The challenge of keeping an automotive legend evergreen increases in direct proportion to its age, which makes the perpetuation of the Ford Mustang one of the most formidable assignments in American autodom. How well the stewards of this 49-year-old icon discharge their sobering duty is a function of their creativity, their understanding of both Mustang loyalists and potential Mustang wannabes, and—the essential element—budget.
However passionate the keepers of the faith may be, the compelling improvements they might like to install are inevitably tempered by the corporate funding apportioned to the task. The people who file P&L statements aren’t known for their automotive passions, and even less for sentimentality.
With that in mind, the latest updates to the mainstream Mustang, on sale now as an early 2013 model, add up to a freshening. It entails a number of styling tweaks, some cool performance-measuring electronics, a Recaro-seat option (leather or cloth, adapted from the GT500 and Boss 302), a very modest increase in the output of the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V-8, and a couple Shaker sound systems capable of rousing sound sleepers in the next county (and making them glad they woke up).
The new Ford Mustang offers a revamped wheel lineup, ranging from the standard 17-inch wheels for V6 all the way up to 19-inch optional wheels on the GT and V6 Performance Package. With updated designs, the wheels also offer new finishes and touches for a more powerful appearance.
There are two different finishes on the 17-inch wheel - machined-aluminum and painted. Three optional V6 wheels include an 18-inch polished aluminum set, an updated 18-inch painted aluminum and a 19-inch painted wheel design, with a new theme for the V6 Performance Package.
The standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheel on both GT and premium GT is an evolution of the five-spoke design. The 19-inch optional GT wheel comes with a gloss-black finish with machined face for a more sinister look.
The new car also offers mirrors with pony projection light, which casts the image of Ford Mustang's famous pony emblem on the ground when the unlock button is activated. New colors - Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green - join the existing sporty colors for 2013.
Also new on V6 and GT are optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro® seats that are currently available on the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302. Designed to enhance the high-performance driving experience, lateral bolsters in the cushion and seatback are used to ensure drivers have the support needed on the track during hard cornering and to deliver a comfortable ride.
The seats also come complete with integrated head restraints with ample room for drivers and passengers wearing helmets when at the track. Openings on the seatback are included for customers looking to create performance setups for their car on track days. The Recaro seats are the result of a global team effort led by SVT along with the Ford Mustang engineering group in North America, Team RS in Europe and Recaro.
We cannot get over the engine. The 5.0 never stops pulling. In all honesty, this car does not need more than three gears. That is just how strong this V8 is
This is also one pony car that can really go around corners. We walked away very impressed with just how composed the Mustang was in nearly every cornering situation. But just imagine how good it could be with an independent rear suspension.
Our tester really looked great. The California Special package added black 19-inch wheels, a billet grill, a rear spoiler, and a few more styling accents.
We also had the glass roof. It looks great and the panoramic views were awesome. We imagine that in the sun it's even better. However, it adds weight and makes the car less stiff. If you are going to a track, stick with the standard roof.
Considering that GT pricing starts at $34,300, this is absolutely a performance bargain.
For V8 powered muscle, buyers now have a lot of choice in this price range. The Chevy Camaro SS, Dodge Challenger R/T, and Mustang GT are all within 50 horsepower and have starting prices within $4,000.
However, the Mustang has a huge advantage in the weight department. At 3,600 pounds, it is 200 pounds lighter than the Camaro and a full 400 lighter than the Challenger. We also prefer the way the Mustang looks to its domestic competitors. source:netcarshow.com,businessinsider.com,caranddriver.com
