Ford Mustang: A Modern American Muscle Car with Timeless Appeal
The Ford Mustang has become an iconic symbol of American muscle cars, with a production run spanning over 60 years and more than 10 million cars sold. It has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world, each with their own idea of what the Mustang should be. For some, it’s a boulevard cruiser, a car to lazily rumble down the motorway. For others, it’s a way to wake the neighbors on a Sunday morning. And for many, it’s simply one of the cheapest ways to own a new V8 coupe.
The latest generation of the Mustang, known as the S650, continues this tradition while also offering a range of modern features and technologies. With prices starting from £55,725 for the base GT model, it remains an affordable option for those seeking the power and performance of a V8 engine. Even the more powerful Dark Horse variant, priced from £67,995, offers tempting value considering its track-oriented upgrades.
Ford has made a conscious effort to attract younger buyers with this new Mustang. It is the most tech-rich version to date, boasting twice the computing power of its predecessor. It comes equipped with features such as an electronic handbrake for drift-inducing maneuvers, over-the-air software updates, and customizable digital screens that can even mimic the look of a retro 1970s Mustang.
Under the hood, the S650 Mustang retains the V8 engine that has become synonymous with the pony car. The previous generation’s 2.3-liter four-pot Ecoboost engine has been dropped in Europe in favor of the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder 5.0-liter Coyote engine. While the US version of the high-performance Dark Horse boasts significantly more power than the standard model, the European version only gets seven extra horsepower.
In terms of design, the S650 Mustang is a fresh and modern interpretation of the classic Mustang aesthetic. It is longer and lower than its predecessor, with a wider grille, menacing LED headlights, and a redesigned rear diffuser for improved aerodynamics. However, some may find its design too brutal and unvarnished, lacking the delicate beauty of its European counterparts.
Inside the cabin, the Mustang offers a blend of modern technology and traditional design elements. The dashboard has been digitized, with a dashboard-width digital display running Ford’s latest Sync 4 software. It combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, which can receive over-the-air software updates. For those seeking a more nostalgic feel, the digital screens can be changed to mimic the classic clocks from the 1979 Fox-body Mustang.
When it comes to performance, the Mustang delivers on its promise of V8 grunt. It offers a variety of drive modes that adjust throttle response, damper settings, and stability control. However, some reviewers have noted that the driving experience doesn’t change significantly between modes, with even the Normal mode providing the full power and rumbling charisma of the V8 engine.
On the road, the Mustang offers a firm but comfortable ride quality, thanks in part to its MagneRide adaptive dampers. It provides impressive levels of grip and predictable directional changes, making it a capable sports car. However, its weight can be felt when pushing it to its limits, leading to a slightly languid feel at higher speeds.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Mustang is not known for being economical. During a test drive in France, one reviewer observed fuel economy of 14.9mpg. However, fuel efficiency is not typically a top priority for Mustang buyers who value the power and performance of the V8 engine.
Overall, the Ford Mustang S650 is one of the most convincing versions of the iconic muscle car to date. It combines the charm and power of a traditional American muscle car with modern technologies and refinements. While it may not match the outright performance or comfort of its German rivals, it offers great value for money and remains one of the best sporting coupes on the market. Whether you’re a loyal Mustang enthusiast or a first-time buyer, the S650 Mustang is sure to turn heads and deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
