Picture Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT | Day 1 & 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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And this week I am driving the new 2010 Ford Mustang in GT trim, and drive it I will. Actually, at the time of writing I already have put 600km on the car with a trip to the track, including 50km on the track, giving me a perspective most road tests would never be capable of equaling.
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After an evening at the track with the new Mustang, I wish I had the opportunity to do an hour or so like this with every sporty car I got my hands on. It certainly gives a totally different meaning to a test drive and it puts the car in a totally different light — good or bad, depending on the car, I suppose.
But first let’s get the details out of the way — what exactly am I driving? We have already established it is a Mustang GT, 2010 model year, with a base price starting at $36,999. My tester, as usual, adds some extras; this time, $6,730 worth, in the form of: an $80 block heater, a $350 security package (alarm system and locking wheel nuts), $2,300 touch screen dvd navigation system, a $2,200 glass roof, 19-inch premium painted wheels at $1,200 and $500 more for the 3.73 rear axle as part of the track package which is a bump in gear ratio from the standard 3.37 rear end.
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Ford is nice enough to throw in a rear backup camera for no extra charge after you pay for the NAV system, which is one of the best — if not the best — systems around, using Microsoft’s Sync technology, which I mentioned just a few weeks back in my Fusion review.
Since I have put so many kilometers on the car, I have many driving impressions to pass along. First was the tall gearing. Even with the 3.73 rear end, the Mustang GT — powered by its 4.6-litre V8 engine — felt sluggish. One would expect a 315hp V8 engine to pull with authority even in top gear on the highway, but it is not the case, with downshifting being a must. I can only imagine the standard 3.37 gear ratio feels slow, which is unfortunate.
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Mustang enthusiasts have assured me it is because of the large diameter 19-inch wheels, saying the new 2005+ Mustangs really benefit from a 4.10 gear ratio, or higher. With the 3.73 ratio, traveling at 120km/h on the highway still yields a leisurely 2200rpm, which makes the GT a great highway cruiser.
A soft suspension also helps the GT on the highway. Unlike many sports cars that beat you up on a daily basis, the Mustang GT feels almost luxurious in its ride quality. Road noise is there but not abundant, and wind noise is controlled extremely well. The one sound that is evident from the cabin is the roar of the engine/exhaust as you step on the go-pedal, and it is welcome anytime as far as I am concerned — the sound is intoxicatingly wonderful!
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The solid axle rear end on the Mustang has been controversial for a few years, as most if not all other sports cars have moved away from this ancient technology and onto independent rear suspension designs. Ford attempted the independent design on the Cobra, only to be crucified by enthusiasts who drag race their cars, so for now they are sticking with the solid axle. Surprisingly, where you would think this would hurt the car the most — on a twisty race track — it doesn’t!
I spent about an hour behind the wheel of the GT at Shannonville Motosport Park, just east of Belleville, Ontario, and let me tell you the Mustang impressed me considerably. The solid axle was a non-issue, the soft springs, which allow for the comfy highway ride, were a non-issue on the track and the neither was the front-heavy design of the V8. Ford has done a masterful job of tuning the car for the driver.
In corners, the Mustang was very balanced. Mild understeer was present, but that is to be expected on any car. Get the proper entry, though, and the Mustang felt very neutral. Even handicapped as I was with all-season tires, others at the track were amazed at how much speed I was carrying through the corners. Gearing was fine for the track, and here is where I realized just how long the gears are, as third brought me down the backstraight, all the way up to over 160km/h before braking and turning and heading around for another lap.
The soft suspension on the Mustang is evident on braking and acceleration, as the weight transfer can be felt and seen with abundance. But on turns, things change and the chassis feels solid: the suspension holds the car’s weight and keeps the tires planted. If someone tells you Mustangs can’t turn, I can assure you they are sorely misinformed!
2010 Ford Mustang GT
MSRP as tested (including destination): $45,079
For more information on Ford and the Mustang visit Ford Canada
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I am glad to report the changes Ford has made to the new Mustang have brought it ahead leaps and bounds. The interior is not perfect but it is excellent, and there are quite a few more reasons to like it than dislike it.
