and rear brake pads, GT500 stabilizer bars and rear lower control arms, retuned struts and shocks and a recalibrated traction control system.
 
To say that this car hooks up out of the gate is a considerable understatement. Back in the original muscle car days legend has it guys would tape a five-dollar bill on the dashboard of their car and say you could have it if you could grab it; this car clearly illustrates those days are back.

Acceleration, handling, braking, comfort, curb appeal, this car has it all, in spades.

Despite its demonic capabilities, with restraint you can drive the Mustang GT like a civilized member of society. Third gear is long and low, and if you keep it there you can chug along in traffic or merge onto the highway with ease. If driven casually it gets decent fuel mileage, but if you opt to bomb around one gear too low while blipping the throttle, you can actually watch the fuel gauge move just like in an old-school muscle car. It’s a small price to pay to kick some serious asphalt.

There are many features on this car that also totally refined it. The audio system is top-shelf, the Ford touch-screen DVD navigation system is without question the easiest to use and most effective I’ve ever tested, the heated black leather bucket seats were firm, yet comfortable, the panoramic glass roof brightens the interior and looks great, the rear video camera works like a champ, and the Sirius satellite radio has an entire station devoted exclusively to Bruce Springsteen.

Changes for 2010 include a new grille, a power dome hood, a revised front fascia, and a revised rear end. The car’s antenna has also been moved to the rear, its washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, and the taillights feature three LED turn-indicator bulbs that fire sequentially, just like a classic Mustang. In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, standard safety equipment for all 2010 Mustangs includes dual-stage front driver and passenger air bags, and front seat-mounted side air bags.

In fairness, my love affair with the new Mustang may be over the moment I get my hands on the competition’s modern muscle. In the upcoming weeks Sam Vickar from Community Chevrolet has offered me a test drive in a new Camaro and Walt Morris from Winnipeg Dodge has invited me to stop by and go for a rip in the new Challenger.

Until then, with all due respect to Chad Kroeger, forget the tour bus, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is my rock star ride of choice.

willy@freepress.mb.ca

THESPECS

Price as tested: $43,379.00

Engine: 4.6 L SOHC V8

Engine horsepower: 315hp @ 6,000RPM

Engine torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 4,250RPM

Engine bore x stroke: 90.2mm x 90.0mm (3.55" x 3.54!)

Compression ratio: 9.80 to 1

Towing capacity: 454kg (1,001lbs)

Exterior length: 4,778mm (188.1")

Exterior body width: 1,877mm (73.9")

Exterior height: 1,412mm (55.6")

Wheelbase: 2,720mm (107.1")

Front tread: 1,582mm (62.3")

Rear tread: 1,588mm (62.5")

Turning radius: 5.8m (18.9′)

Front legroom: 1,077mm (42.4")

Rear legroom: 757mm (29.8")

Front headroom: 978mm (38.5")

Rear headroom: 881mm (34.7")

Front hiproom: 1,361mm (53.6")

Rear hiproom: 1,189mm (46.8")

Front shoulder room: 1,405mm (55.3")

Rear shoulder room: 1,311mm (51.6")

Passenger volume: 2,718L (96.0 cu.ft.)

Interior cargo volume: 380L (13.4 cu.ft.)

Maximum interior cargo volume: 380L (13.4 cu.ft.)

Warranty: GT Coupe

Basic warranty: 36 months/ 60,000km

Powertrain warranty: 60 months/ 100,000km

Corrosion perforation warranty: 60 months/ unlimited distance

Roadside assistance coverage: 60 months/ 100,000km

Accessories warranty: 36 months/ 60,000km