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The new look of the dash, a sort of blend of old and new, looks great, is easy to read and ergonomically friendly. The backup camera and navigation screen are a treat as is the Shaker audio system, which puts out a good amount of bass and some good volume as well — perhaps a slight issue, as I was able to hear the door panels vibrating… until I turned it up even more!
The lighting package that Ford provides is phenomenal in a car in this class and includes small touches you rarely see like buttons that are back-lit. And not just one button, but all buttons, including those on the steering wheel and centre console. Lighted foot wells both front and rear and lighted interior door handles make the car feel elegant and classy at night.
Open the door at night to step out and the kick plate on the door sill that reads “Mustang” is illuminated as well. Not only are these items illuminated, but Ford’s “My Color” system allows the owner to customize the lighting with the choice of 125 colour options! The Ice Blue setting that was default on my tester was perfect — I played with this a bit and you can pretty much adjust the colour for whatever your mood is.
My only dislikes regarding the interior are the upper door panels that are made of hard plastics, and the window frame plastics that seem kind of flimsy. And for a guy of average height, the cup holder really is in the way of shifting as it tends to be your arm rest as the real armrest is too far back to be useful.
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On the highway to Shannonville, I avearged 9L/100km as well, which I thought was pretty good for cruising at around 120km/h. As I already mentioned, the GT was great on the track, and on the highway it was quiet and smooth — really a great combo.
I had my fun and I’ll have to give it up tomorrow. Ford says this is the best Mustang ever, and although I haven’t driven every one that came before it, it is hard not to believe them because this is one great Mustang!
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2010 Ford Mustang GT
MSRP as tested (including destination): $45,079
For more information on Ford and the Mustang visit Ford Canada
to our site.
August 11, 2009, 10:51:13 pm
Not around the corners it won't...
Where's that redneck smiley..?
August 12, 2009, 12:00:57 pm
Not around the corners it won't...
Where's that redneck smiley..?
BMW M5 with the manual transmission is 4012lbs. Must be from southern Bavaria.
August 12, 2009, 12:31:25 pm
Not around the corners it won't...
Where's that redneck smiley..?
Ah do believe that they are riiight heah:
August 12, 2009, 02:36:24 pm ..i doan hef no eye mail...can u put it in ma male box............
August 14, 2009, 07:55:05 pm
You will REGRET it you will not like anything else again.
Of course, I went to drive a GT500 today (I did call ahead to tell them I was coming)...and was denied.
"No test drives...you must just buy the car". What if I don't like it, I asked...to which I got a shoulder shrug.
They say they're getting 12 per dealer...and they believe they can sell them all...and no employee pricing on them thank-you very much. This chap did say the owner (of the dealership) had one...so maybe I'll call back another day.
August 14, 2009, 08:57:28 pm
Of course, I went to drive a GT500 today (I did call ahead to tell them I was coming)...and was denied.
"No test drives...you must just buy the car". What if I don't like it, I asked...to which I got a shoulder shrug.
I had an eerily similar experience with the GT500. The bonehead sales guy even referred to it as an "exotic"! The day I buy a car without driving it....
August 14, 2009, 09:27:28 pm
An exotic? Well...tell that guy that there's a more exotic 2009 Shelby GT500KR still sitting in the Discovery Ford showroom...they only want $86 for that.
Do you see what power Wing has? He says "don't drive it"...and what do we do?
August 14, 2009, 10:11:19 pm
You don't end up driving it? Rofl
August 14, 2009, 11:15:54 pm If the owner has one you may get to drive his!
The thing is a beast, loved every minute of it.
August 14, 2009, 11:32:26 pm
The thing is a beast, loved every minute of it.
That's it exactly Wing. The strange thing is that I was sending all kinds of buying signals...this guy just didn't pick up on it. I asked him twice - "So if I write up the paper work, what happens next"...and nothing!
This thing is ~ $67 with taxes vs. $42 for a standard GT...is it 60% better? I'm not even into the big horsepower game much (which is obvious as I drive an RX8).
It certainly is special...neat car-guy touches like the engine being hand-built by two guys names Gary and Jeff on Ford's Romeo plant niche line.
August 14, 2009, 11:34:41 pm If you are not into the power ... then get a GT, swap a short shifter into it, change to coilovers / stiffer springs all around, change the diff to a T2R and call it a day. You could swap cams / intake / header on the GT motor and get good gains for real cheap as well.
Or wait a year, and get the 5.0-litre mustang that is coming out.
The GT500 was sick malade fast though.
August 14, 2009, 11:47:40 pm
Or wait a year, and get the 5.0-litre mustang that is coming out.
.....
With a "hotter" Track Pack...Pirelli P-Zero Corsa R-compounds...
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/report-2011-ford-mustang-to-get-upgraded-track-pack-to-handle-5/
"C&D claims that the Corsa R-compound car was lapping the 1.88 mile track just as quickly as the current BMW M3 they brought along"
August 15, 2009, 08:41:51 am .."Gary & Jeff"..................
August 15, 2009, 09:21:56 am
Or wait a year, and get the 5.0-litre mustang that is coming out.
.....
With a "hotter" Track Pack...Pirelli P-Zero Corsa R-compounds...
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/report-2011-ford-mustang-to-get-upgraded-track-pack-to-handle-5/
"C&D claims that the Corsa R-compound car was lapping the 1.88 mile track just as quickly as the current BMW M3 they brought along"
Nice. Thanks for the link.
That is interesting indeed. Ford better tune the exhaust on it a lot if it is an Ecoboost, cause the current GT has one of the nicest exhaust notes around.
August 15, 2009, 11:38:06 am
Or wait a year, and get the 5.0-litre mustang that is coming out.
The GT500 was sick malade fast though.
... If you are not into the power ...
Yeah, save $$$ for mods and drive an RX-8!
August 15, 2009, 03:45:10 pm
For anyone asking that question, I'd say no.
And although it may not be an "exotic," it is a true limited production vehicle.
In Canada they are sold at only 26 dealers and each of them get only a handful of cars. Based on the last 3 years sales, people don't need to be "sold" on this car. They have sold out easily. GT500 buyers absolutely love the fact that no one else has driven their car.
August 15, 2009, 06:27:00 pm ... GT500 buyers absolutely love the fact that no one else has driven their car. ... But not as in Religious Sacrificable non-touched PURE. Lot attendants, transporters, curious Sales Manager ... all had their mitts on the steering wheel.
August 15, 2009, 06:40:57 pm
True. But buyers only seem to worry about what other customers might do to it.
August 15, 2009, 07:27:34 pm TopGun, your search is over.
http://www.racingjunk.com/category/186/Ford/post/1599708/3-2007-MUSTANG-SHELBY-GT-500-s-500H-P-.html
August 15, 2009, 08:35:23 pm
http://www.racingjunk.com/category/186/Ford/post/1599708/3-2007-MUSTANG-SHELBY-GT-500-s-500H-P-.html
And as luck would have it, I'll be "only" 4 hours 45 minutes away this week as I head down for the Bristol NASCAR race!
My research seemed to indicate that the previous gen GT500 wasn't a great vehicle. Lots of power...but relatively little poise...the 2010 is apparently a massive step forward.
August 15, 2009, 09:21:26 pm
Or wait a year, and get the 5.0-litre mustang that is coming out.
The GT500 was sick malade fast though.
You're smoking your shorts if you think you're doing a cam swap "for cheap". I helped do this ONCE. And never again. This is a pull-the-heads-off operation..or the entire engine. Oh..and the cams run about $700 each (you need 2). There is nothing cheap about a mod Ford cam swap.
If you want to go GT500 fast(er) for a bunch less money....my first choice is the beautifully engineered Kenne Bell supercharger. It makes 100 MORE horsepower than the GT500. For $5K.
Yea..the Mustang GT handles very well indeed (tweaked). The Mustang has been putting it to the M3 good in the Speed Challenge series...
August 15, 2009, 11:41:48 pm $2k is cheap IMO... My buddy just did a cam swap on the S2000.
Cost him $10,000 + tunning.
His gain? 10 hp..... ouch
August 16, 2009, 12:46:49 am High horses ...
August 16, 2009, 01:54:05 am
Cost him $10,000 + tunning.
His gain? 10 hp..... ouch
Couple of blocks if ice near the air intake might have got him that!
August 16, 2009, 08:57:26 am CHILL baybee...divert a Caliber's Kool Cubby to the intake.............................